Posted on 09/06/2006 6:52:14 PM PDT by summer
NEWS ANALYSIS
Democrats divided, Republicans united
The contest to replace Gov. Jeb Bush features a Republican who wants to preserve his legacy and a Democrat who wants to tear it down.
Charlie Crist coasted to victory. Jim Davis stumbled into it.
Crist, the Republican, and Davis, the Democrat, will meet each other in the Nov. 7 general election, but they begin the race to be Florida's next governor in vastly different shape.
Davis, a congressman who blasts the way business is done in Florida's capital, arrives at the general-election race battered and broke, still shaken by the pounding he took from rival Rod Smith, the Alachua state senator who blasted him for opposing state compensation for two black men who were wrongfully convicted four decades ago. Davis' first tasks: repair the wounds of his divided party and make peace with crucial black voters...
Crist enters the contest with more money in his pocket and a sound-bite friendly message perfected by his mentor, former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack. Crist offers optimism and hope, promising to continue the programs of popular Gov. Jeb Bush while portraying himself as a populist leader.
''We know that when government stays within its proper bounds, the opportunities to our citizens truly become boundless,'' Crist told a jubilant crowd of 700 supporters in St. Petersburg Tuesday night.
``Starting tonight, people will have a choice: Will Florida continue to prosper? Will Florida continue to be a national leader in education reform, continue to offer hope and promise to our people, or will we go back to the days that have failed us in the past?''
The matchup between Crist and Davis has been shaping up for months as both front-runners braced for the general election with a mainstream message aimed past their primary opponents and to Florida's key swing voters -- those with no party affiliation.
Those voters, and the party loyalists who picked the lineup for the general election, will set the direction for the next era in Florida politics -- life after Jeb...
As both campaigns gear up for the eight-week battle ahead, several factors are likely to influence the outcome:
• [Jeb] Bush: The governor stayed out of the primary but has promised to campaign vigorously for the Republican nominee.
Both Crist and Gallagher portrayed themselves as the keeper of his legacy, promising to continue his programs. Polls show that kind of promise plays well: A Miami Herald poll by Zogby International shows that while 83 percent of Republican voters believe Bush's policies should be continued, as many as 25 percent of Democrats also agree...
Both candidates have until noon Sept. 12 to pick a running mate, and both have remained mum on their prospects. Crist's short list is rumored to include House Speaker Allan Bense and Jacksonville state Rep. Jennifer Carroll, a former Navy lieutenant and African American.
Crist's homeys.
I think you're lying.
I'll wait for Adam Putnam to run for Governor. It will be awhile but the current crop is no good.
That reminds me of something Sammy Davis said one time (if you're old enough to remember him.......LOL)
He said that he was a black, a Jew, blind in one eye, and a dancer. He said that when he came outside, people yelled, "Get him, he's everything!"
I just had to respond to the title, because I have been telling people for years that the U.S. Forest Service would eventually be headed by a disabled black lesbian vet - because the PC liberals were hell bent to "stick it to the (white) man." (yes, I lost my job due to affirmative action)
Yes I remember Sammy Davis - loved watching the "roasts" in the 1970's- the rat pack had class IMHO
Oh, me, too! Now those were funny!
She has got to be a Republican she is a looker.
Dem's only run dog faced women.
But here's a lawsuit and probably a fine by the Judicial Qualifications Commission. One of Crist's friends ran for Judge but lost and that was great. Robert Michael defamed Jack Day. Jack Day sued Robert Michael right before the election for defaming him.
Robert Michael lost to Jack Day.
Robert Michael, endorsed by Crist lost because he cheated. We are starting to break up the judicial bad boys in Pinellas, one seat on the bench at a time.
I am pleased to announce that The Sixth Circuit has at least one honest judge now, Jack Day.
I hope I live long enough to examine his qualifications. And I expect to have along life. Seriously, are you going to vote in the primary and, if so, for whom?
By the way, you don't have to answer, but where are you from in FL?
I'll tell you about where I'm from -- if you tell me where your nest is. Maybe we can agree on something!!
Impressive lady. I could vote for her.
According to her bio, the Miami Herald got something wrong in their article. She was not a Navy Lieutenant (equivalent to Army Captain). She retired as a Lieutenant Commander (Army Major). If the MSM can't get the little details straight, how can we trust them with the big stuff?
Jennifer carroll is a rock star.. she would be an awesome pick.
Crist? I thought he killed someone's daughter...?
"I hope he picks her and she agrees to be his running mate!"
Yes!
I met Jennifer Carroll at SRLC in 2002. She's articulate, intelligent and fiesty.
Her addition to the ticket would add enthusiasm to the effort to elect Crist.
floriduhvoter didn't have the guts to post her city on the list of Florida Freepers. She has listed: What media? listed for her city. She may be a fake Floridian.
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