When I first floated the idea of Mike Fasano being appointed Pasco County Tax Collector (this was before Steve Bousquet or someone near Bousquet read my blog and declared that Fasano was “emerging” as a possible candidate for the position), a few friends in Tallahassee made it quite clear to me that there was no way on God’s green Earth that Governor Rick Scott would do right by Fasano by giving him such a plum post.
Among those doubting that Scott would tap Fasano for the job is Fasano himself, who told the Tampa Bay Times‘ Adam Smith that he had met with Adam Hollingsworth, the governor’s chief of staff, and was informed “that over the last few years I’ve not been very supportive of the governor as they had hoped I would.”
In other words, thanks for applying, Mike, but no thanks.
While nothing in particular has changed since then in Scott and Fasano’s relationship, there is a sense that the tide is turning in favor of Fasano and his bid to be Tax Collector.
A senior GOP operative close to both Scott and legislative leadership e-mailed me on Friday to say that Scott would soon be appointing Fasano. Of course, this source also said the appointment isn’t a guarantee and that the whole thing could be a “head fake,” but it’s telling that at least two political consultants who work on legislative campaigns in Pasco have ramped up their efforts to recruit possible candidates to run for the seat Fasano would vacate were he to be appointed.
Another positive sign for Fasano is the support he’s receiving from Pasco County voters. According to a new survey from St. Pete Polls, 38% of Pasco voters want Gov. Scott to appoint Fasano as Tax Collector; 19% are opposed to the idea, while 44% are unsure.
Last week, I asked Fasano if had heard anything new about his application.
“You know more than me,” said Fasano.
I meant to reply to him, “That’s impossible.”
