On Monday, we asked the question whether Nan Rich should withdraw from the Governor’s Race? Our readers have spoken resoundingly by more than a two to one margin that she should not. The poll results shown below have deleted any second votes by readers and thus if you voted more than once from the same computer, your vote was only counted once. This was done in the hopes of being as accurate as possible. The results were surprising and while our sample is far from scientific it shows that a certain core of activist support remains firmly committed to seeing a Democratic Primary unfold.
Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist who has emerged as the Democratic establishment’s choice to win the nomination, I strongly believe will benefit from a primary should he be nominated. However, a contrary theme has been floated by many in the party establishment that primaries somehow benefit the other party. When Reubin Askew and Lawton Chiles unseated incumbent Republican Governors in 1970 and 1990 respectively, both ran in primaries against well funded opposition and won, carrying that momentum into the general election. The same can be said for Rick Scott’s victory in 2010 against Alex Sink who avoided a primary. Charlie Crist’s two most recent statewide wins came after bruising GOP primaries where much of the Tallahassee Republican establishment was lined up on the other side.
Whether you support Rich or Crist, I believe history teaches us a primary makes sense. Full poll results below.
The Florida Squeeze 
The difference between this race and the past ones which you cited is that Crist is not going to face a well-funded opponent in the primary.
I really don’t see how it matters either way if Senator Rich stays in or drops out. Crist is ignoring her, and it seems to be working. She isn’t gaining any traction (polls, endorsements, fundraising).
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…and the more he insults Nan and all women by ignoring her, the stronger is my support for her and disgust with his behavior toward her.
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What does Senator Rich’s gender have to do with this? Crist would be doing the same thing if he had a male opponent who had low state-wide name ID and couldn’t raise any money. Are you suggesting that Senator should receive some sort of special treatment because she is a woman?
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Wrong, Wrong and Wrong. That’s 3 strikes Kevin. You’re out.
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I’m confused. Does Nan Rich intend to run a campaign or not? Have not yet heard the words “Chain Gang”
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No, she is discussing human rights, education, health care, and other traditional positions of the Democratic Party.
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Although it appears that most of us believe Rich has integrity and shares our values regarding the issues…the question is party leadership and the disrespect of Rich for ignoring a debate or a meeting with Crist….this behavior sends the wrong message and creates even more division and distrust….it was a shock that Scott was elected initially, however, lets not see that happen a second time because of immature childish behavior. Crist isn’t owed anything, he needs to earn it….even if he APPEARS to be the lesser (Scott) of the two….
In the end, this is Florida and Scott was elected with all of his troubling baggage….
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What exactly has the party leadership done wrong? They are staying out of the race, as they should. It is Rich’s campaign which wants the party to try to force Crist to debate, something which would benefit her campaign.
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The party is NOT staying out of it. They are actively calling donors and putting pressure on local DEC leadership to tow the party line and only deal with Crist and to ignore Nan. Party staffers are all over social media trying to intimidate Nan supporters by calling us Republican operatives, questioning our principles and loyalty to Democratic values and the party. I for one am disgusted by this behavior and I am not alone.
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Not allowing the only declared top statewide candidate to speak, at your yearly event, is not “staying out of the primary”.
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I received an email from the Democratic Governor’s Association, praising Crist, with no mention of Sen. Rich – months b4 the primary. I replied to complain to them, but I later heard they had already given Crist’s campaign a large donation. As I understand, they are a private group and are not bound to remain neutral during a primary contest.
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I was blocked from the Lake County Democrats FB group after I posted there in support on Sen. Rich’ campaign for governor. Seemed like the administrator of the group favored Crist and did not want any mention of Sen. Rich in that supposed “Democrats” FB group.
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Either she gets out of the race or Rick Scott wins.
Which do you want?
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How about if you leave the Democratic Party or better yet leave our state.
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Senator Rich just picked up another national endorsement, this time from the National Women’s Political Caucus in DC. As the only candidate in the race who has consistently stood up for women’s rights and not changed her moral compass based on the way the wind is blowing, I am proud to be part of an organization that recognizes a candidate like Nan Rich.
For more information about the Florida Caucus, please visit http://www.nwpcfl.com.
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I think it’s a disaster to assume Crist will withstand all the pressure coming his way in the fall.
Still Nan Rich is a terrible candidate.
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Right,Wrong
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