GOP money pouring into Florida to defeat Democrat Jim Davis as governor

[seafan]

GOP intends to keep reins

By STEVE BOUSQUET, Times Staff Writer
September 18, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, pledged $1-million of the group's money Sunday to help Republican nominee Charlie Crist keep Florida under GOP control.
The $1-million in so-called soft money will be funneled to the Republican Party of Florida to help Crist, whose goal is to raise a record $30-million for the general election cycle against Democrat Jim Davis.

"This is the highest-priority state for us," said Romney, who appeared with Crist in Tallahassee. "We want to make sure that the conservative principles that Jeb Bush instituted here in Florida continue to be promulgated under a Republican governor."

After Florida, Romney said, the races for governor in Michigan and Iowa are the RGA's next-highest priorities.

snip

Crist will get another big surge of national Republican support on Thursday, when President Bush hosts a fundraiser for him in Orlando.
Crist said he has no reservations about standing side-by-side with a president whose popularity has slipped substantially because of the growing public opposition to the war in Iraq.

But his closeness to an unpopular president could undermine his efforts to win votes from independent swing voters in November.
"I'm not concerned with being linked with him at all," Crist said. "I'm proud of my president. I'm proud of the commander in chief."

snip

Cocksure, aren't they?

[Vickers]

1. "I'm proud of my president." Davis should make some billboards

with Crist's face and this quote in big letters.

Maybe a smaller photo of Idiot Boy trying to open that door in China (?).

[Parisle]

2. This Illustrates The Worst Campaign Finance Problem

---- Are democracy and electoral intent being served when money to influence a given STATE election can come from OUTSIDE that state? I don't even think the point is arguable.

---- For anything other than national voting, ie. the presidency, it should be illegal for party campaign funds to cross state boundaries. If voters in Florida can't get Katherine Harris elected, then she sure as hell shouldn't be getting GOP financial help from all over the country. How crooked can a system be? And the democrats have to address this issue once they get the legislative opportunity.

[ddeclue]

3. The moment Smith lost to Davis, it was over...

Davis is going to be crucified in attack ads by the Republicans and all their millions as "another liberal elitist Washington Congressman"...they couldn't have done that to Smith.

The Democrats made a very poor choice in Davis over Smith and will end up paying for it in November.

A Disappointed Florida Dem,
Doug D.

[seafan]

5. Sorry you feel that way. Does this mean you will not vote in November?

How is this any different from the GOP "crucifying" all Democratic candidates?

It isn't.


Money is all the GOP has. Certainly not ethics, morals, empathy, tolerance or a desire to build and maintain the foundation for the public good.

All we have is our vote. Hope everyone exercises it.

[ddeclue]

6. I will vote... that is all I will do for Davis...

It's different in that Smith was a candidate who could win. Davis doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell and picking him made it easy for the Republicans to get away with crucifixtion because we gave them the nails and the hammer this time.

I'm going to spend my money, time and energy on other candidates who have a chance to win in November, not Davis.

Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[flpoljunkie]

8. It's fortunate that Daryl Jones, his running mate, and former Jim Smith

supporter, does not share your view.

Jim Davis can win. He needs to hammer Charlie Crist and take St. Pete Times' columnist Adam Smith's suggestion for tagging Crist" "WHERE WAS CHARLIE?" In reading last paragraph, It looks like Jim has made a good start.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/06/Columns/For_battered_Davis__w.shtml

Crist has a thin record of substantive accomplishments and a thick record of ducking tough and complex issues and questions. A bumper sticker theme to take on Crist? “Where was Charlie?’’

Where was Crist’s leadership as insurances rates soared (as a Cabinet member he was one of three with direct oversight of Florida’s insurance regulators)? Where was the former education commissioner as Florida’s teacher shortage grew worse and worse?

Crist opposed phone companies raising rates dramatically in 2004, but stayed quiet when some legislators and consumers advocates fought to kill legislation that made the rate increases inevitable. The attorney general eventually said he opposed intervention in the Terri Schiavo case,but stayed quiet when the debate was raging.

He says he opposes expanded gambling in Florida, but has received loads of financial help from gaming interests and stayed on the sidelines in 2004 when opponents tried to defeat a ballot initiative that expanded gambling in Broward County.

“Charlie has taken a principled position on both sides of every major issue. And I think what people are looking for is a strong leader," Davis said. “When it comes to standing up to these insurance companies and showing some backbone. When it comes to being in the middle of a hurricane, Floridians want a strong leader. Charlie Crist is not strong."

[ddeclue]

10. first off you apparently know nothing about Florida politics

It' Jim DAVIS vs. ROD Smith.

You are conflating the two candidates names.

Crist is going to clean Davis' clock because Davis' can't put two words together without a teleprompter and a flashlight. Davis lacks the speaking skills and charisma of BOTH Crist and Smith and can and will be painted as a "Washington liberal" in GOP attack ads - which couldn't have been done to Smith.

Daryl Jones is NOT going to impact the race because Democrats ALREADY HAVE the African American vote by >90%.

What Davis should have done was chosen Rod Smith for his Lt. Governor to unite the party and attract the northern, white, and male vote which we DO NOT HAVE in Florida.

My prediction: We will lose everywhere NORTH of I-4 in Florida. We will lose Orlando and Daytona along the I-4 as well. That means Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Daytona, Gainesville, Pensacola, and Orlando along with most of rural and northern Florida.

The only places we win are: Palm Beaches, Ft. Lauderdale, and Tampa. Miami is up for grabs depending on how the Cuban vote turns out.

Thanks,

Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[retread]

16. If disagreeing with you means I know nothing about Fla. politics so be it.

Your strategy sounds strangely similar. I heard it when "experts" on Florida politics urged me to support McBride over Jones or Reno. McBride followed it to a tee in his choice of running mates.

Democrats may get >90% of the African-American vote. 90% of a low turnout will not win this election.

Your prediction that Davis loses Tallahassee is flat wrong. The margin of his victory depends on the type of campaign he runs.

[ddeclue]

20. African American turnout will be low anyways.

Sorry but that's what's gonna happen and Davis is gonna lose.

Doug D.

[flpoljunkie]

17. Brain fart- I do know the difference! Nevertheless, "Where was Charlie?"

ought to be Jim Davis' rallying cry, and yes, he can beat Charlie Crist. Your post sounds an awful lot like sour grapes.

[seafan]

9. Did you see what the Orlando Sentinel wrote yesterday?

Trial lawyers, GOP bond more than usual this time

Kennedy & Garcia
September 17, 2006

Republican gubernatorial nominee Charlie Crist surprised a lot of people last week when he named state Rep. Jeff Kottkamp as his running mate.

Kottkamp is a trial lawyer, a usually reviled industry among Republicans, and a partner of the Orlando-based Morgan & Morgan law firm.

Sounds like old Charlie is going all *liberal* on us. Gotta love that GOP hypocrisy.

Why should folks vote for a Democratic wannabe when they can vote for the REAL THING, lol!


One day soon, we will take back our country and our language from these criminals.


Glad you will be voting for a positive change for this state in Jim Davis.

Thank you.

[ddeclue]

11. Actually, John Morgan is a big Democratic supporter.

I don't think Charlie is running to the left though - he doesn't have to. All he has to do is play it safe and spend a lot of money on attack ads and he will beat Jim Davis in November.

[tsuki]

13. I got a mailer from Crist asking for money. Sent him a note that

my insurance when up on my home to $4300.00 for $143,000. of insurance, a 201% increase. Now, if I put a lien on a property for non-payment, that lien is satisfied in one year without money being paid. My car insurance went up to repay the insurance companies. I have to either pay to go to the beach, or walk in the water up to my knees to keep from being arrested for trespass. They are using federal and state money blow sand on the beaches to "restore" the beaches of the rich gated communities while NOLA lies in ruin. And let's not forget gas prices. Naw, Crist is on his own. I'm voting Democratic only.

[seafan]

14. Insurance is in crisis here. Not a job for the "happy warrior."

We don't need a flimsy cardboard marionette with a designer tie, a coat of GOP sheen, and Jeb as his master.


Here's to counting the days until Florida goes blue again. This time it will be for keeps.

[tsuki]

15. I am spreading the word! nt

[seafan]

18. Florida is the canary in the coal mine for the rest of the country.

If we can clean up these suffocating GOP disasters here, we can do it anywhere.

(...there's a song in there somewhere, lol)

[Orangepeel]

21. sigh. I hate fighting primaries after they are over

but I guess some people just can't let it go. That's what makes me a disappointed dem.

For the record, there is absolutely no evidence that Smith would have been a better candidate than Davis. The most I saw was one poll by a republican firm (Sam Brownback was Strategic Vision's hallmark candidate), while every other poll, millions in sugar dollars, basic common sense, and a plurality of Florida's democratic voters said differently.

Do you *really* think that bush wouldn't have campaigned for Crist against Smith? That republican money wouldn't have poured in to attack Smith? Silly.

This is going to be a tough race and an uphill battle, but Davis is doing remarkably well so far. He'll do at least as well in South Florida than Smith would have, almost as well in North Florida (there is no reason that conservative northern voters would prefer Smith to Crist except the gay issue and if that's the case, they're just as likely to vote for Davis), and much better in Central Floria where Davis will hold his own but Smith would have been steamrolled.

[justinrr1]

24. Dont give up on Davis

Just because he is going to be outfunded and may not be the most fiery speaker that doesnt mean that we should give up on him. He would make a great governor and this is they type of candidate that we should "highlight" and try to help since he is at such a financial disadvantage and Florida is such an important state.

[seafan]

26. Welcome to DU, justinrr1! We're glad to have you.

Help us rid this beautiful state of this filthy corruption.

[Catchawave]

4. "...keep Florida under GOP control..."

That's another shiver down my spine and this "GOP" need for world domination ! Jeb's NOT that popular a gov, even my very Republican relatives down there think he's a tool.

[Skarbrowe]

7. It'll take the "fix" because I know Republicans voting Democrat..

I only know one Republican couple here in South Florida. But, they happened to be the parents of my best friend and roommate. They have both been life long Republicans and extremely politically active. The wife ran for Commissioner a few years ago. Point being, is that I was at their 57th Wedding Anniversary dinner Saturday night, and she told me every Republican that she knows including herself, and she knows a bunch, plan on voting Democratic on November 7th. They are sick to death of this federal administration and the state administration. She also voted for Kerry in 2004. It might not be enough to fight off whatever theft is in the making, but at least I know there is a large cluster of die hard Republicans in South Florida who will not be voting for Crist. As most people know, South Florida is heavily Democratic already, but every vote, uh, well every vote used to count.

I was torn between Davis and Smith because I didn't know as much as I should. Now I'm beginning to feel a bit upset that Smith lost.

[seafan]

12. Actual headline: "Voters gush over charming Charlie" (yeppers ...)

Voters gush over charming Charlie

By JOE FOLLICK
September 17. 2006

TALLAHASSEE - The secret to Charlie Crist's political success is as plain as the smile on his face.

http://imgsrv.gainesvillesun.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=GS&Date=20060917&Category=LOCAL&ArtNo=209170348&Ref=AR&Profile=1078&MaxW=300


Wherever he goes, well-wishers line up for his autograph and gush that they "love" Crist.

snip

Crist's encyclopedic memory of first names, gathered during years of statewide campaigning for four different seats, is legendary.

snip

"What Charlie's got going for him is that people like and trust him," said Mike Murphy, a GOP strategist who worked for Tom Gallagher...."Reagan had it. Charlie has it."

But, WAIT! What is THIS, buried later in the article....

Crist's affability makes a perfect contrast for his race against Democrat Jim Davis for the Nov. 7 election. Davis' serious demeanor better reflects the looming crisis of skyrocketing property taxes and insurance. //snip
The question for voters may be a classic choice between style and substance.
Few would consider Crist an intellectual infatuated with details of governing. During the primary campaign, he told one newspaper he didn't know the date of the FCAT tests - they're given in February or March - despite being a former education commissioner. He promised private school vouchers for everyone in the state, before his campaign manager quickly said that wasn't the case. He failed the Florida Bar twice before finally passing. And the state's most famous wonk - Gov. Jeb Bush - largely omits talk of policy when he touts Crist, instead praising his "hopeful optimism."

snip

"There's a perception because of this primary that he's a juggernaut," Beattie said of Crist's 64-34 percent win over Gallagher. Polls have shown Crist with a much narrower, single-digit lead over Davis in the past few months. "But I think voters are looking for results. If there's one thing that no one accuses Jim Davis of being it's all flash and no substance."
Asked how he would contrast his policies against Crist, who calls himself a "happy warrior," Davis said Friday that voters he talks with aren't so happy with GOP decisions in the state.
"We've been talking to people around the state who are not happy about their rising property taxes, about their homeowners insurance, about the quality of the education their children are receiving," Davis said. "We think this is what's important to working Floridians."

snip

Richard Scher, a University of Florida political science professor who has written a book about the state's governors, said Crist's populist tact is most reminiscent of Democrat Gov. Lawton Chiles and his famous 1970 walk across the state for a U.S. Senate campaign.
Scher said the public responds to Crist's "happy days are here again" message, leading him to think "there's actually something of FDR in Crist" with a positive message even as times seem stressful nationally.
"It's a powerful counterpoint to what's coming out of Washington," Scher said. "It's this almost childlike naivete, but it sounds so good and he has that warmth about him, people believe it."


Crist is not an innocent in the game of politics, however. He will get dirty in a campaign, most notably when he used a TV ad to draw attention to his Democratic opponent's old DUI arrest in his 2002 attorney general's campaign. And Crist plays the fear card in his stump speech like no other state politician with a chilling roll call of young girls abducted and killed in recent years, a reminder to voters that he's tough on crime and will lock up probation violators.
That's pretty much the extent of detailed policies in Crist's speeches. Unlike Jeb Bush, who was infatuated with "white papers" delineating each detail of reform, Crist offers warm milk pledges to improve education and lower property taxes with little explanation.

It may not matter. When Crist's speech ends with a clarion call for a bright future, passionately pleading for voter's hearts and their votes with a promise that he's "fighting for you," the crowd roars before they line up for a photo and hug. "Who would you rather have lunch with," asked Murphy. "You leave lunch with Charlie feeling good about Florida. Meeting with Davis is like meeting with your tax accountant and hearing, 'Maybe it's jail, maybe it's an audit.' "

Charlie, if we have anything to do with it, it's going to be both jail AND audits for your GOP.

Yeah, Charlie's the guy we'd all want to have a beer ...er.. LUNCH with....

And it's too bad Charlie's *legendary* memory for first names doesn't help us much when he "misremembers" FCAT guidelines, forgetting that he really did support Jeb's unconstitutional school vouchers, or when it came time to pass two state bar exams.

Just what we need is a self-described *happy-warrior*.


Charlie Crist is NOT FDR, Lawton Chiles, Reagan, but he IS trying to liberalize himself (but not too much... it might anger Jeb) ... why... he even tapped a TRIAL LAWYER (gasp) as his running mate.


This is all so very stale, people.

[seasat]

19. Who does Chameleon Charlie remind you of?

For me it isn't Reagan and certainly not Chiles. He has the ability to remember names, not very bright, speaks in talking points, running from the middle but expected to govern from the right, has promised both huge tax cuts and increased programs without a way to pay for either, and seems like a personable type of guy.

Let me give everyone a hint. The guy I'm thinking off is all hat while Chameleon Charlie is all suit.

Scary. Isn't it?

[seafan]

25. Snake oil salesmen and flim flam artists, the lot of them. n/t

[Imagevision]

22. They can't afford to lose their power, simple as that

[LaPera]

23. No, cocksuckers aren't they? All the arrogant republican vote stealer's!

[peekaloo]

27. It's funny that Crist is running to preserve Jebthro's edumacation

policies. Correct me if I'm wrong Floridians but hasn't the state slipped in the education department (graduates, SAT scores, etc.) during Gov. Pumpkinhead's rule?

[seafan]

29. Jeb's think tank's report: "Getting Farther Ahead By Staying Behind"

This is not a joke

Failure rates usually aren't something to brag about, but Florida recently drew praise for holding back third-graders who don't pass the FCAT.

The Hoover Institution's Koret Task Force said there were noticeable learning gains in students who were retained and retook the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test the following school year.

Gov. Jeb Bush was happy with the results of the study, titled "Getting Farther Ahead By Staying Behind."

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/COLUMNS18/209190314/1078/news

[Nimrod2005]

28. Important for the 2008 for them (or us) to have a Florida Gov. in place..

Dems should send cash fast...