GOVERNOR:  CHARLIE CRIST

While Governor Crist’s record is far from perfect, he is running a strong progressive campaign and is far preferable to Rick Scott. As Governor, Crist’s progressive agenda will achieve general balance and moderation relative to the extreme ideological agenda pushed by the Florida Legislature. This state has not elected a Democrat for its top office since 1994, and has seen the Republicans control the Governorship and both chambers of the legislature with at least 7o House members and 25 Senators since. We have witnessed an era of one-party domination over a purple state and as a result, Florida which was in the 1970’s the envy of the sunbelt, has become a national joke, a common punch-line for comedians.

The national mocking of Florida began with the stolen 2000 Presidential Election. It has only intensified as Republican policies and ideological games dictated state policy decisions. Events like the Terry Schiavo situation and the Trayvon Martin case simply intensified the embarrassment caused by an arrogant majority.

Ironically, the Republicans have attempted to use corruption against Crist in this election. But beginning with the stolen election of 2000, the GOP has time and again used the levers of power which they control in this state to effect the outcome and pick winners and losers at all levels of society. They have operated with arrogance and a sense of entitlement, not the humble nature required of those who have earned the public trust.

Florida’s Republicans have shielded corrupt officials and protected special interests. They have tried to make nearly impossible for the media to do its job. They have implemented and benefited from a culture of intimidation that has led to submission among their ranks.

Charlie Crist being a former Republicans, whose own brushes with the party’s elite has hardened him makes him the ideal Democratic standard-bearer. Unlike some former Democratic nominees who failed to take the fight to Florida’s arrogant and entitled Republican politicians Crist has fought tooth-in-nail during this campaign. He deserves to return to the Governor’s Mansion.

ATTORNEY GENERAL: GEORGE SHELDON

Former Deputy Attorney General George Sheldon’s long resume of public service stands in contrast to that of current A.G. Pam Bondi. Sheldon’s career has been one where he has advanced the interests of the people and progressive causes over the entrenched powers that be in this state. His work at the AG’s office where he led the Adam’s Mark racial discrimination lawsuit stands out from Bondi’s failure to use the office to properly protect the public. The unwillingness of the current Attorney General to challenge utility rate hikes or protect consumers aggressively enough are contrasted by Sheldon’s activism through the years.

Sheldon’s recent career stops at DCF, HHS and the St Thomas Law School simply add even more quality and depth of experience to his already impressive resume. He deserves to be elected.

DISCLOSURE: TFS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KARTIK KRISHNAIYER IS THE DEPUTY CAMPAIGN MANAGER FOR GEORGE SHELDON’S CAMPAIGN. HE HAS NOT COVERED THIS RACE FOR TFS BUT DID SIT ON THE EDITORIAL BOARD THAT VOTED FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION.

CFO: NO RECOMMENDATION

While we would like to see Jeff Atwater go, Democratic nominee William Rankin is too flawed to warrant an endorsement.

AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER : THAD HAMILTON

Former Department of Agriculture employee Thad Hamilton who also served on the Broward County Soil & Water Commission is the choice here. We recommend his election.