NAPLES, Fla. – Outgoing Florida Gov. Rick Scott dodged questions on Wednesday when asked about a possible recount in his race against Bill Nelson for U.S. Senate.
News 6 on Wednesday was the only news organization outside Scott's hotel in Naples, where reporter Erik Sandoval asked Scott what he thought about the possibility of the recount.
Scott turned, smiled and said, "Have a good day. It was a nice win," before entering his SUV and departing the Naples area.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, vote totals have Nelson (D-Florida) and Scott separated by about 34,500 votes, approximately one-half percentage point.
"We are proceeding to a recount," Nelson said in a statement Wednesday morning.
Scott's spokesman, Christ Hartline, fired back within minutes.
"This race is over. It's a sad way for Bill Nelson to end his career. He is desperately trying to hold on to something that no longer exists," Hartline said.
Under Florida law, it is up to the Florida Secretary of State's Office to decide whether there will be a recount in any electoral race. However, under the law, any race that ends with one-half of a percentage point separating the two candidates qualifies for an automatic recount.
Besides from the U.S. Senate contest, several Florida races could also go to a recount.
- Florida Agricultural Commissioner: 0.16% difference
- Florida State House District 26 (Volusia County): 0.12% difference
- Orange County Commission District 4 : 0.24% difference
- Seminole County Commission District 2: 0.27% difference
- Volusia County Council District 1: 0.4% difference
- Edgewater Council Seat 1 (Volusia County): 0.4% difference
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