Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast Welcomes Senator Rick Scott to Pensacola

Senator Rick Scott speaks to the audience at McGuire's Irish Pub on Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Pensacola

Senator Rick Scott was the featured speaker and special guest of the Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast this past Saturday afternoon.  The Senator was on a swing through the panhandle where he made several stops to speak before various groups.

At the Federalist Society meeting, which was attended by about 70 local elected officials, former elected officials, attorneys, judges and magistrates--Senator Scott sat down and fielded questions in a "fireside chat" format, with local chapter President and Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh facilitating the discussions and asking the questions.

The discussion began with levity.  "You and I have a few things in common--you were adopted, and I was as well" said Bergosh.  "We've got the same haircut, too!" quipped Scott immediately, to some laughter in the room.  

"I know that you spent time in the military, how did that influence you in business and later in your public service?" Bergosh next asked Scott.

"They don't get paid enough, that's what I learned" quipped Scott.  Anyone have a guess on what I made when I was in the Navy?"  He paused briefly before answering his own question.  "$332.00 per month."  he continued "So I learned about how the chain of command worked, and I saw firsthand how the military was being treated at that time [post-Vietnam War] and it was very bad." he added.

"As Governor, you appointed a lot of Judges to the bench."  Bergosh asked.  "What was your thought process as you made those decisions?"  He had the number at the tip of his tongue.  "431 judges---we appointed 431.  And we looked around the state and saw that there were no women on the bench.  So we were able to appoint a lot of women and minorities to the bench.  And it was simple.  Be nice, and follow the law.  You don't get to make law as a judge, I don't as Governor, so be nice and don't try to make laws was the criteria we used" said the Senator.

The next topic for disccussion was the transition Scott had to make once he left the Executive Branch as the Governor of Florida and won a seat in the United States Senate and became a member of the  in 2018.  "I was the Governor, and I had power, but the power was limited and most of the decisions and operations were handled by the various department and division heads." he stated.  "But the real difference is that Washington is broken, it is a broken system.  Nobody gets held accountable, nobody ever gets fired.  Right now there is a COVID outbreak in Washington DC---nobody is working in their office.  When I ask during hearings if employees are back in the office, I get all kinds of explanations.  But they are not back in the office working when everyone else is" said Scott.

When asked about the dysfunction in DC that we all see, Scott ended with a lot of colorful commentary and then some hopeful optimism.  "Washington is broken. The senate Majority and Minority Leaders raise hundreds of millions of dollars and this allows them to have incredible power.  A handful of us don't need their money to win -- but most Senators need the money.  In my first election, the other party spent $65 Million against me.  There are only a half-dozen or so races each cycle that are competitive so these races generate a lot of attention.  We spend money and we are 35 Trillion in Debt----So the system is broken..... But we will fix it!" The Senator stated as he ended his answer.

As Senator Scott exited the venue, he took time to speak to attendees individually and to shake everyone's hand.

While the media often portray Scott as an unconcerned, aloof introvert--this recent meeting proves the opposite--as Scott was personable, funny, and approachable.  

And those in attendance saw this reality firsthand.