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Gov. Rick Scott of Florida Perplexes With Shift to the Center - NYTimes.com
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Title: Gov. Rick Scott of Florida Perplexes With Shift to the Center - NYTimes.com
By: Lizette Alvarez
Published: March 5, 2013
Summary:
- Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, previously known for deep budget cuts and opposition to President Obama's health care law, has shifted toward the political center, supporting Medicaid expansion and increased education spending.
- This shift has perplexed both his Tea Party supporters and Democrats, with some supporters feeling betrayed and others welcoming his new positions.
- Scott's approval ratings have been low, and his new $74.2 billion budget includes a $2,500 pay increase for teachers.
- The article discusses reactions from various political figures and groups, including the Tea Party, environmentalists, and Republican leaders.
- Scott attributes his policy changes to improvements in Florida's economy and budget surplus, not to re-election concerns.
- The article also touches on Scott's personal background, including his family's struggles with health insurance and his mother's influence on his Medicaid decision.
Key Entities:
- Rick Scott (Governor of Florida)
- Henry Kelley (Tea Party leader)
- Chris Smith (State Senate minority leader)
- Eric Draper (Florida Audubon Society)
- John Thrasher (State Senator)
- Al Cardenas (American Conservative Union)
- Don Gaetz (President, State Senate)
- Ana Navarro (Republican strategist)
- Perry Thurston (Democratic leader, State House)
- Christine Jordan Sexton (contributor)
Notable Quotes:
- "I'm trying to determine how the Medicaid expansion is going to pay for the surgery to remove the knife planted in my back," - Henry Kelley
- "Medicaid expansion, Obamacare, teacher bonuses — who is this guy?" - Chris Smith
- "I think the governor has a turned a corner." - Eric Draper
- "There is not going to be a primary challenge to the governor." - John Thrasher
- "This governor is doing what a good business leader does, which is lash his policies to the new realities." - Don Gaetz
Topics Mentioned:
- Medicaid expansion
- Education funding
- Environmental policy
- Republican and Tea Party politics
- Florida budget and economy
- Health care law (Obamacare)
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Images/Media:
- Black and white photograph of Gov. Rick Scott at the State Capitol
- Various grayscale and cartoon images (not relevant to main article content)
Other:
- No flight information present.
- is_promotional: True (due to NYTimes subscription offer)