Randy Fine has done very well in the gaming industry. His Fine Point Group is one of the go-to firms for casinos wanted to jumpstart their marketing efforts. It was Fine who came up with the “unlimited” cash back offer that Atlantic City’s Revel used to make its mark (although the “fine” print annoyed many patrons).
Now semi-retired, Fine has decided politics is his new career. He announced a run for a seat in the state House of Representatives, where he had a good shot at winning. But now he’s set his sights higher, suggesting that he may run for the Republican nomination to replace Marco Rubio, who is running for president.
Fine’s prospective opponents are weak and all are career politicians. His “outsider” status may serve him well, according to Tallahassee politician observer Jeff Henderson.
The candidates are “not exactly the strongest of fields and it’s filled with politicians. Against this group, Fine’s chief advantage is being an outsider who has never held elected office. That’s a song Florida Republicans love to hear,” writes Henderson.
Fine can self-fund his campaign, concentrating on defeating his opponents instead of fundraising. But Fine’s gaming connections won’t help.
“At first glance, it makes little sense for Fine to get into the Senate race. Religious and social conservatives will balk on supporting Fine who has worked in gaming for much of his professional life. The business community in Florida remains divided on whether gambling should be expanded and won’t be thrilled to see Fine put that issue back in the spotlight.”
Still, says Henderson, “if Fine plays his cards right, he could be able to tap into Florida Republicans’ love of candidates with backgrounds in the private sector instead of elected office.”
