Crist and the veepstakes derby

The name of Gov. Charlie Crist surfaces regularly in the punditry over who John McCain will choose as a running mate, and it's noteworthy who the pundits think Crist's main competitors are.

In a Washington Whispers column in U.S. News & World Report, Newt Gingrich says McCain will choose Crist or Mike Huckabee. "My hunch is that he will probably choose Charlie Crist," Gingrich said.

The Los Angeles Times lists Crist Saturday in a group of eight possible choices, calling him "popular in a crucial swing state (and) a rookie on the national scene." Some others on that list: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Mitt Romney.

Alfred Regnery of the American Spectator, writing an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, said McCain's selection of Crist "would send many conservatives over the edge."

On MSNBC, David Keating from the Club for Growth dissed Crist as "a really bad idea. He's come up with an awful solution for the insurance problems down there and he has really demagogued a lot of issues. So a lot of people would not be too happy to see Charlie Crist as a pick."

Comments

Anyway we could change the resign to run law after he is picked, but before he could give his answer, but after he couldn't back out?

Governor Kottkamp

'Alfred Regnery of the American Spectator, writing an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, said McCain's selection of Crist "would send many conservatives over the edge." '

o pleeze, o pleeze, o pleeze!!

do it, johnnie walnutz!!

Lets see; a ticket with a guy who graduated fifth from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy and a guy who otook 3 times to pass the Florida Bar Exam. Guess the problems facing our country do not require much thinking. A Vice President who has never owned a home, ever had a mortgage, never had children, never really worked in the private sector or made a payroll and was married for fifteen minutes combined with someone who has been in the government his entire life.

[Mike]

They are two similiar and I think McCain will go for someone like Huck that can pull in the conservative side. It is exciting to see all this talk around or governer.

Regardless of the choice, Crist has put Florida in a great position. If McCain wins and he picks someone else, Crist will certainly have his ear when Florida issues need to be addressed at the National level. If McCain picks Charlie and they win...the VP will be looking out for Florida issues. As for strategy...the only thing that really matters is winning...if picking Charlie helps win the key swing state of Florida then he has to be very strongly considered.

Sounds like that Keating guy knows a thing or two...

[Carbon Taxes are coming if these two get it.]

Carbon taxes, pro-choice on life but not education, more regulations, more nannystatism, more restrictions on political free speech. We will be just like Europe but without the Muslims.

This is so exciting! Where are all the losers who said that Crist would NEVER be VP? Looks to me like he really does have a chance! So, go sit in a corner crybabys and eat your sour grapes.

Charlie Crist will never be VP. McCain needs the conservative vote and if he appoints Crist, he brings absolutely nothing to the ticket with regard to conservative creds, not to mention that the gay issue will likely come up. It's not a risk McCain will be willing to take.

[Eric Stratton]

You are only incorrect 10:27. McCain needs to WIN. The Presidential race is a state-by-state electoral vote race. We already know where 45 states will vote..so the race is down to 5 key swing states...and Florida is the biggest of those states. For that reason alone...Charlie Crist will be in the running (not to mention the the endorsement by Crist set things in motion for McCain to win the nomination). People do not vote for the running-mate (Conservatives included)...unless the running mate happens to be from their home state. The idea of "balancing the ticket" from an ideology standpoint is just plain stupid.

[cynical idealist]

9:06 said, "Governor Kottkamp" leaving off any hint of grammatical purpose...

Try this on for size:
Governor Kottkamp?

[Johnny Cash]

I know of 27 reasons why you choose Charlie Crist.

Think of it this way - there are 538 total delegates. You need 270 to win the Presidency.

Florida brings 27. Pick Charlie Crist and you are 10% of the way to the promised land.

There is an oft expressed sentiment in presidential politics - that a democrat can theoretically win the White House without Florida, but a Republican really can't.

So ask yourself this - would the selection of Mark Sanford or Tim Pawlenty really jazz up the conservatives? Heck, even if you went with Congressman Pence himself, would 95% of the self-identified conservatives in America even know who the guy is?

Pat Toomey's other favorites: Steve Forbes? Right.... Guys never been elected to office. Phil Gramm? Love him, but he's been gone and in the private sector for a long, long time. Jim Demint? Hardly a household name even among the frenzied right.

He ain't picking Huckabee or Romney.

McCain moves to the right throught August, spends six months in Ohio, picks Charlie to lock down Florida and pretty much squares away a state by state electoral victory.

The Governor's PR guy Chairman Greer must have gotten the story written. Greer maybe turning the Republican Party in Florida into a group of moderates but the Conservatives nationwide would will not vote for McCain. Sorry Charlie

McCain Powell you heard it here first

Tom Lee for VP

[Dee]

McAmnesty & Crist is not going to happen. Charlie just sealed that deal when he backed out on pushing the Marriage Amendment.

The conservative base of the Republican Party represents the work that gets done for the party. Without them Bob Dole will look like he ran a winning race compared to what will happen to McAmnesty & Crist.

McCain will pick either Gov Huckabee, Gov Sanford, Senator DeMint perhaps Rep Hunter or otherwise he will not be the next President.

Moving to the right to win the General Election is idiotic....McCain will stay right in the center where the crucial Independent votes reside...and he will beat Hillary.

Incorrect Dee. None of the Senator can deliver a key swing state like Florida...this is not the 2004 election cycle....much of the country is very unhappy with the Republican party...if we keep playing out of the old playbook we most certainly will lose. And by the way...all of you folks who keep saying McCain has to pick a conservative ignore the fact that McCain is a conservative...look at the record and stop letting Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter think for you.

Why does McCain need conservatives? He's won so far without them. So they stay home on elex day---all the independents and a lot of Dems will still vote for McCain over either of the two Dems. Charlie would deliver Florida for sure---but I think the state would be better off if he stayed where he is. It's time for some of those ultra-right wingers to realize they really don't matter any more.

[Mike Mayo]

Whether justifiable or not, McCain has an uneasy relationship with the "right-wing" of his Party. Yet, while he is perceived as a moderate and a maverick, he has just about conquered all in the race for the GOP nomination. Nonetheless, the "right" can not be ignored. He needs a running mate that will help him secure the south and win-over evangelicals and others on the party's "right". That person is Gov. Huckabee. Huckabee is also likable, good on the stump and has an economic plan that appeals to small business owners (another important part of the GOP base). And remember, the Vice President is a breadth away from the most powerful office on earth. Crist, while an attractive alternative, is just not ready to perform at that level. While Crist is on McCain's short-list and will play a prominent role in helping deliver Florida to McCain, the running-mate will - in all likelihood - be Huckabee.

Doesnt matter, next presiddent is Hillary or Obama.

[Mike Mayo]

One final thought... There remains one Presidential candidate who can still motivate or energize the "conservative" base of the GOP. Her name is Clinton! Perhaps the best thing that can happen for the Republican Party to unify and rally around their nominee is for the Democrats to nominate Hillary...

15 million Dems voted in the primary to 9 million Repubs. CC may be on the ticket, but he won't be VP. The handwriting is on the wall.

10:27 - there is no gay issue. If there was, it would have already come out, as Gallagher overturned every stone, desperately seeking something...anything. Therefore, if you can honestly proclaim that Crist is gay, then it must be because you have had sex with him. Is that what you are saying???

[Omega83]

Chamber of Commerce wins the battle (repeal of joint and several liability)

Trial Lawyers win the war
(Governor Kottkamp)

I'm glad I left Florida

[john]

I really don't understand what people see in c.c. he hasn't done anything. IF he somehow became a vp selection. i'm glad it's an open election i won't be voting for a mccain.crist ticket.

not in a million years

McCain/Thompson

McCain/JEB

Clinton/Strickland
Obama / Nelson

Huckabee/Rubio

I like the idea of the first African American in the White House ... CONDI RICE for Vice President !!!

All of the Democrats who want a woman or an African American ... get them both!!! GO CONDI RICE !!!

[Ben Watchin]

Who's going to take Crist after they vette him and find out he disappears for couple days every 6 weeks or so and even the FDLE can't find him.I doubt it's with the most eligible single mom....
None of the candidates except Kucinich
can handle that ...the Gov is afterall
a D underneath it all.

Honey attracts more bees than vinegar. CC sucks up to everybody. He is the biggest suck up ever. He's all fluff and no substance; and the voters love it. The moral of the story is, if you're going to be substantive, you'd better be nice. People don't like mean people, no matter how smart and capable you are.

Ben Watchin....you are 100% stupid.

Omega...as someone who has been active in the Chamber for many years I can tell you that Kottkamp is well liked by the business community.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice -- credibility and respect lost.

Governor Kottkamp?

Who is Kottkamp?

Not literally who is he, but how many Floridians know who he is?

Huckabee is the real deal.

If Kottkamp becomes governor, it won't be in Florida.

[Dumas]

McCain's advance team should be hanging Friday nights at Ceviche's.
That will probably end this conversation.

6:09...so confident...so uninformed.

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...can't

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...stop

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...laughing!

...laughing! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

You shouldn't tickle yourself in public. Its embarrassing.

JEB!/Romney

I can't see Romney in a cameo part.

JEB!/Huckabee

Romney's ego has its own zip code.

6:07 and 6:09... It doesn't matter what you say. If Crist becomes VP, Kottkamp automatically becomes Governor. Learn about succession.

If KottKamp becomes Governor ,my bet is he picks as LG Greer or Rubio.

Thats the point, Crist will never be VP. Hence Kottkamp will not be Gov of Florida.

Kottkamp hates Rubio, and although Jeff and Greer like each other, if Crist goes to DC Crist will take Greer with him. Crist Needs Jimmy (AKA The Enforcer)to watch his back, but I Still say McCain picks Huchabee!

10:07 Rubio and Crist are friends...but you would only know that if you were on the "inside"....

[John]

You guys are hilarious. LET ME PUT THIS STRAIGHT ONCE & FOR ALL:

Gov Crist will not get the V.P. slot, absolutely no way.

It's looking more and more like it will be Mike Huckabee. Huckabee has pretty much swept the conservative south states. Without the conservative, there is no way John McCain will ever reach the White House.

Mike Huckabee is playing it smart by keeping his name in the media by continuing on. Low and behold, he is still actually winning state after states. McCain/Huckabee is the perfect combo.

If the dem nominee is Obama, McCain could pick the devil and still win. Obama has yet to win a primary where the vote is not nearly a majority african american. Last time I checked, everyone votes secret ballot in November.

If it's Hillary, McCain can pick anyone he wants and still have the ability to win.

Dear John:

Since McCain has far and away the most delegates, isn't it painfully obvious to you that John McCain is THE CANDIDATE OF THE MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS?

Because frankly, it IS obvious to those of us who are sufficiently in touch with reality to know that BUT FOR the "CONSERVATIVES" there would have been no need for a 2000 recount, we would have won REALLY big in 2004 and we would not have lost so badly in 2006.

In other words: BECAUSE of the "conservatives" people who would vote for good Republican government don't vote Republican. Others do but hold their noses.

NEED the "Conservatives"? - Good riddance! When McCain wins despite their squealing this nation WILL know a "rebirth of freedom"!

10:13...I don't know about Rubio and Crist...but Rubio and Kottkamp get along just fine.

Anyone notice that McCain has won all the blue state primaries where he won't win in November and Obama is winning all the red state primaries where he won't win. Romney and Huckabee have or will win all the red states or competitive states and Clinton is winning all the ones likley to go blue. Sure makes it hard to predict NOVEMBER.

By Huckabee staying in the race, he has made it impossible for him to be picked as VP. Look at the delegates. It is mathematically impossible for Huck to win. Therefore, all he is doing is making McCain spend his money in the primary that he could otherwise save for the general. McCain won't forget that.

I along with most FOX news people are now saying it is very likely he will pick Crist. We know how all states are going to go except for about 5 states. California is one of the 5, but Arnie can't be VP. Florida is also one... hence CC.

Charlie, how did you find time in all your campaign brownosing to post at 9:01?

The percentage of malcontents on this blog is amazing. 7 out of 10 people in Florida think Crist is doing a good job. Yet, many on this blog continue to slam him. Most people around the country, including the President of the United States, describe McCain as "conservative", yet many on this blog aruge that fakes like Romney are the "true" conservative. Most political experts, including Newt Gingrich, believe Charlie Crist is the most likely runningmate for McCain, yet many on this blog describe that as "improbable or even impossible". The fact is, Crist has had a remarkable run (and NO I am not on the staff) during his 13 months as Governor. He had a very successful four years as Attorney General, and a successful two years as Secretary of Education. To have a background as Governor, AG and Education Secretary makes him a tremendous running mate (not to mention his poll numbers, ability to raise money, campaign skills, and the fact that he comes from a large swing state). Will he be VP, maybe. Could he be VP...most certainly.

[Eric Stratton]

Huckabee will file for the U.S. Senate race by the March 10 deadline. He is extending his campaign to raise as much money as possible (which he will transfer to a Senate race account), and he is getting plenty of free media. Since most of the states left hand out delegates on a proportional basis...McCain could lose every primary to Huckabee and still win enough delegates to be the nominee. It is over...let's focus on Hillary.

[the tuban menance]

This past week the head of the Church of England proclaimed that, yes, Britain would have to learn to live with shari'a law, because after all, it would "help social cohesion." Just recently the Archbishop called for anti-blasphemy laws to punish "cruel and thoughtless" speech. He did not explain how shari'a ghettos in all its major cities would make Britain more cohesive. Nor did he come out to defend honor killings, death for practicing homosexuals, black tents for women to wear, and other oddities of the shari'a code, not to mention supporting jihadi suicide bombings for the sake of Allah.

The Bishop of Rochester, born in Pakistan but a Christian, is more honest. He recently said,

"There has been a worldwide resurgence of the ideology of Islamic extremism ... One of the results of this has been to further alienate the young from the nation in which they were growing up and also to turn already separate communities into ‘no-go' areas where adherence to this ideology has become a mark of acceptability."

November isn't hard to predict. McCain will win 40 states.

[terminator]

Charlie Crist for VP?

horrible for our country, great for the citizens of Florida!

9:57
Charlie, are you actually back in Tally working on the blogs?
And what exactly have you accomplished as Gov, AG and Ed Commish?

anyone Bueller, anyone?

Whenever I hear Crist's name mentioned on TV as a possible choice, most say he is too new at Governor, with not enough experience, and no name recognition. Well, he is working hard on that name recognition, but can't do anything about the experience.

Experience? State Senator, Ed Commish, AG and now Governor - pretty good resume I'd say, especially when you look at his record of promising and delivering.

Termite, you would have more credibility if your posts weren't so full of hate. If I had to guess, I would put your age at younger than 35. It seems that you have not gained the maturity and substance that comes with having a few years under your belt.

[terminator]

12:32
my posts aren't aimed out of hate but fact.
can anyone come on here and tell me what CC has really accomplished?
go ahead, I'll wait.
I've always said CC was a good campaigner not a good elected official.
People like the guy but most would be hard pressed to identify anything positive he's accomplished besides being a "nice guy".
I wonder how many GOP conservatives think he's done a good job?
Crist truly is the teflon man.

T- I wasn't necessarily talking about this particular post. You have posted many hateful comments about Crist personally and about Kottkamp personally. If you don't like someone's politics or you don't approve of the way they do their job, that is one thing. You can voice your concerns without making personal attacks. You have made many many comments about Crist's sexuality. Which, I don't know if he is gay or not. It is none of my business. And Kottkamp happens to be one of the nicest people I know. So, all I am saying is if you have a specific complaint about their performance, voice it in a reasonable and professional manner. People will take you much more seriously and will respect you and your opinion.

It always seems like the extreme "christian" right are the ones who make the meanest comments. So much for love your neighbor.

12:29
I should have been more clear. What is being said regarding experience is executive leadership.

[terminator]

12:54
I don't recall making too many negative comments about Kottkamp. I just said he wasn't well known and didn't have much pull in the legislature (nothing personal there).

As far as Charlie, yes I'm one of his biggest critics because I'm one of the few that really know what's going on.

A lot of the personal stuff was said leading up to the primary.

Many other bloggers say the same thing on a daily basis, I've just become the lightning rod.

I guess it boils down to honesty and integrity. Why doesn't CC want to fess up about his private life? Why won't he acknowledge the illegitimate daughter he alledgedly fathered? Why wouldn't he agree to a DNA test to clear the air? Why did he sign the adoption papers and was listed as the father on the birth certificate?

This is dredging up old stuff a lot of people don't care about but you have to ask what's this guy hiding?

Now, I keep asking what has he really accomplished as Ed Commish, AG and Gov so far?

No one will tell me. I think that speaks volumes.

Many are going to be amazed next year when they get their trim notices.

Charlie just hopes he'll be long gone by that time!

Ed Commissioner - implemented F-Cat, sharpening the pencil. AG - Jessica Lunsford Act, beefed up cyber crime laws to prevent child predators, civil rights, price gouging,plus lots of other pro consumer legislation. Governor - Anti-murder act, largest tax cut in FL history, he is tryng to get insurance reform (it is hard fighting special interests). Those are just a few things off the top of my head.

[Will]

termie,

despite your disdain for Crist, his approvals are at or above 60%, and his favorables are closer to 70%, while his unfavorables are only about 15%.

If he even remains CLOSE to that, barring any macaca moments (not likely), he will be governor thru 2014.

[terminator]

4:15
forgive me while I stop laughing.
FCAT was around years before Crist "implemented" it.
Sharpening the Pencil was already being done by OPPAGA years before CC thought that made for nice sound bite politics.
Ok, we'll give him Jessica Lunsford and anti-murder (as ridiculous as it sounds).
The other stuff was mostly fluffy one or two case type things to pander to a particular constituency for votes in the next election. No major reforms.
I hope it's not A1 you're calling the largest tax cut in history.
Interesting Crist, Pruitt and Geller promised this would be the first bite of the apple but now are saying there's no current plan to continue with more property tax cuts.

Will:
God help the state of Florida. Let's hope McCain wins and takes him off our hands.
Most Floridians aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. They don't call us Floriduh for nothing!

"Most Floridans [that go by the name terminator] aren't the sharpest tools in the shed."

But of course you would dismiss the facts Termie...that what you always do when they destroy your feeble arguments. And your rebuttal is not accurate.

I, along with just about every person I know, would rather vote for a democrat than put Charlie Crist anywhere near Washington. If McCain is actually dumb enough to pick him, he really didn't want to be President. Polls mean nothing to me. Yes, CC's 'popularity' in Florida is high. But not with those who have any brains. He is a democrat listed as a Republican anyway and hasn't done jack for this state. Insurance? Great Job. Tax REFORM???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA He's an idiot and the people of this state that know their left foot from their right foot ought to recall him from office. Experience does matter and he has nothing. An early fifties man that has never owned a home, isn't married, has no kids (well, none that we know of or that he'll admit to) has been governor for a year without having much to show for it. Yea, let's let him be next in line for running the country. I would hope that John McCain has better advisors than that.

[terminator]

8:20
you may not like what I have to say but I do know my stuff.
remember, I worked in Tally with Bush, Crist, Gallagher, Marco, Geller, etc. etc.
I know these guys and what they're about.
you seem to be more ideologically leaning.
go ahead and refute....debate is good.

McAmnesty: Please pick Crist. Get him out of our state! That would be the best way to repay the people of Florida for your primary victory.

McAmnesty will blow a nut by the middle of June, and everyone will see the REAL lil’ Johnny Napoleon… the whole country will run like hell in the other direction.

Let me by the first to congratulate you; President Obama and Vice President Clinton!

It will likely be McCain/Huckabee vs Clinton/(not Obama).

You heard it here first.

The more I think about it, if McCain were to pick Crist, it would solidify my support of McCain - as it would get rid of Chuckie...

I know, I know... McCain is old and what if something happens to him... but my response is, can you imagine Chuckie having to actually debate something with a Congress dominated by Dems? It would be worth the amusement factor alone.