FDP Press Release On Crist's Leadership

Eric Jotkoff, of the Florida Democratic Party, sent out this press release.

While they might agree to put ideology above the needs of Floridians during these hard economic times, it is striking how little political capital that Charlie Crist has with the legislature.

Despite the fact that Crist continues with his signature tone-deaf optimism and his out-of-touch attitude, it is clear that Crist has failed Florida when our state desperately needs real leadership.

As the first week of the current Special Session wraps up, perhaps the most interesting development has been the fact that even embattled Speaker Ray Sansom seems to have more credibility than Crist among Republican Legislators, despite Sansom's ethical and legal woes.

Crist's fake optimism is getting boring. In 2006, I wrote a post about Crist's lack of understanding about Florida's tax revenue. We are now seeing how Crist's lack of seriousness about economic issues is hurting Florida.

The Florida legislature shot down Crist's budget and Seminole gambling deal. The base views Crist as too moderate. Jeb Bush makes thinly-veiled shots at Crist for being for being "Democrat-lite." The voters may love Crist. The GOP views Crist with utter disdain.

Crist is still a popular Governor. Win or lose, Crist's 2010 Democratic challenger will attack Crist's economic policies. That will hurt the party more than Crist. The party in power will be blamed for the budget deficit, unemployment, economic downturn and cuts to schools and social services. In the mean time, Crist will tell voter the future is so bright.