Crist is engaged

ST. PETERSBURG - Florida’s most powerful bachelor is getting hitched.

Gov. Charlie Crist, single for nearly three decades, on Thursday became engaged to his girlfriend of nine months, Carole Rome.

"She’s special in every way. She’s brilliant, beautiful and sweet. I’m very, very lucky,’’ said Crist, who picked out the sapphire and diamond ring a day earlier at the Gold and Diamond Center in St. Petersburg’s Northeast Shopping Center.

Story here.

Comments

I'm sure the first person he called to tell the good news to was John McCain and then the St. Pete Times. I could have the order reversed though.

[Susan]

All the best, Governor!

[A BEARD]

This is the most blatant attempt at hiding his real tendencies. Come out of the closet already. I feel very sorry for you Carole.
CHARLIE THIS IS A BEARD!!!

The Gold and Diamond Center?!?!?! How freakin' classy. You didn't think to pick up a ring at Tiffany's while you were in New York?

[Ari Hinkelberger]

The guy is so gay its laughable. He gets engaged a month before the convention.

HA HA

Dude is so gay.

[Rush]

Charlie's life partner lives with Charlies father in st pete.
It is so sad for this young lady to be used as a political pawn.

If Mccain picks Charlie Anti-christ then I will have to vote for the muslim terrorist..

[Party time]

As long as Charlie Crist does Not take a wide stance like Senator Larry Craig it's fine with me.

Gov. Crist is really soooo much better as Gov. than Jeb Bush was.

Jeb was ethically in the closet....ethics challenged, as it were.

[martha holthaus]

congratulations and best wishes. i hope all the rumors WILL BE PUT TO REST. I ONLY WISH YOU AND YOUR BRIDE TO BE MUCH HAPPINESS

They are a beautiful couple. Wish them happiness or leave them the heck alone.

[Brown Shoes]

Surprised it's a woman. Thought with the new California law and all.......

[Not buying this for one second]

I can't believe people are buying into this. There isn't a more flaming human being this side of San Francisco.

So I guess McCain truly is picking Charlie for his Veep.

Anyone who knows the real Charlie Crist welcomes this news with mixture of hearty laughter and thorough disgust. Charlie had two terrible weeks, so he did the only thing he could to change the newscycle.

[AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Thanks Charlie]

This just completely destroyed my Holiday Weekend !

Congrats Gov

[How Convenient]

Sorry, Charlie...this "blissful" fake engagement isn't gonna help save your party this year.

The only knight in shining armor you guys have coming to help is in Larry Craig's port-a-john.

[DENIAL]

I guess this BEARD has many fooled including you Martha.
Charlie is a 50 year old man who never has been married and, please go to his fathers house, you will meet his real wife!!

[Rockabilly]

Congrats, Guv! As for all you cicadas, slanderers and closet homophobes out their with your vicious jibes against the man, this 4th of July may the rockets red glare incinerate your worthless butts.

Sounds like Rocabilly wants to Rocka- Charlie

[The Rock]

I don't even like Charlie Crist that much. He's disappointing as governor. But he means well -- unlike you, 6:50. You're a cicada. Nothing but an insubstantial shell that emits noise and means nothing.

[Enrique the Terrible]

Mazal tov!

May your first child be a masculine child.

[Party time]

6:45 Rockabilly
I can't believe I am agreeing with you...but well said.

Congratulations to Gov. Crist and Carole Rome!

[Melissa]

Yes, this is probably a political move, which is sad in this day and age someone would have to do. But it doesn't in any way change his sincerity to do what he believes is right for Florida. A registered Democrat who works for the state likes this Governor.

[better than you]

Congrats to Governor Crist. Marriage is a wonderful thing.

[Bob]

Crist is GAY.

Just Google gay+crist and watch what comes up.

With gay marriage being illegal in Florida, I expect he'll marry in either CA or MA

I expect "Lindsay" Graham to run to the altar next.

BARF!!!!

I can't stand gay republicans!!!!

[Maverick]

wow. i love how all of these 'tolerant liberals' are showing their true fascist tendencies. they're only 'tolerant' of you if you're one of them and hate america/ love obama as much as they do.

Congratulations Governor. You two make an awesome couple. Those of us who are stable, law abiding, not-on-medication citizens of Florida are happy for you and your fiance'.

[Crist and Greer suck]

If this guy's on the ticket, I'll be counted as an under vote.

[Flame on]

Wow,
How much money will she make as the first "beard" of Florida?
This is about as much of a sham as the Clinton's marriage.
Hillary loves women as much as Bill

Best of luck Governor. Just keep doing the right thing. The crooks hate it when you do.

Charlie will be the prettiest little princess on his wedding day.

I'm very surprised he's marrying a wealthy woman.

[Stand Bi]

She's not wealthy. Her ex (i think they're officially divorced) had the cash. I'm laughing because this minx thinks our eyebrowed one has cash or will make cash. HA!

[hiii]

Super awesome job chucky
teh boys and I are really gonna miss your sweetness at gaybor city.

This is the epitome of political pandering. Are you “up-Chuck” supporters really that clueless?

“… single for nearly three decades”

Cons Floriduuuh into giving him/her/whatever a job, hasn’t spent two consecutive days in his office, spends our taxes on fake “economic development” trips, pitched as a potential VP, then suddenly finds the woman of his dreams… and what does he say about the “LOVE” of his life????

"She’s special in every way. She’s brilliant, beautiful and sweet. I’m very, very lucky,’’

Why not throw in “she’s good with animals” too!

Good Lord; this schmuck is pathetic in every sense of the word.

That is a revolting development!

[Dem who cares]

What a beautiful couple! Best wishes!

[terminator]

Floridians have you lost your minds? You're ready to accept some golddigger sl*t as your next "first lady"? If so, you should be ashamed of yourself!

Chuck, you are one sick pup! We knew you were ambitious but to the point of sacrilege? You will be ex-communicated for your sins.

Wonder if the new Mr. and Mrs. Crist will accept Charlie's "love child" as their daughter?

Jason and Bruce must be super pissed!

Funny though, bottom line is McCain isn't picking Chuck for VP. It will be a short lived marriage!

Ps How tacky Chuck would buy the ring at some flea market in St. Pete.

Where are her children? And if she is galavanting around Europe ont he upcoming trade mission, where will they be then? I can't stand leaving my child for more than a night- What a great mom she must be.....

[better than you]

Congrats to Governor Crist. Marriage is a wonderful thing.

[When In Rome]

Can't wait to see what clients she does or doesn't register to lobby for.

wow... is she even divorced yet??? but wish them both the best.. even if he is gay!

Flea market! HaHaHa. Who said he bought the ring? I think it is a rent to own engagement ring place.

Sorry Charlie, but this "arrangement" won't make you acceptable to the homophobic Republican rand-and-file.

Not a chance this will work.

No V.P. for you.

[Jason Straight]

Crist is a BAD governor who was terrified of Macho Marco..He has done nothing for this state as we slide into next years massive revenue recession .I urged Jim Davis to attack Crist on the gay issue and Jim refused to take off the gloves..We had a much more complete file on Chas than appears here..I pray that Mc Cain picks this Hypocrite..There is nothing wrong with being gay most Gay candidates are GOP..If he gets the nomination the file will surface..THose of you in Tallahassee know we got it ..Lets help Mc Cain appoint Crist..That will finish McShmoe once and for all..When I see Obama up in the FGOP Mason cracker poll Ill know your goose is well done ..

You make pond scum seem hygienic, Jason.

[Jason Straight]

Please wait for Carole to Get a divorce first..I gotta hundred buck that sez the marriage gets called off after the convention!!

[qi4all]

This is the biggest non-surprise of the election season. Someone needs to tell Charlie that he is NOT going to get the VP nod regardless of his marital status! Can anyone say Green Iguana?

Can't wait to hear the collective bwaaaaaaaaaaa ha ha ha from Wonkette, Huff Post, Balloon Juice, et al. Think the gift registry will be with BKSH and Assoc.?

[jackie]

Microwave Crist is so gay. This is a joke and a shameful joke. He is such a fake, he makes me sick. Just another Rock Hudson, he married for show once, Charlie to score a VP.

Why does everyone think she doesn't know that she is a political pawn. I am sure she is benefiting from this facade. Come on, these women know. Tom Lee's girlfriend knew about his tenancies. She stayed till he was done with politics. It is a shame that they sell themselves short, and an even bigger shame that these men cannot admit there sexual preferences and be who they are. Why are they all Republicans? I am so glad to be a democrat.

Jason:
same thing with the Gallagher campaign.
Tom was afraid to pull the trigger...afraid it may result in a backlash.

same thinking.If Charlie just admitted it no one would care. Remember the "charlie the tuna" blog ad with Crist coming out of the closet?

have you told Mac Stipanovich yet (alias Zenator)?

Charlie thinks he's untouchable. Would love to see him go down!

Wow, I am shocked Crist is gay. NOT I am shocked Lee is gay. NOT I am shocked Foley is gay. NOT I am shocked Allen is gay. YES That is scary for the gay community.

I guess the Governor really did change his position on drilling

9:40 ..."tenacies..." ? Are these people from Tennesee?

well guess u gotta get married to make ur prez run in a few years...lived the lie this long might as well cement it...

10:06 Are grammatical errors really the issue? I heard rumors about Tom, but didn't realize his girlfriend knew? I thought she was not aware. Shocked. Why do these women get involved with and stay with these men. Its not like they have tons of money or looks.

[not a Crist fan]

I think it's great that we all busted his balls for being a bachelor. Now we're ripping him for getting engaged... hehe

p.s. Greer sucks

So I guess Jim Greer is sad his boyfriend is committing to another. Crist isn't fooling anyone and I hope that Carol consults with Dana McGreevy to see just how to handle the press when the word get out.

[Gorgo]

In the pre-nup, who gets the collection of Home and Garden?

[St. Pete Mama]

The thing that's so odd to me about Charlie is that before he was in the spotlight much, at a time when I had college-aged daughters, my kids used to see him in bars pretty often, hitting on very young (college-aged) women. This would have been when he was the Education guru...before Atty General. How can he be gay and a creep around young women all at the same time? I'm not buying this romance, either way, however....

Tallahappy is nothing but FSU girls in bars- what else is there to do?

Romney will be VP

what's for lunch?

[PoynterGrad]

Charlie Crist told a business associate in the mid-80's in St. Pete that he was gay. It's a very poorly kept secret.
What would have taken political courage is for Charlie Crist to not have caved/buckled and to actually come out. McCain would not have picked him as veep, but at least he would have his integrity. They say that the best closet for a gay man to hide in is a straight marriage. Well, Crist has now gone that route. He was an improvement over Jeb Bush and now he has sold his soul.

[Billy Graham]

Romney is a cultist and a creep. No Christian votes for him as veep! No problem with Christ being gay. Most of the GOP's in the closet anyway.

[Jason Straight]

If the state is gonna go south financially I believe Crist is vulnurable to the Dems..The oil drilling will come back to haunt him as will all his promises on taxes and insurance..$240 is not the stuff on a genuine tax reduction..I will give you one thing he does have style and class but is without a backbone .More of a wet noodle .Were gonna need Rod Smith back outta retirement.With martinez on the ballot a massive economic recession Smith will get traction..Remember boys and gurls ..the election is a little over two years away..

Bought the ring at the Gold and Diamond Center? Where's the honeymoon? Busch Gardens?

Is there a date set? I bet if there is, it is sometime AFTER the GOP convention. After all, that is the point of this silly gimmick: get Charlie picked for VP. Right Jim Greer?

Not bad spin for the Charlie Crist Public Relations Firm. I mean the RPOF.

[John McCain]

Sorry Charlie

[Jim D.]

I wish the Gov. and his future wife well. It's sad to see all the hatred spilling out on this occasion. As a lifelong Dem. I did not vote for Charlie, but no one deserves this level of hatred.

wow! the D's sewer pipe has opened up again.

This is funny than a Carl Hiaassen novel. Get to work Carl..this one will write itself.

10:06 pm - No, that would be a Florida graduate. Florida's schools suck and are almost at the bottom. Tennessee isn't that low.

[Debbie]

For all you Charlie lover's that are getting upset that people are calling your beloved gay, how about getting over that for a sec and looking at this realistically. You should be more concerned that your esteemed 'leader' (and I use THAT term loosely) has no problem with lying, deceit, and making a mockery of marriage. Tells you a lot about a person's character. But then, most of us already KNOW what kind of character and ethics our 'governor' has...

He won't be VP - regardless of who or what he marries, says or does. He's a joke and the national media are seeing it and spreading the word. The only media who consistently claim he's a front runner is the SPT.

What a joke.

Guess at Charlie's wedding when the minister says "does anyone object", all the above posters who say he's gay will be yelling over each other at the church. It'd be some scene.

Hey Terminator: Didn't Tom Gallagher get married so he could run for Governor? No one thought that Claude Kirk was gay and he was a bachelor when he was elected Governor. Maybe Charlie is hung like a donkey and doesn't have to conjure up a macho image to seduce the fairer sex. And if you want to win with the ladies, fake gayness. They let their guards down and are a lot friendlier. Try using, "I am gay. Do you mind if I join you until my date arrives?" It works every time.

[The Rock]

Jim D @ 8:23 AM. It is sad the level of contempt and malice people demonstrate here for Governor Crist, for politics in general, and for the state in which they live. You have to wonder how people can function with so much bile and irrational debris clogging their minds.

9:33...Kirk got married after he was elected in the 1960's because voters in that era didn't like divorced politicians with new wives.

Kirk was always on the edge, but if Floridians in large numbers questioned his "straightness", you can be sure he would have nipped it in the bud quickly with some kind of stunt to prove he was not gay.

9:44 - Suggesting we shouldn't have contempt for the people perpetuating our feckless government makes you sound utterly naive. On this 4th of July, we should all take the opportunity to offer our unwavering patriotism to this great country in the form bashing and criticizing our leaders for their failures, their lies, and abuse of the system. Dissent: say it loud and say it proud...it's the American way.

9:44 - Suggesting we shouldn't have contempt for the people perpetuating our feckless government makes you sound utterly naive. On this 4th of July, we should all take the opportunity to offer our unwavering patriotism to this great country in the form bashing and criticizing our leaders for their failures, their lies, and abuse of the system. Dissent: say it loud and say it proud...it's the American way.

up here in Tally and in St Pete, it's common knowledge this is a carefully arranged relationship.

Crist needs a wife to further his political career whether it's the VP or term 2 governor, and he needs this woman's money to achieve either of these or beyond.

Carole wants the title of First Lady of Florida/US, and the privileges these bring. She is as shrewd and duplicitous as he is. A more perfect arrangement could not be found.

What I am waiting for.. the real story of how they met and WHEN they really met. The whispers up here are so loud I'm surprised no media have pursued it. Believe me it's a great story and proves what the naysayers have all along correctly guessed.

Terminator, I know you know these details.

[kay]

The sad thing to me is, if this man is really gay,he has to hide it.It is a measure of the intolerance of our society, and how very unenlightened we really are, even in the 21st century.
We need to take a good look at ourselves and our ignorance.

To Jim Greer's posters:
Let's be clear: most well adjusted people agree there is nothing wrong with being gay. The reason why is is troubling in Crist's case is the underlying mendacity, deceitfulness and all around smarminess that leads him to pretend he is straight just so he might be chosen for VP.

The issue then is lying and misleading. Not "gay".

Is the ink dry on her divorce?

Is there even ink on her divorce?

To a girl???

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Omega83]

Kind of puts a new twist on that whole European junke...I mean trade mission coming up.

[Larry]

I didn't know that Larry Craig's wife had a sister!

Lighten up, folks. It's not like he's called her the c-word, like his potential boss has to his wife.

Strike up the Showtunes!

what has this country come to? This ugly disgusting talk makes me ashamed to be a democrat. We think we are better and the party of the people and then we lower ourselves to this banter? Let's just shut up and prove by actions.

Here we are celebrating our independence and debating whether or not a marriage of convenience will cover a lifetime of indiscretions. Where are the great statesmen/women of our time who will achieve more than a footnote in history?

10:20 It is his Republican party that has forced him to do this. They are intolerant to lifes differences because they cater to the religious extremeist.

10:04 - slanderous speculation on Crist's sexuality is not dissent. It's gossip and it's malice and you are a fool.

This man wants to be VP more than anything...with the exception of President I suppose.

[zenator]

10:17 and like kind:

It is true that a blog offers you a safe vehicle anonymously to defame a lady that you obviously do not know. But, you really should think a bit more before firing away at someone you obviously do not know. Carol is a private citizen, who happens to be engaged to a public fiqure

As for the Governor, he is fair game because he chose to enter the public arena. But, it should stop there. So bash Charlie all you want, but...

My wife just said maybe they will have a "Real Housewives of Tallahassee" now. I guess thats funny if your wife watches that show, or you came home to find that the DVR recorded that instead of the Rays/Sox game.

Florida's new first "divorcee whoopee cushion heiress" lady invited the arrows thrown her way by hooking-up with Governor Crist.

[shut it zenator nazi]

To zenator
Happy 4th, now shut your ignorant little tyrant mouth and blow your hand off with a couple m-80 firecrackers.
Celebrate and all may speak freely as they so choose!
First Amendment!!

Yeah and Ellen DeGeneres is marrying a guy. Lame, he's a queer.

[MediaQueen]

Yup---this is the same gov that was questioned by WESH 2 NBC Orlando reporter, Michelle Meredith, "Gov...what about all the teachers that have lost their jobs." Charlie "CRISP" replied, "No one's losing their job," as he tried to make an exit behind the black tented windows in the back seat last month. "Get real,Gov,"---and Chas smiled and thanked her for being there. One thousand teachers in Dade County, 1,200 teachers collectively in Orange, Seminole, Polk, and Volusia. He's bad. AND what about that pitch to save money----bahh--haaa-haaa....you are such a dumb knuckle if you voted yes!

12:46 - I didn't bring up his sexuality. C'mon, you aren't so stupid that you can't see Cristi's consistent self-promotion taking precedence over his function as governor of our state, are you? Perhaps you are too removed from those of us involved in watching this process on a daily basis. You need to pick up your game a bit and develop an interest in reality.

delete

[kdh]

6:56PM. Everyone seems to be missing the point here.The point is that Progressives and Liberals could care less if Crist is gay.It's the Republicans who have a history of condemning people on the basis of their sexual orientation. Progs and Dems call this hypocrisy! And can anyone explain the Log Cabin Republicans? I mean what is that all about? Talk about voting against your own self-interests. At least I know that when my partner is ill in the hospital that I will be able to be with him and that no one is going to try and take my kids away because of my sexual orientation. Dems don't do this, Rebublicans do!

We just can't resist a laugh at the hypocrisy as it is simply too rich. No one should have to stay locked in the closet for fear of ridicule, humiliation and discrimination.

12:10pm - how's this:

George W. Bush*

* - Worst President Ever

Hey whatever it takes to drive the Democrazies into a frenzy. It obviously worked!

[tb]

This is so *obviously* convenient for him that one wonders if it may actually be real! He couldn't be so brazen as to just, like, get married to solve his marital-status-problems, could he?

[Clyde]

All you homophobes and misogynists should be pleased with this opportunity to vent your spleen.

[Truth Squad]

Once again, a home run for Governor Crist ! He wins and wins and wins. And then when folks think he lost, turns out he wins again. This guy is good...damn good. Thank you Governor for continuing to do the right thing. Turn a deaf ear to the haters, and keep up the amazing work. Florida is very proud of you. And...congratulations!

Lee is not gay, he is bi. He likes the chicks with extra parts. He better hurry up and get married if he ever wants to run for office too. Sheep in wolf clothing= straight in gay clothing?

11:53 He sure got beat up on the gamblimg issue.

[Lois]

It is a shame that a person's personal life is dominating the issues. It shouldn't matter if they are single, married, divorced or what.

What does matter is that they are telling the truth. If Crist is gay and lying to Florida citizens, this is an issue.

If he is lying about that, what else is capable of doing?

And people wonder why we can't trust politicians?

9:45 I agree with you. I do not care if Crist, Lee, Foley, whomever, is gay. If they can lie to their loved ones, themselves, then they definitely will lie to the people.

Crist is not going to be VP, but he will go to DC in the cabinet and Jeff willbe Gov on a ticket with Martinez running for reelection.Not a strong ticket but will win because the D's have no bench from which to draw. Come on! Sink? You have to be kidding. Ever hear her give a speech?

[Sink for Governor]

Sink for Governor. We don't need more pretty lies - we need an end to the GOP!

[Heisghey]

Poor woman. She must know his true nature, don't you think?

Odd that what bothers people is whether or not he is gay.Why should that matter? Seems like people should be more bothered by why he has been engaged 5 times and at his age never really been married. IT is normal for people to have a life partner, straight or gay, not to be alone your entire life.

If Charlie's not in this for real, I feel very sorry for him, because he has just entered into the worst private hell imaginable. He won't even be able to get divorced in peace.
His intentions could be totally honorable, but he'll also never escape being tagged opportunist for the timing.
The venom here, though is way out of line. And funny how most of the people I hear saying the worst things about our very popular governor are themselves Republcians. Go figure....

[WineWonkette]

I didn't know gay GOP marriage was legal in Florida! Hope she didn't sign a pre-nup....although knowledge is a wonderful bargaining chip ;)

-- Carole: Don't Ask!
-- Charlie: Don't Tell!

Jimmy Carter*

* - Worst President Ever

[April]

Charlie really, really, really wants to be VP, but who does he think he's fooling?!? She's gorgeous but he's gay. Look at his body language standing next to her -- very formal. Come out of the closet Charlie!!!

[Lauren]

Give it up Charlie. One RINO on the ticket is plenty. ROMNEY for VP!!!!!

[Client 9]

The real key will be to see what happens when McCain picks Romney or Pawlenty as VEEP. If the "engagement" is still on, then I'll shut up and never insinuate anything about Cristi's sexuality again. If the engagement to Mrs. Rome is mysteriously off as soon as he doesn't get the VEEP spot, then we'll all know what's up.

Client 9 - I think for Christ to be worrying about his marital status indicates one of two things. Either Christ is very close to getting the nod and this will finalize it, or McCain is has no idea at all who to pick. After all, if Christ knew he wasn't going to get it for sure, then he'd never hook up with Rome nor she with him.

yeah, this will last! lol. our gov is such a sell out

[Client 9]

McCain doesn't know who he's going to pick. Cristi is simply taking the initiative and getting all his ducks in a row should he be picked.

VP Checklist:
Switch to support drilling on the continental shelf...CHECK
Switch to support gay marriage ban and oppose gay adoptions...CHECK
Get engaged to a woman...CHECK

And let's not forget the GOP favorite - tax cuts combined with massive corporate welfare; a la the US Sugar bailout.

[nIPSY rUSSELL]

QUEER AS A THREE DOLLAR BILL
I read in a local newspaper that back in the '80S Crist was at so many gay clubs and events in Broward and Palm Beach counties that it is AMAZING that more of his gayboys haven't come forward yet. Ha! He had a "cover" marriage 30 years ago where he was married for about 2 months, just so he coud say he was divorced, not single, to allay suspicions for his future political career. This is one slick ambitious gay guy! If McCain picks him then I think that Johnny will be marching home again, to Arizona, this Fall rather than moving into the White House.