Two Republican names that have surfaced frequently in Rick Scott’s running mate speculation confirmed Tuesday that they are not interested in the job.

University of North Florida president John Delaney, a former mayor of Jacksonville, would not confirm whether Scott’s people approached him about joining the ticket. But Delaney said he just signed a five-year contract extension at UNF and is not interested in leaving. “I’m staying in Jacksonville,” he said.

State Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, said he was approached last week by aides to Scott who wanted to gauge his interest in applying to be the next lieutenant governor. (Scott's campaign said he wasn't on the short list.) Galvano, a termed-out member of House leadership and a 2012 Senate candidate, said the timing for him is all wrong.

“It’s not something I’m interested in,” Galvano said. “I want to focus on my business and my family.” He said that all three of his children have started the year in new schools.

Galvano was vetted as a potential running mate for Charlie Crist in 2006.

Steve Bousquet

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