It was a bad move by Fasano, et al, to ask Tom Gallagher to drop out. It looked like and was a bullying tactic. I believe it backfired for the Crist camp.
Several letters to the editor published in the Tampa Tribune today - in response to the article detailing the letters that Sen. Fasano , Rep.Kottkamp and 8 other Legislators sent to Gallagher, asking him to withdrawal from the Governor's race.
I don't think this was the reaction the Crist Campaign was expecting.
Published: Jul 22, 2006
Voters Deserve Choices
Regarding "Gallagher Is Asked To End Race" (Metro, July 14):
I am a registered Republican, and I was shocked and a little disgusted
after reading the article about Tom Gallagher being asked to withdraw
from the primary race. I don't know who I will vote for in the primary,
but I want to be able to vote. These legislators and Charlie Crist, who
was presumably behind these letters, have no right to assume the Florida voters will so easily give up their voice in this election.
If Crist wants the Republican nomination, he needs to earn it. He needs
to tell us why he deserves it. He needs to publicly tell us where he
stands. Why can't the voters see the two candidates debate? Gallagher
has offered to debate Crist numerous times, but Crist refuses. Why? The
public wants to see these two debate issues instead of mudslinging. The
public deserves to know what their candidates stand for.
(name)
Tampa
Best Interest Of Party?
After reading the article about Tom Gallagher being asked to withdraw
from the race for the Republican nomination for governor, I am trying to
understand why 10 of our legislators would do such a thing. They claim
to be looking out for the party to unite the GOP so they will have a
better chance in November, but how does this make the Florida Republican Party look?
I am a registered Republican, I vote in primaries and I was looking
forward to hearing information from both candidates and choosing the one I thought would best represent the Republican Party. But instead of
hearing the candidates debate the issues, this is what I am given.
Charlie Crist needs to give me a reason to vote for him by telling me
where he stands and not try to win this race without an election.
(name)
Lutz
Questions Conservatism
The letter by Charlie Crist's supporters asking Tom Gallagher to drop out of the race is proof-positive his campaign is scared. He is scared because he knows he stands against the majority of the Republican Party on overturning Roe vs. Wade, or when Gov. Bush and the conservatives in Florida fought for Terri Schiavo's life. In addition, Mr. Crist keeps running scared from Tom Gallagher's repeated efforts for a detailed debate schedule.
The attorney general needs to stop running and tell conservatives in Florida why he has stood against us on the issues we hold dearest to our hearts.
(name)
Clearwater Beach
Letter Was Act Of Fear
I find myself, as an undecided Republican, asking why these legislators
would seek to remove the choice from Florida voters. They claim in the
letter that they are concerned with the direction the Republican primary
campaign and how it will affect the party's chances come November. I
have to agree with them in their concern because this has been a
campaign of mudslinging without a focus on the issues. I am tired of
hearing claims that Crist is the best hope to succeed Jeb and Gallagher
is more conservative. I want to hear issues, and so far Crist has
refused to debate the issues with his opponent.
This letter from the 10 legislators is, in my opinion, an act of fear
and yet another refusal by Crist to take a stand and try to show the
people why he should be elected.
(name)