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Florida Republicans Unite Behind Governor Crist Amid Party Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Florida Republicans sought to present a unified front on Saturday, despite growing discontent with Governor Charlie Crist's U.S. Senate appointment and a party spending scandal. The governor addressed hundreds of party activists at the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center, emphasizing the importance of unity and a shared goal of defeating the Democrats. However, the event was dominated by conservative activists who wore Marco Rubio stickers and discussed Crist's potential appointments to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Charlie Crist is facing growing discontent among Florida Republicans over his U.S. Senate appointment and party spending scandal.
  • Crist has been aggressively reaching out to local GOP officials to get their feedback on replacing Martinez, with a short list of possible candidates including U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, former Attorney General and Secretary of State Jim Smith, and state Sen. Dan Webster.
  • Activists are pressuring Crist to appoint a conservative who opposes the federal economic stimulus plan, climate change legislation, health care reform, abortion, and same-sex marriage.
  • The party is facing a scandal involving former state House Speaker Ray Sansom, who spent over $170,000 on his state party credit card on items such as flowers, electronics, and clothing.
  • Party chairman Jim Greer dismissed critics who said the party was hiding improper spending on party credit cards, but the controversy has led to calls for greater transparency and a resolution urging Crist to appoint a conservative.
  • Republicans are pushing to hold more local party "straw polls" on the Senate race to boost Rubio's name recognition and embarrass Crist, the front-runner.

Statistics:

  • Over $170,000 was spent by former state House Speaker Ray Sansom on his state party credit card.
  • The party chairman's American Express card was cut up in front of the crowd, with only the party's chief financial officer allocated a credit card.
  • 7 names are mentioned on the short list for Crist's potential appointment to replace Martinez: U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, former Attorney General and Secretary of State Jim Smith, state Sen. Dan Webster, state Rep. Jennifer Carroll, former Jacksonville Mayor and University of North Florida president John Delaney, former U.S. Attorney Roberto Martinez of Miami, and George LeMieux, Crist's former chief of staff and campaign manager.

Sources:

  • Orlando Sentinel; A1; Saturday, August 25.
  • Times/Herald Staff Writers.
  • CAPTION(S): PHOTO - Associated Press: Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer cuts up his party-issued American Express card before state Republicans at a meeting Saturday in Orlando.

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