A leading conservative group released its annual scorecard of state legislators this week. The scorecard could serve as a potential prelude to an aggressive primary campaign targeting Republican lawmakers who voted for a controversial business incentive program.

  • Americans for Prosperity (AFP) rose to prominence along with the Tea Party in 2010
  • Economic Freedom Scorecard ranks legislators based on votes for or against AFP's priorities
  • Legislators who supported Gov. Scott's $250 million business incentive fund received poor grades on the scorecard

The group, Americans for Prosperity, was founded by the conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch and rose to prominence amid the rise of the Tea Party in 2010. Its 'Economic Freedom Scorecard' ranks legislators based on their votes for or against AFP's priority issues, including tax cuts, deregulation and the abolition of "corporate welfare."

Of particular interest to AFP during this year's legislative session was a proposal championed by Gov. Rick Scott that would have established a $250 million business incentive fund. While the proposal was ultimately rejected, many of Scott's fellow Republicans supported it, drawing the ire of conservative activists and resulting in poor grades on the AFP scorecard.

"This is actionable intel, and we don't just run around the state and stand in groups and talk about our scorecard," said AFP Florida Director Chris Hudson. "It makes a lot more sense to go directly to the doorstep. It makes a lot more sense to pick up the phone and tell somebody."

To that end, the scorecard could identify legislators ripe for political attacks by AFP, which in years past has run television ads and distributed mailers excoriating Republicans who voted against the organization's priorities.

One of this year's lowest-scoring Republicans, however -- Sen. Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater) -- has yet to attract a primary opponent.  Latvala also represents a relatively moderate Senate district where many voters may be non-plussed by criticism from AFP.

"We're going to be without any ammunition in the gun to go after these projects and bring new jobs to Florida. I think that's very sad," said Latvala, speaking about his support for the incentive program during a Senate floor debate. Latvala received a "C" grade from AFP.