UPDATE 2:50 p.m. Scott will attend the White House event at Tampa Bay Technical High School but not the rally. He has a fundraiser that evening, a spokeswoman tells the Tampa Bay Times.
WASHINGTON – Gov. Rick Scott isn't rushing to join President Trump at next week's rally in Tampa, maintaining the distance he's sought since ramping up the U.S. Senate bid.
Asked Monday evening and this morning if he'll attend, Scott's campaign has been noncommittal.
"The governor's schedule for that day has not yet been finalized. We will keep you updated," a spokeswoman said.
Trump is also scheduled to do an official White House event at Tampa Bay Technical High School.
The rally announcement Monday made specific mention of Scott along with Trump's two most vocal supporters in Florida.
"The president is expected to address the latest record-breaking jobs and economic data from the booming Trump economy, his nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, and the importance for Floridians to get out and vote this fall for key races to support his agenda; including to support Rick Scott who is running to defeat Ben Nelson in the U.S. Senate, Matt Gaetz for re-election to the U.S. House, and Ron DeSantis for governor," read the statement, mistaking former Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson for Florida's Bill Nelson.
DeSantis and Gaetz, both endorsed by Trump, are certain to attend.
Scott, stressing he was a businessman turn outsider politician, backed Trump for president the day after he rolled over Marco Rubio in the Florida primary, threw a big party for him after the inauguration and made frequent trips to Washington to appear with Trump at White House events.
Read more: Once eager to tout Trump friendship, Rick Scott now plays it down