When Nan Rich's name is mentioned in stories about the Democratic race for governor in Florida, it's generally an after-thought, long after paragraphs that are given to the prospects of Charlie Crist, Bill Nelson, and sometimes even Pam Iorio.
But when the debates take place next year, Rich plans to be there, and she'll be as well prepared as anyone when it comes to talking policy and what prescriptions she believes are needed to improve the state for all of its citizens.
The self-described policy wonk is traveling all around the state these days, getting a much needed head start against her undoubtedly wealthier, soon-to-be opponents. On Tuesday afternoon, she stopped by CL's Ybor City office for a chat.
"It's like the Tortoise and the Hare," the 71-year-old former state legislator said when discussing her strategy. "I look at myself as the tortoise in this race. I'm methodically going around the state, and it's a slow process. It takes a lot of time and effort, but I believe in the grassroots. I believe in creating this infrastructure around the state. I don't know if any of the other people (running) would take this strategy. I don't know, but I don't think so. I feel that the time that I've put in is going to stand me in good stead when people start paying attention."
This article appears in May 9-15, 2013.