Seminole County’s sheriff is on the short list to become Gov. Rick Scott’s next lieutenant governor.
Sheriff Don Eslinger is being considered to fill the spot vacated by Jennifer Carroll.
Other candidates include Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman and state Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon. According to our partners at the Tampa Bay Times, St. Johns County Schools Superintendent is also in the running for the position.
All the candidates are currently being vetted by Scott's office.
The position has been vacant since March when Carroll suddenly resigned after authorities questioned her about her ties to a veterans’ charity.
The charity was under investigation for suspected connections to illegal gambling in Internet cafes.
Choosing a lieutenant governor is crucial for Gov. Scott because the person he picks will also be on the ticket for his re-election campaign.
So it comes as no surprise the people on his short list all live along the I-4 corridor, which is an area vital to winning statewide elections.