Crist forced to skip weekend with McCain
UPDATE: Crist's office called the United Way of Broward County about 20 minutes ago to say he will make the event after all. Organizers were informed a week ago that he had a "scheduling conflict."
The United Way and other charity groups on Saturday are sponsoring the Governor's Bowl, a benefit for children and families in Broward County.
But what's a governor's bowl without the governor?
An e-mail being circulated among some financial backers says South Florida community and business leaders are "rather disgusted" with the governor, "who is ditching the event to be with McCain at yet another out of state campaign rally. ... Feel free to share with his staff as appropriate the level of discontent citizens are having over his absence from tending to Florida's needs."
The United Way of Broward County told the Buzz earlier today Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp was going to stand in for Crist. But when asked by the Buzz, Crist said he plans to attend.
He acknowledged he previously accepted an invitation from Sen. John McCain and his wife to socialize at their home in Sedona, Ariz.
"But as I say, if there's a United Way event that's really a governor's ball, I feel an obligation to stay." Sending Kottkamp is not an option, Crist said, because the United Way event is in his name.
Also said to be invited to the McCains' residence this weekend are South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and former HUD Secretary Jack Kemp and their wives.
-- Alex Leary and Steve Bousquet
From the writers of the St. Petersburg Times, The Buzz offers the latest news in Florida politics. This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the St. Petersburg Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.
"... South Florida community and business leaders are "rather disgusted" with the governor, "who is ditching the event to be with McCain at yet another out of state campaign rally..."
Welcome to our world, pal!
RECALL "THE PEOPLE"S MISTAKE"!
Love,
Florida
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 01:59 PM
So what's the damn story here?
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!
even jebba the fatt wasnt so classless!!
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Let's put this in context. Fact: The governor works tirelessly to raise funds for charity groups throughout the state. And by lending his name to the events, the fundraisers are very successful. A recent example were the successful fundraising lunches for the United Negro College Fund.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Once again the press dictates Charlie's decision.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 02:38 PM
looks like Charlie got his balls caught in a pincher.
And of course, he went outside, stuck his index finger in the air, saw which way the wind was blowing and made his decision.
Had it not been for the bad pub he would have been on a corporate jet to Sedona Arizona about now!
well cheer up Chuck, you can hang with all your friends down there in God's country where they love you so much!
will Frenchy be attending?
Posted by: terminator | February 28, 2008 at 02:51 PM
2:37 - let's hear a ballpark (sorry) figure for the amount of money he raised for the UNCF. $20k maybe...
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Just shave Kottkamp's mustache, paint him orange, and have him read some BS about how much he loves Florida.
For ultimate believability, insist that McCain has given you the 1,000 pound hand
Posted by: Olive Juice | February 28, 2008 at 02:53 PM
There is no story here. Cristi would rather hang out with McCain out of state. We all know that. Then the guy got caught and decided to stay. Big deal! The moral of the story is that Cristi belongs out of our state, so McCain please pick him to be your VP.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 02:57 PM
2:37
Please don't make it so obvious that you work in the governors communications office.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:04 PM
2:37
Please don't make it so obvious that you work in the governors communications office.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:04 PM
What a worthless Governor we have & I'm a Republican.
As a true GOP, John McCain will be smart to drop Gov Crist from his short list, not that he was really on it to begin with.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:11 PM
(posted after the update) BUSTED!!!!! got caught trying to sneek out to hang with McCain and Lindsay Grahmnesty - too funny
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:13 PM
RECALL "THE PEOPLE'S MISTAKE"
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Just goes to show what a little grassroots efforts will do to sway this governor...
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:53 PM
no grass root necessary with our Governor.
He goes whichever way the wind blows
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:56 PM
A cheese fart could sway this puppet.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Is there going to be that awkwardness at the United Way event? You know, like when you were younger and your parents made you hang out with their friends kid and you really didnt want to, but you had to. And the other kid knew that. You know what I mean?
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 03:59 PM
You know, Chuck does favor Mrs. McAmnesty a bit... maybe that's the love connection the NY Times was talking about.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I will not vote for a President who chooses as a running mate a person who knows not where his office is, and pimps $240 as a job well done.
McAmnesty/McFraud ’08! … NOT!
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 04:29 PM
4:29 we already know you are not voting for McCain no matter what..we get it
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 04:32 PM
OBAMA USED COCAINE AND AT LEAST 1 OTHER DRUG.
He should be in prison not the White House.
No way I vote for this criminal.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Apparently, 4:35… you already voted for a criminal drug user… twice! The powered nose swizzle stick in the White House today!
… simp
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Gov. Crist has been a disaster on a variety of issues. Most recently suggesting the state use its reserves for recurring expenses.
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Who's going to be Gov. Marshmallow's date to the Ball?
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Yo Adam, where's a story about the poll showing Floridians don't want Charlie to go for VP and say he should complete his term. Is it a true story and who did the poll?
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 10:15 PM
The Bush crime family escapes all convictions for worse crimes -- then lie and try to cover them up.
Little Laura librarian kills with her car and gets not even a ticket. Marvin's maid killed in his driveway by car "rolls" uphill to crush her. Mrs. J.E.B. does no jail for hauling contraband back from foreign visit. Even the lawbreaking kids get silver spoon "justice."
Senator Obama wrote about dabbling in drinking and drugs AS A TEEN. At least he didn't claim he didn't inhale. Honesty goes a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way.
Let he who is without sin run for office?
Posted by: | February 28, 2008 at 10:47 PM
No proof GW Bush committed any crime, while Barrack Obama admitted to snorting coke & using weed.
Snorting & possessing cocaine a felony?
He did it as an adult too.
I can just see huge billboards on interstate 4 by 527's swiftboating him:
"DO WE REALLY WANT AN ADMITTED COCAINE DRUG USER IN THE WHITE HOUSE?"
JUST SAY NO TO BARRACK OBAMA!
brought to you by Parents United Against Drugs
(527 PAC-not related to McCain)
Posted by: | February 29, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Get rid of Fla. State Senator Charlie Justice he sponserd the bill so homo charlie can run for VP and Justice can run for congress and they do not have to resign while they get paid by the state to run for Federal Office. Pure dirt bags.
Posted by: | February 29, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Olive Juice - your post makes no sense. Are you jealous of the LG?
Posted by: | February 29, 2008 at 08:31 AM
8:31 A.M. - As awkward as I feel reading the posts of the truly stupid, I feel more out of character explaining the obvious.
As to your question: Yes, I am jealous of anyone who can pull off the John Edwards with a Burt Reynolds 'stache look. Some people just have the devil's own luck.
Posted by: Olive Juice | February 29, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Let's get rid of State Senator Charlie Justice.
I agree, his idiotic bill for self-interest is allowing Gov Crist to play hookie on FL taxpayer's dime.
vote out Charlie Justice
Posted by: | February 29, 2008 at 03:11 PM