The Democratic Party shouldn’t write off Florida yet.

While President Obama is trailing Mitt Romney in Florida 47 percent to 41 percent in the latest Quinnipiac poll, Republicans in the Sunshine State are damaging their brand.

Tea party-backed Florida Gov. Rick Scott is the least popular governor in America. The more extreme his legislation, the lower his approval ratings.

Scott has cut millions from health and human services and billions from education. At the same time, his policies have benefited big business. Luckily, many of his initiatives have been blocked.

For example, Scott wanted to privatize the prison system, a potential cash cow for corporations. But after a public outcry over the expense and loss of jobs, he was stopped.

Also, Scott signed a law that mandated drug testing for anyone receiving welfare. Courts halted the program as they examine its constitutionality, including Scott’s plan to randomly drug test state employees.