Charlie Crist: Profile In Leadership During Budget Session Edition

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board wonders why Crist has been "MIA during the special session" The answer to that is the best way for Crist to stay above the fray is by doing absolutely nothing. Crist needs an extension to submit his budget request.

What exactly has Crist doing as Governor? The budget is cut to the bone. Why can't Crist make the Feb 20th budget request deadline?

Crist's web site does not have a press release for 2009. The Governor hasn't being using his office to promote his legislative agenda. The only noise made by Crist is protecting the teacher certification program. The TCP guarantees a ten percent pay increase for teachers, if they receive a master certification. The legislature cut the TCP by $11 million. Crist threatens to use a line-item veto.

Crist said he thinks he can veto the cut without having to find extra money to make up for it because the Legislature's budget-cutting package includes a cushion of about $300 million, intended to cover the gap if future tax collections are lower than projected.

Asked how far into that $300 million he'd be willing to go by vetoing spending cuts, he said, "Not too far. I think it was prudent for them to do that."

Crist has not delivered on his promises to the teachers' union. There is no reason to believe Crist will protect the TCP.