Charlie Crist files to run for Florida governor as a Democrat

[steve2470]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/charlie-crist-to-make-campaign-plans-official-at-10-am-monday-in-st/2150298

ST. PETERSBURG — Charlie Crist is running for Florida governor as a Democrat.

The worst-kept secret in politics was confirmed Friday afternoon when the Republican Party of Florida spotted Crist's official filing with the state Division of Elections.

The former Republican governor turned Democrat plans a formal announcement at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Petersburg's Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE, but the state GOP beat him to the punch.

"Gov. Crist looks forward to discussing his priorities for moving Florida forward on Monday morning," said Steve Schale, a spokesman for Crist who led President Barack Obama's successful 2008 Florida campaign.

*end of excerpt*

How bad of a Republican was Charlie ? I have to admit ignorance with him.

[Lasher]

1. He became an Independent in 2010 after getting teabagged by Rubio in the Senate race.

It's not surprising to see him party shopping. It didn't work for Arlen Specter but maybe it will work for Crist.

[titaniumsalute]

2. He is much more a Democrat than a Republican

He supports teachers and education. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2010/0415/Crist-veto-a-victory-for-teachers-against-merit-based-pay

He is for gay marriage. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/05/09/charlie-crist-endorses-gay-marriage/

Crist raised more money for President Obama than anyone else in Florida and also stumped for him. He's a fundraising machine.

He is very much for voting rights...something that Rick Scott has been chipping away at through purging and reducing early voting hours and locations. Crist extended early voting and locations in 2008 which some believe is how Obama won the state of Florida. http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081028/BREAKING/810280253

Now, would I prefer a long-term progressive liberal? Yes I would. However this is Florida. The land of the redneck and tea party, black haten' good ol' boy (and girl.) Rick Scott must go. I think that Crist has the best chance to unseat Scott.

[madfloridian]

5. I agree. Interesting poll about Crist and other Democrat in race.

He's probably the only one who can beat a republican here.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=637786

"With Alex Sink and Bill Nelson passing on entering the race, Rich is now the only obstacle to Charlie Crist, a former Republican, winning the Democratic nomination. It’s hard to classify her as a major obstacle to Crist based on the poll. Crist takes 59 percent of Democrats in the primary and Rich only gets 16 percent.

Even worse for Rich, there appears to be little room to run to Crist’s left and insist she is the “real Democrat” in the race. Crist destroys Rich in the 19 percent of Democrats who define themselves as “very liberal”: 67 percent to 12 percent. Rich does better with the 31 percent of Democrats who call themselves “somewhat liberal” but still only takes 18 percent to Crist’s 57 percent.

Ironically, the only group Rich beats Crist out with is “very conservative” Democrats who break her way 35 percent to 28 percent. But these make up only 4 percent of Democratic primary voters. Not exactly the foundation Rich needs if she wants to upset Crist. "

[beachbum bob]

8. so very true

and absolutely correct. We need more moderate Republicans to cross over. GOP will be reduced to a regional party and we can take back our govt and try to take back our states from the batshit crazies

[Drunken Irishman]

3. If he wins, don't be surprised if he finds his way to the national ticket of the Dem nominee in '16.

Whomever it is would be smart to seriously look at him as a potential candidate. I know there are supposed rumors about his sexuality - but I've got to think if there was anything of substance, it would have been released by now. I know some DUers would balk at the idea of having a former Republican on the ticket ... and yet, his popularity in Florida is sound. He could lock that state up and locking up Florida pretty much guarantees whomever the Dems nominate a victory - whether it's Hillary or Elizabeth Warren or Martin O'Malley.

[quaker bill]

4. He drew a T Party opponent (Scott) in 2010

and would have lost. I wait to see what he comes out with this time. A potted plant would be better than Scott as Governor, as it would not spend its time doing damage.

[Rebellious Republican]

6. Alex has thrown her hat in the ring for Bill Young's spot, Nelson is the only other option at this

point. Most Dem's here at DU would call Nelson a centrist or Republican lite. Unlike Nelson, Crist has popularity across the aisle and is the most electable. He has the best chance to win and is certainly no Zell Miller or Joe Lieberman.

[beachbum bob]

7. Democrats should be overjoyed to see Crist

proclaim as a democrat and insures a real chance of picking up florida governorship. If more moderate Republicans follow Crist's example, the GOP will be left with Cruz and his followers and reduced to secondary players.

[katmondoo]

9. I would feel safe here in Florida with Charlie Crist as Gov

He was a good Governor before even though at the time he was a Republican