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Eighty-two percent of Floridians support the legalization of medical marijuana, but Gov. Rick Scott isn’t one of them. Apparently, despite the broadly supported issue heading to the ballot at the same time as his re-election, Scott announced he would vote against legalization.
According to the Associated Press, a spokesman for Scott said the governor “has empathy for people battling difficult diseases, but he’s also seen the damage drug abuse can do.”
This isn’t much of a surprise. Scott supported Attorney General Pam Bondi’s unsuccessful efforts to keep the issue off the ballot based on the wording of the question.
However, it might not be the best move for his re-election chances. According to the latest Quinnipiac poll, Scott’s stance places him among only 16 percent of Floridians who don’t support the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.
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The issue will likely have ramifications in Scott’s re-election campaign, during which he’s widely expected to face now-Democrat Charlie Crist. Democratic strategists hope the issue brings out more liberal-minded voters en masse to the midterm election.
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