"Give me Scott."
Democrat Charlie Crist issued that implicit debate challenge to Gov. Rick Scott during an impromptu caught-on-video meeting Monday with Lt. Gov. Carlos-Lopez Cantera.
But Scott said Tuesday that he's not ready to take up the challenge, noting that Crist has refused to debate his fellow Democrat, former Sen. Nan Rich.
"That's laughable. Think about it. He has a primary," Scott said.
"I'm sure it's going to be enjoyable watching his debates with Nan Rich," he said.
Rich appreciated Scott's comments.
"It's the first thing Scott has said in almost four years that I agree with," she joked, before referencing how Crist used to be a Republican when he was governor.
"Since Charlie is new to the Democratic Party especially because Charlie is new to the Democratic Party he owes it to the voters to debate and talk about the issues to show where he stands," she said.
Crist, however, has said that voters from all parties know his record. And, previously, he said he "wasn't even thinking about" debating Rich.
Crist's spokesman, Kevin Cate, amplified on those comments Tuesday in a statement that all but closed the door on a debate before the Aug. 23 Democratic primary.
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Gov. Rick Scott to Charlie Crist: Win your primary and then maybe we'll debate