Quick guide to Florida’s 2014 governor’s race

Sept. 30--FLORIDA GOVERNOR

CANDIDATES

Republican: Gov. Rick Scott, formerly a health care executive, seeking re-election. Candidate profile

Democrat: Charlie Crist, formerly the state's Republican governor, past Cabinet member and legislator. Candidate profile to appear Oct. 5.

Libertarian: Adrian Wyllie, an anti-government, self-styled third choice who could draw votes away from both Crist and Scott. Two other no-party candidates also on ballot. Candidate profile to appear Oct. 6.

ISSUES

Jobs: Scott's main issue, touting more than 600,000 private sector jobs created during his term, compared to the 800,000-plus lost when Crist led Florida during the recession. Scott's promising $1 billion in tax cuts if re-elected; Crist said he'll improve the economy by increasing the minimum wage to $10.10/hour, expanding Medicaid and assuring that Florida businesses get more state contracting.

Education: Scott and Crist promise record levels of per-pupil funding. But Scott endorses charter and voucher schools; Crist calls for halting their expansion, though he backed them as a Republican. Scott cut school spending $1.3 billion his first year as governor but pushed for increases since. He also wants to hold the line on college tuition, blaming Crist for earlier increases sought by universities.

Health Care: Scott was fierce opponent of federal health care law and fought Medicaid expansion until 2013 when he supported it after federal officials let Florida make it a managed care program. Scott, though, did nothing when the Republican-led Legislature refused to go along. Crist vows to expand health coverage for the poor, by executive order if necessary.

SUPPORTERS

Scott: National Rifle Association, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Latin Builders Association.

Crist: Florida Education Association (teachers union), Equality Florida, Florida Police Benevolent Association, Florida AFL-CIO.

OTHER FACTORS

TV ADS: Scott is far out-distancing Crist in television ads. His fund-raising is almost twice that of the Democrat, so expect Scott to win the TV war.

OUTSIDE HELP: Scott has drawn big money from the Republican Governors Association. Crist is helped by national labor organizations. Tom Steyer, a California billionaire environmentalist, also is running TV spots criticizing Scott on climate change.

OUTLIERS: Voter turnout is key. Democrats bank on boosting state's usually modest governor's race turnout toward presidential-year levels. But harsh tone of race could keep many away.

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