Florida Attorney General to Enter Race for Governor, Sources Say

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBZJXS1I8E.html

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The state attorney general plans to file paperwork this week to seek the Republican nomination for Florida governor, sources close to the attorney general said Sunday.

Charlie Crist, 48, would become the first Republican to announce formally his intention to replace Gov. Jeb Bush, who is limited to two terms.

Three sources close to Crist confirmed the decision on condition of anonymity. They said Crist planned to make a public announcement by midweek.

Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, 61, is also expected to enter the GOP race, and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings may as well.

[PartyPooper]

1. Is there a decent Democratic challenger in the wings?

I hope so!

[sasquatch]

2. Doesn't matter, they've already got it rigged in Florida

[seasat]

3. We've got a couple

Jim Davis US Rep Tampa and Tom Maddox former Tallahassee mayor and head of the FL Democratic Party will both run for the Dem nomination. They both should give any Repug a run for their money.

Crist has been surprisingly moderate for a Repug but Mel Martinez was also regarded as a moderate and we see where how his positions shifted when he ran for Senate. Crist,IMHO, is a chameleon that changes his views with what appeals best to voters at the time. I don't trust him. He went from being known as "Chain Gang Charley" when he was in the state leg due to his tough proposals on crime to a moderate consumer advocate when ag. I imagine, he'll shift to more right wing in his Governor run.

[MaineDem]

8. Maddox may be the former head of the FL Dems

I think he was replaced this past weekend.

[soup]

9. yep. Karen Thurman

Ex-congresswoman to head Florida Democratic Party


Associated Press

Last update: May 08, 2005

ORLANDO -- Inheriting an organization short on victories and money, former U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman was elected Saturday as chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party.

Florida Democratic Party: http://www.fladems.com/

KAREN THURMAN

NAME -- Karen Thurman

AGE-BIRTHDATE -- 54; Jan. 12, 1951.

RESIDENCE -- Dunnellon

EDUCATION -- Bachelor's degree, education, University of Florida, 1973.

EXPERIENCE -- Middle school math teacher, 1973-1982; Dunnellon City Councilwoman, 1974-1982; Mayor of Dunnellon, 1979-1981; Florida State Senate, 1983-1993; U.S. Rep., 1993-2003.

FAMILY -- Husband, John Thurman; Two adult daughters.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Politics/Florida/03PoliticsPOLFL050805.htm

[flvegan]

11. Sen. Rod Smith is also in the running.

Don't know much about him, but he's got a site: www.rodsmith2006.com

[Bluebear]

4. Don't tell me. He pronounces it "Christ".

;)

[Kosmos Mariner]

5. Crist might have some "closet" issues....

It has been long rumored that Crist is gay. I don't normally advocate outing people, but I am sick of closeted GOP gays who use their power to discriminate against others. They are hypocrites. I say we should aggressively confront him with it every step of the way during the election. My money is on Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa. He is a moderate in the spirit of Bob Graham, who is still very popular here. Almost anyone will be better than Jeb.


:dem:

[Skarbrowe]

6. Yep. Charlie Crist was pushing that "right to shoot defense" down here.

I forgot it's exact terminology. That big deal about Floridians being able to use deadly force if they thought they were in danger. All the big name police chiefs said that people were already able to claim self defense and this law was not only not needed but could be dangerous.

This was Charlie Crist throwing his hat in the ring for Governor. Some talking head guy even called him on it.

I agree about the fix being in down here in Florida. I hope I'm wrong, but Bill Nelson is probably on his way out too.

[Coexist]

7. I'm hoping Bob Graham steps up

or Lawton Chiles returns from the grave and smites all those seedy-corporate-owned republicans that are ruining our state

[DoYouEverWonder]

10. Good ol' Chain Gang Charlie wants to be governor

Yeah, right.

Rod Smith from Alachua County is another DEM who has already announced. He pretty conservative for a DEM but basically a decent guy. He was the State Attorney around here and now he's our state senator. He's done a good job in both positions.