Florida gubernatorial candidate wants ‘Arizona style’ immigration law

The agenda for a special legislative session called last week by Senate candidate and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (I) may get even more politically charged. 

Crist, who has been under fire from Democrats and Republicans in the state over the session, called the session to debate a constitutional amendment that would permanently ban oil drilling off Florida’s coast. Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio is among those who have called Crist’s move political.      

But now, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rick Scott is calling on the state legislature to use the special session to pass an “Arizona style” immigration law.

“Taxpayers are on the hook to pay for the special session,” Scott said in a statement Monday. “Floridians should at least get some return on their investment with the passage of meaningful legislation, and that is why I am urging the legislature to pass an Arizona style immigration law during this special session.”

The special session is slated for July 20-23.

Scott, who is largely self-funding his bid for governor, is locked in primary with state Attorney General Bill McCollum.