Scott admits he could have handled Bailey ouster better

Friday, February 6, 10:11 AM EST

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida

But the Cabinet will not press for an investigation into the abrupt December departure of Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey, though Scott acknowledged Thursday it is clear, in hindsight, that I could have handled it better.

Scott and the Cabinet met Thursday in Tampa for the first time since a major controversy erupted last month about Baileys ouster. Cabinet members have been critical of Scott, who initially said Bailey resigned. The former commissioner adamantly refuted that explanation and made a series of potentially damaging allegations about the Scott administration to the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee bureau.

The governors office has fought back against Baileys claims. Addressing the media after Thursdays meeting, Scott didnt elaborate about how he could have better handled the Bailey matter.

But the controversy also has led to Scott raising the possibility of replacing three agency heads who fall under the Cabinet: Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, Revenue Department chief Marshall Stranburg and Financial Regulation Commissioner Drew Breakspear.

Among the allegations raised by Bailey was that Scotts office sought to have him falsely suggest in 2013 that acting Orange County clerk of court Colleen Reilly was the target of an investigation a request Bailey said he rejected. But there was no indication Thursday that more than one Cabinet member wanted to delve into that allegation.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who wanted the Orange County clerk review, called Baileys accusation serious. Putnam added hes talked with Bailey several times and the FDLE or the states chief inspector general could still be asked to look into the claim.

I have no reason not to believe Jerry Bailey, Putnam said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said it will be up to Bailey to request an investigation.

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Scott admits he could have handled Bailey ouster better