Earlier this week we wrote that due to Hurricane Irma, politics in Florida would take a back seat to the looming and ominous storm that is about to bear down on the sunshine state.

Florida Governor Rick Scott has been all over TV and radio giving storm briefings and updates, furthering his already high name recognition around the state and country.

As is the case with all national disasters, the governor of the respective state in which the event occurs, is always the point man, and the person praised or excoriated during and after the weather event occurs.

There is no question that Scott will score huge browning points from Americans across the country for his preemptive moves of calling for a state of emergency ahead of the storm, activating all National Guardsmen, and pressing fuel companies to keep the gas flowing.

But while Scott’s is rightfully focused on Hurricane Irma, could there be some subconscious thoughts of exploiting his bully pulpit to all-but jumpstart his probable 2018 U.S. Senate race against Sen. Bill Nelson (D)?

Either way you look at it, Scott is in great shape, if and when he decides to launch his senatorial campaign.

But what about Sen. Nelson?

It appears as if the elder Nelson has developed a huge pep in his political step this hurricane season, as the former astronaut is traversing the state giving the same types of updates that Governor Rick Scott is giving, as well as addressing what the federal government is prepared to do for Florida throughout the storm event.

Oh, it’s going to hit Florida.

Nelson’s colleague in the Senate, Senator Marco Rubio (R), has also been doing his share of  press, but not like Nelson. Nelson seems laser-focused on getting vital hurricane updates and information out to Floridians, giving the impression that he is trying to counter some of the free earned media Scott is receiving.

Here's the latest 8 a.m. track just released by NOAA: pic.twitter.com/eCWKomIFox

— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) September 8, 2017

Senator Nelson is trying to secure FEMA funding for Hurricane Irma. Federal emergency funding almost depleted from Hurricane Harvey @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/1ohdmK5Qbf

— Andrea Marvin (@2AndreaMarvin) September 6, 2017

Met with emergency management officials in Miami and Palm Beach today – both say they are as ready as they can be for this monster storm. pic.twitter.com/Zk6uO8felG

— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) September 6, 2017

Expect Nelson to one of the first to criticize Scott over any short-comings, missteps, or unforeseen problems, that will most-likely arise due to the category 4 storm that will impact Florida over this coming weekend.