Crist says he hasn't changed even though his party has

[Freddie Stubbs]

TAMPA - Is he Chain-Gang Charlie? Or is he the moderate populist who refused to go along with the Republican Party's sharp right turn?

On one hand, Gov. Charlie Crist proudly proclaims himself a "a pro-life, pro-gun, anti-tax conservative." On the other, he halts a restrictive anti-abortion bill, vetoes a merit pay bill hated by public school teachers, and rails against partisanship.

Critics say Crist sets his sails to whatever political wind is blowing. Crist says he's trying to be independent of party bondage and do what's right for his constituents.

"I really haven't changed," he told the Tribune recently when asked about leaving the GOP and changing positions on issues.

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