Why Isn't Crist Spending Stimulas Money

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released a graph of the economic growth of all 50 states. Florida ranks in the lowest tier for growth. Last month, Florida's unemployment was at 12.2 percent. The state's unemployment is higher than the national average of 9.5 percent. Which brings up an interesting question. Why is Congress telling Gov. Charlie Crist to spend stimulus money faster?

In a letter to Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the committee's chairman, Rep. James Oberstar, wrote that as of June 30, Florida had begun construction on highway projects totaling only 2 percent of the $1.346 billion set aside for it in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"I strongly urge you to refocus your efforts to implement the Recovery Act and use the available funds to create and sustain family-wage jobs," said Oberstar, who heads the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Crist was toying with the horrible idea of of private companies owning toll roads. Florida was considering privatizing roads to pay for new construction. The St. Petersburg Times editorial board pointed out the state could borrow money and run tolls cheaper than outsourcing to private contractors.

Florida is in an economic spiral and needs new roads. Crist crossed party lines to support the Recovery and Investment Act. Is Crist so focused on becoming Senator that he forgotten his role to as Governor?