ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden lamented Florida’s missed chance to build a high-speed rail line during Wednesday fundraisers for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in Orlando and Tampa.

Biden said he was stunned Florida Gov. Rick Scott rejected more than $2.4 billion in stimulus funding for a line between Tampa and Orlando.

“You had the chance,” Biden said during the Tampa event. “You were the best situated of all the states in the country to put a truly high-speed line, from Tampa through Orlando, that would have made money after the third year and through the 10th year. … Even if you were doubtful, I don’t understand how, in this economy in Florida, you could walk away from 24,000 high-paying jobs.”

Biden started his day in central Florida with about 150 donors. They each paid $500 to be at the Winter Park home of an Orlando-area developer.

After leaving Orlando, Biden went to Tampa, where he made a short stop by Steinbrenner Field to watch the New York Yankees practice. He chatted with players, trainers and Manager Joe Girardi.

Biden left the field after about 30 minutes and headed downtown to attend another fundraiser for Nelson at the Embassy Suites. That reception also drew about 150 people, with a $100 minimum contribution.

While speaking in Tampa, Biden told supporters that Nelson and Obama would both need their help in the 2012 election.

“Because of all of you in this room, Bill Nelson won, and quite frankly because of you in this room, Barack and I won,” Biden said. “Neither Bill nor Barack nor I can win again without you.”

While only briefly mentioning the problems in Japan and the Middle East, Biden was optimistic about the U.S. economy turning around and America keeping its place in the world compared to countries like China.

“Our economy is 21/2 times larger than China’s and the average American makes nine times more,” Biden said.