Kiss the chef? David Jolly upgraded by Cook Report, but needs cash to win

Sabato saw it first. Now he has backup.

National prognosticators continue to give the Democratic nominee in the Governor’s race good news. But the latest cautions that work remains to make the contest truly competitive.

The Cook Political Report is the latest to like what David Jolly is serving up against Byron Donalds, moving the race to “Likely Republican” from “Solid Republican.”

However, writer Jessica Taylor says a lot needs to pop before Election Day becomes Jolly Time.

“Jolly would still need a significant financial boost to mount a robust statewide television campaign and have a real shot. For now, Donalds enjoys an overwhelming financial advantage,” she said.

Indeed, that may be an understatement. Donalds has raised roughly 10 times the money Jolly has, and the cash-on-hand edge is closer to 20 times.

But beyond money, Taylor thinks Jolly can “potentially reach out to independents and disaffected Republicans” and make this race a “unique contest that could possibly become competitive.”

Sabato’s Crystal Ball had previously re-rated Florida’s gubernatorial race as a “likely” Republican win, which is better for Democratic purposes than the “safe” designation it previously had.