Elections

Florida Governor Asks Republicans To Unite Behind Trump

REUTERS/Steve Nesius

Alex Pfeiffer White House Correspondent
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Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday that it is time for Republicans to “respect the will of the voters” and unite behind Donald Trump.

“I’m asking all Republicans today to come together and begin preparing to win the general election in November,” the former health-industry businessman wrote in a Facebook post. “With his victories yesterday, I believe it is now time for Republicans to accept and respect the will of the voters and coalesce behind Donald Trump.”

Scott had written a January op-ed praising the New York real estate developer, but he did not endorse Trump before Tuesday’s Florida primary.

“The voters are speaking clearly — they want a businessman outsider who will dramatically shake up the status quo in Washington,” he wrote.

There are similarities between Scott and Trump. Before Scott’s run for governor he had no political experience and largely self-funded his campaign.

“When I first ran for Governor the political class and party leaders opposed me with great vigor, and some even said if I won the primary they would never vote for me. But the voters had other ideas, and they are the only ones who count,” the Florida governor wrote.

He added, “if we spend another four months tearing each other apart, we will damage our ability to win in November. It’s time for an end to the Republican on Republican violence. It’s time for us to begin coming together, we’ve had a vigorous primary, now let’s get serious about winning in November.”

Following Scott’s post Donald Trump tweeted out, “Thank you to the Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, for your endorsement. I greatly appreciate your support!”