Florida’s well represented, according to us
Bottom Line: Florida’s complicated. We always have been and probably always will be. From north to south, east coast to west coast and even eastern time to central. We’re about a diverse as any state comes. And of course, when it comes to our politics, we’re known to be as evenly divided in our views as any state in the country as well. That’s why it caught my attention last year when something began playing out that I hadn’t seen previously. Vast support for all our statewide elected officials. Most notably Governor DeSantis and Senators Rubio and Scott.
Morning Consult conducts ongoing approval polling of governors and senators surveying over 5,000 Floridians routinely. Once a quarter they produce the results and we just received them for the end of 2019. Survey says... It's clear we think we’re well represented.
Here are the net approval ratings for Senators Rubio and Scott:
- Rubio: +16% (+3)
- Scott: +11% (unchanged)
And for Governor DeSantis:
- DeSantis: +36% (unchanged)
All three maintain large double-digit net approval ratings against the third quarter of last year. In fact, the only change is that Marco Rubio’s net approval rating is three points higher today than three months ago. As negative as politics has become, especially Washington politics...we’re not only satisfied with our top elected officials in Florida, we’re generally increasingly pleased with their performance. When you look at our state’s performance – it makes sense. Floridians enjoy record low unemployment, record high wages – that are finally rising faster than the cost of living, best education outcomes in our state’s history and we have the benefit of living where most of the world wishes they could be.
Something I’m mindful of when it comes to politicians and public employees generally, they’re there to serve and represent our interests. When we make good decisions and get it right, what we’re able to achieve is powerful. When we make decisions that empower the politicians/public officials over our interests it’s quite the opposite. Look at how many states are floundering over bloated pensions, bloated spending and ever-increasing taxes. What we have that’s working isn’t an accident and it is a teachable moment. Imagine if we had local officials across the board who were most concerned with serving our interest over their own. Food for thought for all future elections.