The Florida Republican Party has been told in no uncertain terms by the Republican National Committee that they are to schedule the state’s presidential party after the Big Four early states set their dates – or else there will penalties to pay.

If this seems like deja vu all over again, it’s because it is: In 2008, both the Democratic and Republican parties in Florida were warned not to jump the date of their primary – but the Legislature voted to do so anyway, which bit the Democrats particularly hard – as their battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton ended up being meaningless, as the candidates boycotted the state. It worked out okay for the Republicans, however, which is why perhaps they believe that – along with the fact that the Republican Convention will be in Tampa – that they can flirt with breaking the rules once again.

But Rick Scott told Justin Sayfie yesterday he didn’t want to jump that early date, agreeing with Florida Democrats, who say if the primary happens before March 6, they won’t participate.