Many accept that the GOP nomination for Marco Rubio’s Senate seat is wide open.
One name that was mentioned over the weekend is former Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino. The two-term commissioner was considered for the Lt. Governer when Jennifer Carroll stepped down, but Gov. Rick Scott took another path.
Valentino is a multimillionaire who has the resources to fund his campaign without outside sources. His handicaps are his ties to former Sheriff Ron McNesby who is considered a joke in the Republican Party and his campaign against Sheriff Morgan, who is highly respected in the party.
The other name being mentioned is Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera. If he announces, Valentino then is in play to replace him.
Will Valentino show the courage to take the risk to continue his public service?