Staff Writer
Referring to Jennifer Carroll as an outsider like himself, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott officially announced the Duval Delegation member as his choice for lieutenant governor Tuesday at an event at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
Carroll has represented the Fleming Island area since being elected in 2003, following a 20-year career in the Navy. Scott said her tenure in Tallahassee doesn’t necessarily mean she’s an insider because she is not perceived as such and “speaks her own mind” on issues.
Scott campaigned heavily against “insider” politicians during the recent primary.
Scott said he talked with “the very best Florida has to offer” as potential running mates and chose Carroll based on her military background, “voice of reason” in the Legislature and shared values when it comes to “growing jobs, not government,” among others.
In Carroll, Scott said that the people of Florida will have a “forceful voice and advocate.”
After her introduction, Carroll said Scott’s message of creating jobs and growing the state’s economy resonated with her and were a few of the reasons she joined as his running mate.
Carroll was the first black female Republican elected to the state Legislature.
Carroll had supported Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, Scott’s Republican unsuccessful adversary for the nomination, but said she found Scott’s message appealing. She remained on McCollum’s side, she said, because she was “good to her word.”
“It doesn’t mean you jump ship,” she said, responding to a media inquiry.
By accepting the role, Carroll must resign from her position in the Legislature.
Scott said in the role, Carroll would help determine policy and help “shake up Tallahassee.”
Scott’s 7-7-7 plan – 700,000 jobs in seven years through seven steps – was a point of emphasis throughout the news conference and his vision is one Carroll said she believes in.
“I share that vision,” she said. “We’re going to ensure that vision becomes a reality.”
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