"Why Republicans Keep Telling Everyone They’re Not Scientists"

"WASHINGTON — Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, a Republican who is fighting a Democratic challenge from former Gov. Charlie Crist, was asked by The Miami Herald if he believes climate change is significantly affecting the weather. 'Well, I’m not a scientist,' he said.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is locked in a tight re-election race, was asked this month by The Cincinnati Enquirer if he believes that climate change is a problem. 'I’m not a scientist,' he said.

House Speaker John A. Boehner, when asked by reporters if climate change will play a role in the Republican agenda, came up with a now-familiar formulation. 'I’m not qualified to debate the science over climate change,' he said."

Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times October 30, 2014.