Crowley Political Report

People need confidence in their leaders. They need a sense that their leaders are at least trying to do the right thing.  It doesn't matter as much during the day-to-day operation of government, but in times of crisis Floridians need to believe in their leaders.

Whether it is a violent statewide truckers strike, wildfires, riots, hurricanes, or one of the many other crises that Florida's governors have confronted during the past 30 years, it is the ability of the governor to connect at that moment that makes the difference.

There has been a great deal of sniping at Scott. Some because of political rivalry, some because of discomfort with his stand on issues, and some coming from folks who have nothing better to do.

For now, the sniping should stop. It's time to give Scott a chance to govern. Any new governor deserves an opportunity to prove himself.

Crowley Political Report is certainly not going to stop being critical of Scott if we believe he is making mistakes or headed in the wrong direction. And we already see things that we believe Scott needs to do differently - quickly.

But we also believe any new governor has the right to set his own course without being vilified.

We still don't know the answer to that question about what kind of governor Rick Scott will be -  but the next time it is asked, hopefully we'll have a better understanding of who Rick Scott really is.