Charlie Crist vs. Rick Scott in 2014?
Published Thursday, June 9, 2011 2:05 am
QuoteCrist, still the most recognizable politician in the state, is staying on the grid while starring in commercials for Morgan & Morgan, the deep pocketed law firm he joined, headed by personal injury magnate and long-time Democratic donor John Morgan. Of course he needed a job, but it seems like his choice might have had at least a little to do with a chance to run for office again, and I think Crist knows that he'd have to do so as a Democrat to be competitive.
A moderate-centrist, who's still probably right of center, Crist had come to be chastised as a RINO (Republican in Name Only) by the party's right wing who grew increasingly conservative during his reign. It's hard to imagine now, but in 2008 Crist was being hailed as part of the new breed of Republican centrists like Arnold Schwarzenegger and even Rudy Giuliani who could pass a litmus test, but draw moderate independents and even some Democrats with flexibility on social and environmental issues. He was even on the short list for McCain’s running mate and there were whispers at the time, asking whether he'd run for president himself in 2012.
A run against Scott might be an accidental boon, as it would allow him to circumvent term limits and essentially be as though he'd taken a break during what would have been a very difficult period for him as governor had he won in 2010 and faced a veto proof majority in his party -- one bent on overturning many of the ones he'd signed during his term.
A lot of Democrats scoff at the idea of Crist representing them, but I have to think they understand how shallow their field is and see him as being preferable to Scott. If he succeeds, it might also help them down ballot and while I think it'd be very unlikely they'd secure a majority in either chamber (even if he won two terms), it could at least help them get free of the veto-proof handcuffs that have all but neutered them in the Capitol.
Crist is a politician and he's far too young to hang 'em up. If he wants back in, he'll have to reinvent himself in a major way and this is the only way he could do that without going even further down the ballot. The only other “best-case†scenario would be a well-funded congressional run in a reliable district, but again he would likely have big trouble getting out of any Republican primary. Alex Sink on the ticket as Lt. Governor could appease the party faithful and give Dems their only viable chance at reclaiming Tallahassee. If Crist managed to win eight more years, he'd have a Lawton Chiles like legacy and is young enough that a White House run could still be in the cards. Think its crazy? Remember, in politics anything can and usually does happen.
http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2011/06/09/state_government/charlie_crist_vs._rick_scott_in_2014/
Can I get an Alex Sink.
As much as I love Alex Sink, I do not think that she had the fire in the belly to win another race for governor. Buyer's remorse aside, Florida voters have short memories and won't vote for someone simply because that candidate feels entitled.
Alex Sink reminds me of the Senate race in Massachusetts in which the Democrat expected to coast into office but ended up being too tepid to win.
Yes, we can say that Alex Sink was overwhelmed by money, but she failed by making some unforced errors. Some were as simple as the cell phone during the debate. Others were as unexplainable - like keeping Rod Smith in a basement during the campaign...
Agree with you completely, Jaxon. I tried to get Bob Graham's people excited about running, but no nibbles.
The Democrats don't have a deep bench for statewide office in Florida. Charlie Crist would be welcome to give it a shot (by this Democratic primary voter).
Wake up I ain't voting for none of them.. Both of them are the Devils and you people our stupid to get believing the same o bullshit these "politicians" been screaming for years and just taking your freedom and making it hard to live.. Vote another party and stop voting for the same shit, cause ain't shit gone get better until YOU the people says enough is enough.. I swear we got the most simple minded, slowest people in the world in this country. Brainwashed lil bastards SMH