GOP seethes over Charlie Crist's stimulus-plan support

[babylonsister]

GOP seethes over Charlie Crist's stimulus-plan support

Gov. Charlie Crist may be popular in Florida, but his unbridled support for the Democrats' stimulus package has Republicans seething.


BY ADAM C. SMITH
Herald/Times Tallassee Bureau


As Democrats lavish praise on Florida's Republican governor for enthusiastically supporting their economic stimulus package, Republicans are questioning whether Crist damaged his future.

''I don't think he's helped any national Republican ambitions he may have by stepping up to the plate and batting for the other team. . . . There's a difference between working in a bipartisan way for the common good and switching sides and putting on the other team's jersey,'' said veteran Republican consultant Alex Castellanos. ``At the one moment when we've finally found our voice and remember who we are as Republicans, Charlie Crist forgets. It's stunning.''

Crist's full-throated support evoked a rare rebuke from one of his closest political allies, Florida Sen. Mel Martinez, who said on the Senate floor that Crist doesn't get it.

''I don't know that my governor understands all the details in this package -- that there will be nothing here to help with Florida's housing economy,'' Martinez said, noting the package is light on stemming the tide of foreclosures.

Crist acknowledged that he hasn't seen all the details but said Florida needs federal help, period.

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http://www.miamiherald.com/486/story/901859.html

[Renew Deal]

1. Florida will get approx. $6.6 Billion in benefits

http://dpc.senate.gov/docs/fs-111-1-14-states/fl.pdf

I really hope these republicans turn back the money. Then they can explain to their voters why they didn't accept it.

[Mz Pip]

2. Attention GOP Governors

who are so opposed to Obama and the Stimulus package. Please decline to have your state receive any of this money. Don't just talk the talk. Walk the walk.

[Frances]

3. Crist will be much more likely to be elected Senator

if he runs for that office because of his support of the stimulus.

The GOP can howl all it wants, but Crist is the best GOP politician in Florida.

That makes me sad because I would prefer that a Dem replace the Repub Martinez.

[SoFlaJet]

7. I vowed in 2000

to NEVER vote for a republican again-as long as I live. With that having been said, I have to tell you all that as a Floridian Crist is a good guv-he does what is best for the people he governs and not what is best for the GOP. If he does run for Martinez' seat he will win and he will be a good legislator who WILL be the repubs worst nightmare; a man of principle who WILL cross party lines.

[babylonsister]

8. As has been mentioned, Crist also tried to alleviate long lines

during early voting for president last year. I don't recall anyone else attempting to help people vote, but do recall people who refused to do anything (GA comes to mind). So that's another plus in my book.

[firedupdem]

4. Good on Charlie Crist! He's on the front line and his state needs

that money. Their anger only shows that they are against the stimulus purely for political reasons. Freaking jerks!

[Thrill]

5. Because he's putting his people before politics

How about that?

[TwilightGardener]

6. Guys like Crist and Schwarzenegger know that political talk is cheap. They need money--now.