Governor Scott and Florida prepare for the Republican Convention

Governor Scott and Florida prepare for the Republican Convention

By Roger Caldwell

    On Aug. 27-30, the Republican National Convention will be held at the Convention Center in Tampa. Governor Mitt Romney has picked House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan to be his running mate. Governor Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, and former Governor Jeb Bush are applauding Romney’s selection, because the base of the party and the Tea Party believe in Paul Ryan’s philosophy and ideology.

    “The Republican National Convention comes at a critical time for determining America’s future. Romney knows that it is the hard working people of America who build businesses and create jobs, and not the government. We share that same belief in Florida where we continue our progress in helping to create jobs by moving government out of the way of our businesses,” says Gov. Scott.

    Florida is a must win state for the Republican Party, and Gov. Scott has been confirmed as one of the speakers at the convention.

    The Democrats are still labeling Scott as the most un-popular governor in the country, and they want to tie Scott and Romney together in the minds of Florida voters. “If you don’t like what Gov. Rick Scott is doing in Tallahassee, you are not going to like Mitt Romney,” says Democratic leaders.

    During the last three Republican National Conventions, police have arrested hundreds of people as the gatherings have drawn thousands of pro-testers objecting to the party’s positions. In an effort to control demonstrations and prevent disturbances, officials in Tampa are taking unusual steps to help ensure public safety.

    The city adopted a temporary ordinance that will clamp down on protests in dozens of blocks near the convention center.

    The ordinance requires a permit for groups of 50 or more to gather in parks, and sets a time limit of 90 minutes on parades.

    The ordinance outlawed hatchets, gas masks, chains, water pistols, and water cannons, but actual pistols were allowed for those with permits to carry concealed weapons. The Tampa mayor has asked Gov. Scott to ban firearms during the convention, but the governor has refused.

    “It is at just such times that the constitutional rights to self-defense is most precious and must be protected from government overreach. I am confident the many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies focused on the RNC will fully protect Floridians and visitors, without the need to resort to sweeping infringements on our most sacred constitutional tradition,” says Gov. Scott.

    The federal government has given Tampa $50 million to help pay for new security-related equipment, training and officer salaries.

    The Secret Service has banned civilians from carrying guns inside the arena.

    Everyone that is going to the RNC must be concerned with the Florida heat in August. The local leaders and convention leaders are putting a plan together to keep the delegates hydrated and they have a contingency plan if there is a hurricane.

    This is a great opportunity for the city and state to shine, and this will bring millions of dollars to the state and the city. With the selection of Congress-man Ryan the Republicans are taking an extreme right turn, and the stage is set for a major battle for the President and vice president in the 2012 campaign.