So Lombardi has an ego. Name a U.S. senator who doesn't, with the possible exception of Connie Mack. Better to know the warts now before a tough campaign starts. That sort of straight talk would be a plus in a Senate race. But Lombardi also apologized for that.
Apologies go a long way in politics.
See Bill Clinton and his poll numbers. Lombardi did hand out some awfully big salary increases near the end. But Florida voters rarely hold questionable business deals against candidates they like. See Jeb Bush and water pumps. There are some things Lombardi would have to overcome.