Staples, based on Massachusetts has agreed to acquire Boca Raton-based Office Depot for $6.3 billion. Office Depot, which acquired Office Max in 2013 is one of the largest companies based in the State of Florida.Governor Rick Scott, who has proven to be a specialist in failure for this state has to stand tall and work to keep the new company’s headquarters in Florida. We’ve continuously pointed out at this site the almost complete failure of Republican policymakers to attract large employers to the state. The rhetoric about a “better climate for business” in the state and constant tax cuts have done little to elevate Florida as a state which frequently benefit from the relocation of corporate headquarters and offices. Even worse, the Republican leadership has failed to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in this state.

The contrast with Massachusetts is telling. For all of the ideological barbs directed by conservatives at the state, Massachusetts has created a culture where young start up businesses and innovators thrive. Much of this culture was pushed by moderate Republicans like William Weld, the late Paul Cellucci, Jane Swift and even the then-moderate Mitt Romney. they did this while working closely with a Democratic-dominated legislature. But Florida’s Republicans having pushed ideology over competence and cronyism over actual job creation have not created the type of success other GOP-led states have.

The new Staples choice might be as easy as the easy button they use as the company’s gimmick. They might simply opt for staying in Massachusetts and not even give Florida’s leaders the time of day – but Governor Rick Scott and his legislative allies have to at least give it a real shot. Otherwise, they are once again inviting failure, something they specialize in as leaders.

“Office Depot Corporate Headquarters” by Lizsummers at English Wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Office_Depot_Corporate_Headquarters.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Office_Depot_Corporate_Headquarters.jpg