I'm a bit worried about this seat, but I think Rick Scott is really quite none. I never understood his appeal. The Rs should go with -- hmm, maybe Florida Republicans don't have that much of a bench after all?
Bill Nelson is probably the only political figure in Florida who transcends politics to remain (relatively) popular among Floridians. He really is our only "old guard" figure left who has clout in Washington and has made it clear that he holds no national ambitions. He always appears vulnerable but either draws weak opponents (Mack '12) or wins in a wave year (Harris '06). The bench of the Florida Republican Party is strong, but Nelson is the only major Democrat in Florida who can hold his own against it. Hence why people like Putnam, Atwater, DeSantis, CLC, etc, are looking at the Governors mansion or the row offices whereas only Rick Scott is seriously interested in the Senate seat.
Personally, I think Atwater and Putnam go for Governor (Putnam wins easily) while DeSantis goes either for AG or for the Senate (more likely the former), CLC to Atwater's position as CFO, while Bondi likely sits out the cycle all together in the hopes of eventually getting into Congress or some other form of elected office.
