Despite Frustration with State Leadership, Nelson Plans no Gubernatorial Run
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
By: Amy Green

May 14, 2013 | WMFE - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says he has no plans to run for governor even though he's frustrated with how state leaders have handled issues like health care and high speed rail in Florida. The Central Florida Democrat says he's satisfied with his position in the Senate.

[Photo: Sen. Bill Nelson]

Nelson says Florida needs a leader in the mold of Bob Graham, Lawton Chiles -- or even Jeb Bush. He says people ask him all the time to run for governor.

"Legislators, members of Congress, businessmen you name it."

But Florida's senior senator says he's happy in the Senate, where he's served for more than a decade. He talks enthusiastically about advancing in the Senate's Special Committee on Aging and also the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

"And that has all jurisdiction over transportation safety, over all aviation, over the coast guard, over all science. It has all jurisdiction over all telecommunications and consumer protection."

Democrats want in 2014 to take advantage of Republican Gov. Rick Scott's poor approval ratings. But they lack a clear candidate to face Scott.

Nelson is critical of state leaders' refusal to expand Medicaid and authorize high speed rail. He says he doesn't plan to run for governor – not that he won't run for governor.