Gov. Rick Scott has sent congratulatory letters to law school graduates, lottery winners, new business owners and others that tout the state's advances under his watch, at a cost to taxpayers of at least $11,370.
Scott views the missives as a means to applaud individuals and to promote Florida.
His critics say some of the messages include language that deviates into campaign talking points.
With Scott's re-election on tap for 2014, along with his near-automatic propensity to reel off his jobs and economy mantra in public comments, don't expect the letter-writing campaign to slow or the questionable language to disappear from such messages.
The use of letters highlighting positive accomplishments isn't unusual by government agencies and elected officials, it's just
that Scott hadn't always employed such a bulk of correspondence, said Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
"It's not much different than a county sending out to everybody's mailbox a summary of the budget of the year and what's been done," she said. "It's just the timing of it certainly raises the questions about whether it's about the election or about the individual's accomplishments."
Since the beginning of the year Scott has affixed his signature to what has become more than 620,000 letters to state employees, new lawyers, winners of various games offered by the Florida Lottery, teachers, parents of children with disabilities and business owners.
Asked if he was politicking on the state dime, Scott replied he was promoting the Sunshine State.
Florida Democrats have called the campaign "wasted taxpayer dollars."
"This is what you do when you're desperate to win, and have more spin doctors than common decency," Florida Democratic Party spokesman Joshua Karp said in a statement to reporters.
Scott, it should be noted, has been known as a letter writer.
Still, those personal notes he has sent did not get into the realm of talking points that is visible in some of the recent bulk mailings.
Lottery winners were advised by Scott that lottery proceeds pay for education, which helps create jobs.
"I am focused on keeping Florida's economy moving in the right direction," big-money winners are informed.
The congratulatory letter that has been sent to almost 400,000 business professionals – linked to the reception of business licenses for 2013 – includes a brief bio on the governor.
"Only in America can anyone from any family or zip code have the freedom and opportunity to pursue the American dream," Scott's letter said.
"I know, because I have been blessed to live the American dream. Growing up, my parents struggled financially. In fact, when I started school, we lived in public housing. At age seven, I started my first part-time job selling TV Guides door-to-door," the letter continued.
The business license letter continues with Scott's goals for the state.