Will Charlie Crist’s “Maverick” ways pay off for him in November?
MATEO ARIAS
Gov. Charlie Crist announced on April 30 that he is parting ways with the Republican Party and launching a campaign for independent candidacy. His sights are set on the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Republican Mel Martinez. This decision doesn’t come as a shock to many, myself included. It may transform him into a historical political figure if he succeeds. Nonetheless, it will be a compelling and challenging election.
President Barack Obama coined the slogan “Change we can believe in.” It comes as no surprise that politics is facing its own “reform”. Many already deride the notion of a politician running for office without party affiliation. In fact, no candidate has ever won a state office in Florida without one. However, according to recent polls, Crist’s approval rating is around 49%. As far as I’m concerned, I’m all for someone who doesn’t bend to the will of a party. Perhaps his flip-flop on the issue of gay marriage back in August of 2008 would have never happened.
In 2008, Crist was said to be on the short list for the Republican vice presidential nomination. What a difference two years can make! In October of that same year, he extended early voting hours, which was widely seen as helping the Democratic Party in elections. Later that year, he supported the economic stimulus package despite the complete lack of approval by Florida’s Congressional Republicans. Then, he appointed James E.C. Perry to the Florida Supreme Court who was widely seen as a liberal. Most recently, he vetoed a teacher merit pay bill in April resulting in angering his party further yet winning support from teachers and their unions.
House Majority Leader Adam Hasner said,” Charlie Crist left the Republican Party a long time ago- today he finally had the courage to make it official.”
Former Republican Party of Florida chair Jim Greer said, “Today Governor Charlie Crist made a difficult but understandable decision to run as an independent for the United States Senate. After facing political threats and intimidation by Republican leaders, Charlie Crist once again put the people of Florida first over partisan politics and the mean-spirited, vindictive demands of the current Florida GOP leadership.”
The election is November 2. The interim provides ample time for the candidates to bestow upon us Floridians their principles and offering their solutions or game plans for the local as well as national issues at hand. Florida voters will undoubtedly be supplied with three distinct politicians. Currently the frontrunners for nomination seem to be Former House Speaker Marco Rubio for Republicans and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek for the Democratic Party.
Crist certainly has his work cut out for him. The majority of politically minded individuals may simply just write off the possibility of his success in the upcoming elections. One thing is for certain. It will be an interesting campaign to follow. In the words of Gov. Charlie Crist himself, I say, “live and let live.” Political reform is something our country desperately needs.
Mateo Arias is a Behavioral Analyst, Life Coach and Neuromuscular Therapist currently residing in South Florida. He can be reached at Dmitryr@jumponmarkslist.com.
