We take it with a talented and seasoned co-writer in Ellis Henican he came up with something better than “despite manipulating and controlling the RPOF, Marco Rubio came from nowhere and was going to deny me the GOP Senate nomination I was owed by the party.” Story for the Tampa Bay Times is here.
Zest of the Day: Charlie Crist memoir to explain why he left the GOP
Florida History Podcast
The Florida Squeeze 
It would really anger Republicans if Crist wins. That is something I would not mind seeing. Crist is no different than Lincoln Chafee, Arlen Spector and others who left the Republicans. It is up to Crist to convince Dems to nominate him. I get the distrust by my progressive friends. I believe, however, that Dems should be open minded about Crist if we are to remain a big tent party and become a force in Florida politics again. 2014 is SO critical. If we win the gubernatorial election it will be so much easier to raise money for the FDP and help make Florida blue in 2016. I am tired of losing. Whoever wins the D nomination I will support. I just want to win for once!!
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Crist was much much more conservative as a Republican than Link Chafee ever was. Spector more liberal than Crist also but a better example since he switched simply because he had no chance of beating Toomey in a primary. Go look at Chafee’s record from the time he replaced his dad in 1999 to 2006. His scores from ADA were between 50 and 75, ACU ratings between 15 and 30. In other words, he was even as a Republican very left of center. Crist on the other hand has been all over the place. Never consistent on most issues, but personable and accessible to other side which does count for something.
You can say you are tired of losing, but we’ve been losing running self described moderates. Off-year elections are turnout wars. Independents who vote are split between left and right. I don’t see the point in winning if the winner does not govern with a moral compass and advocate policies I care about,. The Democrats are not a sports team I want to see “win” rather than “lose.” I am a Democrat because I care about issues such as the environment, public education and women’s reproductive rights. Winning for the simply the sake of winning isn’t the be all and end all for me and other activists.
I do think Crist has a shot if he plays liberal populist which he can. Go after insurance, talk about the environment, talk about creating jobs though his own record of that as a Republican was poor. Alex Sink on the other hand will have a harder time rallying the base, and motivating people on the left to turn out. Still I am told she has become more humble since 2010, but based on her public statements then, Crist could be stronger with the base and those we need to turn out. Crist could be a disaster but also has greater potential upside.
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I really appreciate that you want someone with a moral compass but we also desperately need money to continue rebuilding the FDP infrastructure. We need resources. Those things do not gravitate towards losers. Bill McBride, Janet Reno, Buddy McKay were all pretty much destined to lose. Bush was popular for whatever reason. Charlie ran on Jeb’s record and won. Sink could have won but……..
We need names in high offices that bring dollars. Period. End of story.
Money follows winners in politics. With resources that come from winning the FDP can field candidates in county/city comissions, mayoral races, and even school boards. Granted these are often non-partisan but there is partisanship in all politics. With money we can fund more legislative and Congressional races. Out of this we can build a party with the candidates we want. It is up to Nan Rich and possibly Charlie Crist to win my vote. I will vote for whomever I think can beat Rick Scott. Rich does not get my vote simply because she is a life -long Dem. I am a life-long Dem also but I could not beat Rick Scott.
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Winning may not be everything for activists but as an educator I am tired of the RPOF beating up on teachers. Gaetz, Thrasher, Bush, Haridopolos, Cannon, and all the rest hate us. The final straw was SB 736. It is a debacle. The Republicans shoved that down our throats and I am extremely angry. I want nothing more than total revenge. Charlie vetoed SB 6 in 2010 and that means something. It would be sweet watching Rs wallow as one of their own turns on them and wins. You cannot get your voice heard if you do not elect anyone. Let’s face it. You can be an activist all you want but what do you have to show for if you do not get someone in office who will listen? I know the Rs will not listen because they hate me for what I do. I would rather get some of my agenda accomplished than none at all.
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Floridian….you are full of it. Crist is far from Chafee or Spector. Crist is lucky his ass is not in jail. I wonder how many chapters he will committ to his prayer in school votes, anti-choice record, taking money from Greer and Sargeant or his push for Sarah Palin because he still thought McCain was going to give him something. I hope Sick runs and kicks both of these guys asses in the race.
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Broward, if only Sink had paid attention to your county she would likely be governor. Yes Chafee and Spector were already more liberal but the Rs have gone crazy-right-wing-extremist. Reagan would not win get elected by them today. The Tea Party is out of control so it is no wonder that any R would switch parties.
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I detested Crist and will not support him for the nomination unless Sink is his only opponent. Sink has no business running again. She is a horrible candidate who attacked Obama and at least Crist helped Obama.
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I’m tired of hearing about what a great candidate Crist is. He still has not made a commitment to run. What happens if he decides not to run and we have wasted the whole of 2013 waiting for him to decide. We lose!! Lets start coming up with names for the other statewide cabinet positions. At least we can be assured they will be democrats.
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I am dubious about Crist but agree he’d be preferable to Sink.
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Crist will win! Others will lose! Do you want to win or remain terminal LOSERS???
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Crist’s negatives aren’t that high compared to Sink honestly. She has no charisma, no personality and does not connect with the base. Rich is also not very likable.
Politics is about likability and Crist has that z
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