- Photo by Chip Weiner
- Crist at today's announcement.
Charlie Crist, who formally announced his bid for governor today, may be the nation’s first hybrid candidate.
The former GOP governor is making a second run for office, but this time as a Democrat.
Sounding Republican themes, Crist pledged to cut taxes and focus on the economy. But he echoed Democratic platforms when he emphasized the need for fuel efficiency and renewable energy.
Speaking at Albert Whitted Park on St. Petersburg’s waterfront, Crist also seemed to be defining himself as a moderate, as he lashed out at Republican Gov. Rick Scott for leading "from the fringes" and bullying those who disagree with him.
He emphasized his own willingness to work with both parties and build consensus, urging fellow Democrats to bring Republicans and independents into the fold, just as he has done with his own parents, who were in the audience Monday.
But Crist also declared: “I am running as a Democrat and proud to do it.”
Crist said that Scott thinks “anyone who disagrees with him is an enemy," adding that “It is principles that unite us. They are more compelling than the issues that divide us."
“It is not a sin to reach across the aisle," he said, "but your obligation.”
Crist warned the crowd that Scott is poised to bankroll a negative campaign and outspend him. He urged voters to go on social media and spread the message about his campaign.
His appeal seemed to resonate with the crowd, which included a mix of young and older voters.
Bobby Keo, 29, said he plans to vote for Crist because “It’s time for a change in Florida.” He was particularly interested in Crist’s ideas for improving education. Keo said that he also finds Crist very personable, and recalled seeing the former governor downtown and stopping to greet him.
“He was very approachable,” Keo said. “Before you ask him a question, he is asking you a question. He seems genuinely interested.”
Likewise, Chris Agee, who voted for Crist when he ran as a Republican for governor, said she will vote for him again as a Democrat. “He loves Florida, and he will take care of the state and its people,” said Agee, who is a St. Pete native.
Crist outlined his priorities as follows:
• Education. He wants to restore funding cuts that Scott made to the Bright Futures program. He also wants to create incentives for students to pursue graduate studies in specific fields, with the promise they will work in Florida after earning their degrees.
• Tax cuts. The candidate pledged to lower taxes for the middle class and small businesses. He attacked Scott for vetoing funding for the National Entrepreneurship Center, which assists small business owners.
• Infrastructure. Crist wants to modernize roads and ports, as well as invest in high-speed rail and mass transit. He would target the Space Coast for development, and make Port Canaveral a leading transportation hub.
• Renewable energy. He wants to harness solar and wind technology, as well as the “power of the Gulf.” He would make it easier for small energy companies to compete against the big utilities.
• Trade. Crist wants to open up trade in Latin America and other foreign markets by creating a Cabinet-level trade and development post. Crist wants to boost jobs by making Florida a “trade beacon.”
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2013.