Funds for the fight

The Florida gubernatorial race is 10 months away, but the contest has already drawn national attention.

Part of that is because, well, this is Florida — a politically diverse state with a history of quirky and unpredictable elections. Another part is the candidates: Gov. Rick Scott against former Gov. Charlie Crist. One, Scott, is a Republican who rode the national Tea Party wave into the governor's mansion in 2010. The other, Crist, has switched from Republican to Independent to Democrat.

Like any election, the one who raises the most money has an edge. In that contest Scott is ahead of Crist, through Feb. 21, by almost $3 raised to every $1. One theme from the Scott financial backers is there's a significant amount of money from utilities, power companies and the agricultural sector — both in individuals and businesses. Another theme for Scott is the support of pro sports teams owners, past and present.