Where Is Charlie Crist?

Charlie Crist bombed with the conservative establishment in Orange County, California. Florida's absentee Governor spoke at the Flag Day Dinner. The OC Republican establishment was at the event.

Then, again seeking to, uh, connect, with the O.C. Republican establishment, he managed to invoke one of the most reviled names in Orange County: "Your governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is doing a great job! … I love him!"

Thud. The groans in the room were audible … audible!!! Obviously, Crist's advance team had failed to tell him that conservatives see Arnold as a vapid, poll-driven sellout who faked 'em out good.

Why the hell is Crist even at a California county Republican dinner? Florida needs a Governor that will fix the state's budget, growth, property tax and education problems. Crist is more concerned about stumping for John McCain and getting face-time on national television.

It is obvious that Crist wants out of the Governor's mansion. Fixing Florida's problems would require tax increases and legislative battles. Neither option Crist has shown the courage. My guess is Crist would settle for a cabinet post. The poll driven Governor doesn't want to be placed in a situation that might

Bill Frist grinded the Senate to a halt because of his presidential ambitions. Voters should ask Crist to vow not to be John McCain's running-mate. That is the only way to make Crist govern. Floridians are catching on to Crist being MIA. Naples resident Rick Thomas wrote to the editors of the The Naple News:

Also interesting is Crist had the law changed recently to allow a Florida elected official to run for national office and keep his current state job — at the same time.

If Crist ends up being asked to run with McCain for vice president, it would only be fair that Crist step aside as governor and campaign for that spot and not hold the state of Florida hostage.

Things are going to be tough enough in Florida in 2008 without an absentee governor seeking higher office.

Florida already has an absentee Governor.