TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It's early, but many say that Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is planting the seeds for a 2018 run at the governor's office and could be the Democrats' best hope to resurrect the party.
There's some political significance to speaking at the Tiger Bay Club in Tallahassee. When current Gov. Rick Scott was an unknown candidate in June 2010, he qualified for the Republican primary and just hours later spoke at the same club.
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A familiar name in Tampa made his way Friday to Florida's capital. Buckhorn spoke to Tallahassee's Tiger Bay Club, during which he touted his city's growth and gave Scott a little credit.
"The one thing I am appreciative of to this governor is that in his list of vetoes, he did not veto the move of the University of South Florida's Medical School into downtown Tampa," Buckhorn said.
But Buckhorn did say the state deserves better. Longtime lobbyist Barney Bishop said Floridians are looking at a legitimate candidate.
"I think that somebody who has grown a city economically and through diversity has a tremendous message to sell to the other people of Florida," Bishop said.
Many in attendance say the events are a way for Buckhorn to introduce himself statewide.
Former state Rep. Curtis Richardson said he's followed Buckhorn's career from afar.
"So anything you can do when you're looking at running statewide office to grow your name recognition, to get to know the different regions of the state without having to pay for it is a good thing," Richardson said.
Buckhorn didn't rule anything out.
"Clearly there will be an open seat," Buckhorn said. "I think clearly the state is ready for a different model of governance."
He increased speculation with a story about his 9-year-old daughter.
"She says, 'Daddy, I am not moving. You, Daddy, can commute,'" Buckhorn said.
One thing is for certain: Buckhorn will be commuting to more speaking engagements throughout the summer.