Crist Address Defends Stimulus Stance
FL Gov. Charlie Crist (R) used his final State of the State address last night to push a pragmatic approach to FL's problems rather than an ideological path, defending his embrace of federal stimulus legislation against criticism that has hurt him in the polls.
Crist's address, geared at times more toward voters who will pass judgment in a GOP primary in Aug., laid out his agenda for the state's legislative session, which kicked off yesterday.
"A few governors may have rather loudly condemned the stimulus money, but that did not stop them from quietly accepting it," Crist said in defending himself. "Given our budget shortfalls, and given that Floridians were paying for part of the stimulus package, doesn't it make sense to spend our energies maximizing the benefit of that package? Isn't it our duty to advocate for Florida to receive its fair share? Isn't that more helpful to Floridians than engaging in hollow ideological posturing that achieves nothing?"
Crist has come under near constant attack from ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) for his support of stimulus legislation. Last year, Crist appeared with Pres. Obama at a rally in Ft. Myers in support of the bill; this year, on the anniversary of that appearance, Rubio held his own event opposing the stimulus at the same venue. Rubio's camp raised $860K in the 10 days leading up to the anniversary.
While Rubio attacks Crist for perceived moderation, Crist opened the annual legislative session by pushing for pragmatism over ideology -- a stand that could appeal to moderate voters but isn't likely to win hinm many friends among conservatives.
"During these very difficult economic times, we do a disservice to the people who elected us -- the people who are counting on us -- to elevate ideology over problem-solving. We are here to guide our ship through a storm. We are here to lead this state to that fairer shore," Crist said. "While there is great virtue in being true to your principles, conviction must be tempered with practicality and pragmatism. Taken to an extreme, conviction becomes inflexible, even destructive."
Crist cast himself as a small-government conservative in favor of cutting taxes, but his top priority for the session could cause him more headaches with those on the right. He has proposed a gaming compact with the Seminole Indian tribe, a priority he has said would provide billions for education funding. Though some conservatives oppose the compact, Crist said the state "desperately" needs the money.
It's an issue on which Crist and Rubio clashed while Rubio was in office. Rubio has accused Crist of going back on a campaign promise to oppose a gambling expansion in the Sunshine State.
Crist will also push to cut the corporate tax rate by 1%, institute a back-to-school sales tax holiday and delay an increase in unemployment compensation taxes. He will push tax-credit scholarships and for some education reforms, as well as stricter standards for the state Public Service Commission.
Is Crist laying the groundwork for an independent bid?
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Crist, there is nothing you can do or say,people will vote for Marco Rubio to show Washington, Unions, and the Media that they don't want the left policies on them!
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