To chants of ‘Charlie, Charlie, Charlie,’ former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, now the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, hopped on to the small stage at the Painters & Allied Trades Union Hall in Orlando Thursday.
Crist, along with Sen. Nan Rich, whom he easily defeated in a Democratic primary two days ago, along with running mate, Annette Taddeo and several other Democrats – George Shelton, candidate for Attorney General; Sen. Bill Nelson; Chair – Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Florida Democratic Party Chair, Allison Tant; Minority Leader, Perry Thurston; State Senator Geraldine Thompson and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer – all came together in a show of unity, with the over-arching objective of defeating Gov. Rick Scott in November.
Acknowledging that “this kind of unity doesn’t happen in the Democratic Party,” Crist told supporters that “it’s a new day and that voters have a ‘Crist-al,‘ clear choice of coming together to do what’s right.”
The former governor said, the choice is between re-electing Scott who cut education funding by $1.3 billion to provide tax cuts for his “wealthy buddies,” opposes equal pay for women and who cuts back-room deals with big corporations.
“Or you can have a governor – and this is important – who understands that government is to be of the people, by the people and for the people,” he said.
Crist also reminded that Scott had turned down federal funding to the tune of $2.4 billion for High Speed Rail and refused to expand Medicaid to over 1 million low-income Floridians, thereby turning away over $50 billion in federal funds.
“I have always fought for the middle class,” said Crist. “It’s important to always put the people first. I always have and I always will. So will George [Sheldon] and the entire Democratic ticket.”
The former governor had high praise for Rich whom party leaders and candidates all described as a “classy lady.”
Rich, for her part, echoed Crist, observing that perhaps it was one of the earliest stages at which the Democratic Party is uniting after a primary election.
“Today we stand here united, we stand with the primary goal of making Rick Scott a one term governor and to get Florida back on the right track,” she said, to rousing and almost unending applause.
Like Crist, Rich said the November election would be a tough fight against Scott, who has a huge campaign war chest and is the sitting governor.
“Charlie Crist will need all the support that we can give him and he has mine,” Rich unequivocally declared. “… Fellow Democrats, let’s win this election from the top all the way down the ballot. The future of Florida is at stake.”
Taddeo, who also addressed supporters, said, she is excited to be a part of the ‘People’s Team,’ as the campaign is styled, and looked forward to making history as the first Latino Lt. Governor. Regrettably, after asking to be indulged, she spoke mostly in Spanish to the heavily Hispanic gathering.
“Voters can see there is only one party on their side and that’s the Democratic Party,” said Wasserman Schultz, highlighting the issues on which the party stood – an increase in the minimum wage, pay check fairness, access to quality health care, quality education, climate change and comprehensive immigration, among others.
Observing that at times she had worked against Crist when he was the Republican governor, Wasserman Schultz said, she was able to work across the isle with Charlie, “because in the end you could trust that he would do what was right for Florida.”
And, in a very direct appeal to Hispanics – no doubt taking African Americans and their vote for granted – Wasserman Schultz observed: “Florida needs a governor who has more to offer the Hispanic community than platitudes and pandering.”
Although Crist and other party leaders stressed the importance of turnout in November, perhaps Thurston put it best when he observed:
“We need a major turnout in November. We are going to turn this thing around… make sure your family and friends come out to vote. That’s how we win this election, by turn out.”
And, without a doubt, Crist will need every Black vote he can get to secure a win in November.
Why vote between 2 known liars? Florida, we are fortunate enough not to be stuck picking one liar or the other this time. We actually have an alternative. Take advantage of the opportunity. Adrian Wyllie deserves my vote. He is a honest average Floridian just as you and I , that is willing to stand up and do something for the interest of all of us here in Florida. The other candidates both Republican and Democrat are owned and controlled by special interest, like puppets and will lie to your face to gain your vote, then continue the same old agenda that we complain about year after year. Time to get off this merry-go-round, election after election, thinking it will be any different. Take a stand, vote for the candidate that loves this state and is willing to take time out of his life, effort and money to SERVE the people of Florida and stop voting for these ‘paid for’ career politicians that are only out for money and fame and have zero interest in us Floridians. Even if it’s just for honesty alone, vote for Adrian Wyllie instead of the other two (Scott/Crist) which are proven liars. The choice is yours and yours alone, if you want the same old corruption and slap in the face, go ahead and vote for one of the two puppets (Scott/Crist) OR do what is right for our (yours and your children’s) future and vote for Adrian Wyllie. Support him by donating to his campaign, spreading the word and contribute to the super brochure program which I think is very powerful. Visit his website today.
I agree. I have to hand it to West O News…they have been fighting to bring the story out about this party and doing a darn good job of it. I just may vote for the Independent guy or will write in Nan Rich.