Fla.’s Rick Scott Gets Image Makeover

Once facing dismal poll numbers, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has suddenly emerged as more approachable and likeable. It’s all due, The Miami Herald said Friday, to the efforts of his new chief of staff, Steve MacNamara.

MacNamara, a 58-year-old Tallahassee attorney, has set about loosening up the governor’s image since starting in June.

Scott has changed his jacket and tie for more casual sports shirts adorned with the state seal. He is holding more news conferences and granting greater access to the press. And he’s reinstated Gov. Bob Graham’s practice of spending time at ordinary jobs. So far, Scott has worked at a Tampa doughnut shop and at a school cafeteria in Orlando.

There has also been a shakeup in staff, with several of the governor’s advisers and the Corrections Department chief leaving.

MacNamara is paid $189,000 a year, and politicos told the Herald he’s worth it. State Sen. John Thrasher told the paper that Scott has become more relaxed since MacNamara took over.

“The governor’s got an enormous amount of energy, and Steve can help focus that in the right places,” Thrasher said.