Charlie Crist became the 44th Governor of Florida in 2006, and should he decide to run, polls show he could also become the 46th Governor of Florida as well, but this time as a Democrat instead of a Republican.
A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University shows Crist holds a lead among registered voters in Florida’s over current Gov. Rick Scott by 50-34 percent. The fact that Crist has changed party affiliation doesn’t seem to hurt his chances, as polls show 50 percent of Florida's voters see the switch as a positive move.
Crist, elected as a Republican Governor in 2006, decided not to seek re-election and ran for the senate seat vacated by Mel Martinez. Crist fell from grace in the Republican Party, however, because he voiced opposition to the direction the party was heading. Subsequently, he lost in the primary to Marco Rubio who had strong Tea Party support.
After his loss to Rubio, Crist ran for the Senate as an Independent candidate, but lost in that bid too. At that point, most thought Crist was done in politics.
Last year Crist endorsed and traveled with the Obama campaign. After Obama won re-election in November, Crist switched parties in December and officially became a Democrat.
Crist has not confirmed he is a candidate, but in an interview with CBS in Miami earlier this month he said he considering a run. “Well, I’m thinking about it, there’s no question about that,” he said.
Comments