Times reporter will cover Crist wedding

At a holiday reception for the press corps Wednesday night, Gov. Charlie Crist announced that he will allow a "pool" reporter to cover his wedding to Carole Rome next Friday. He chose Lucy Morgan of the St. Petersburg Times, one of a number of reporters pressing for access to the wedding and for the list of invitees.

After mentioning Morgan, Crist said: "Maybe I let the cat out of the bag. So be it. We're open around here." Crist and his staff are trying to balance their desire for privacy with media interest in the wedding -- the first time a sitting Florida governor will be married since Claude Kirk in 1967. In a pool arrangement, a reporter observes for all news organizations, including competitors.

Crist has declined to release the guest list, calling it "private," and has expressed discomfort with appearing to hurt the feelings of those not invited. "This is a small reception with close friends and family," Crist said, acknowledging that some invitees are lobbyists who seek to influence him.

At the reception, Crist and Rome welcomed reporters, editors and state agency communications staffers in the foyer of the Governor's Mansion. In brief remarks, with most of the capital press in the room, he singled out communications director Erin Isaac. "She works incredibly hard. I'm very blessed to have you in this administration, Erin. Thanks for not going anywhere," Crist said.

He said he was "blessed" to have found Rome, adding of his wedding: "In just nine days, it gets consummated in a very formal way in my hometown of St. Petersburg, and I'm looking forward to it."

-- Steve Bousquet and Marc Caputo

Comments

Yeah. He wants to make sure people SEE him do it. Won't help the facts, though.

'Consummated in a formal way' is an interesting phrase.

Eww--why is he talking about consummating his marriage?

I think I just threw up in my mouth...

Instead of saying "it gets consummated in a very formal way", why didn't Crist simply say "we're getting married"? What a babbling putz.

Screw the Senate, Jeb, run against this guy.

"Crist and his staff are trying to balance their desire for privacy with media interest in the wedding"

Now, does anyone else think that is funny?? Everyone knows that CC is nothing more than a media ho who craves attention.

For all of you Crist detractors...if you have one shred of decency...just let the guy enjoy his wedding. As for the press...they have no shame. They have no right to demand access to the man's wedding...what's next...a honeymoon cam?

[expat]

Lucy is the best and it will be a good read.

Actually, due to Sunshine Laws, the press does have the right to access because of all the elected officials due to be there. Won't be too bad to have just one reporter.

But the verbage he used did just make me cringe a little bit - I wonder how Erin felt hearing that.

[Paul]

Don't forget to remind me NOT to read about this politically
motivated wedding. Charlie does have the right to his privacy
but he is promoting himself by inviting a friendly face to cover the event.

Gross.

don't care. at. all.

8:23 AMEN

Charlie protests a bit too much. We were quite capable of assuming the consummation, Chuck. That's not newsworthy to us, but it seems to be newsworthy to the Governor.

[Debbie]

What a wonderful idea...to let the soon to be newlyweds ...to enjoy this moment in their lives.....they have little privacy, as dictated by the Sunshine laws, so let all relax and let them enjoy the memorable occasion

Lucy, make sure there's no cat hair on your dress.

Would that be considered a Freudian slip?

The "defense of traditional marriage" crowd seems to have no problem with divorce and adultery. Why aren't these two "lovebirds" still married to their former spouses? If you really want to "defend" marriage, then stop using gays as a scapegoat. Outlaw divorce and criminalize adultery. If not, then just shut up and stop interfering in the private lives of other folks.

Someone pull the law... just because there are elected officials invited and potentially attending... doesn't it need to be for the purpose of discussing public business?

[David L. Wylie]

Let's all join together to celebrate Governor Crist's State Constitionally Protected Wedding. Florida ImpACT is gathering at both the Church and the Reception Venue to 'congratulate' the Governor's Nuptials. For Complete details:

http://www.gaysofla.com/content/view/431/51/

[Best fishes for the future]

I guess if he can do it to the state of Florida.........

Is Lucy double dipping again? I thought she retired.

If she is covering for everybody does that make her a quaduple-stuple dipper?

Crist's favorite word "blessed" - he's more blessed than a pack of nuns! The more he says "blessed" the less convinced i am about what he's trying to sell.

The word "consummate" - let's face it Crist is no genius and command of the English language escapes him.

Now about the wedding - we'll see if it still happens. There is a wedding week surprise announcement coming.

[Tom]

How do you "consumate" a marriage in an informal way? WIll Lucy be covering THAT?

[becca]

Consider this: Perhaps, me thinks, Chuckie doth protest too much, on both the press, AND that consumation fiasco, thingy....really.

You could just say no to the photos, or just INSIST on two or three, top. Really, we the public, insist you have what you truly want on your wedding day.

[dreaming]

will lucy please, for the love of god, find facts once and for all that prove charlie is as straight as liberace?

December 04, 2008 at 08:53 AM - Really you are a moron. The sunshine law has nothing to do with private events.
Crist is gay, Rome is a beard. Why will he not admit he has a kid, was being with a woman so bad he has blocked it out?

""This is a small reception with close friends and family," Crist said, acknowledging that some invitees are lobbyists who seek to influence him."
Is anyone else uncomfortable with the fact the Governor considers "LOBBYISTS who seek to INFLUENCE..." as close friends and family?

1:01,

What does Joe Biden's son do for a living?

Clearly you are someone with 0 experience in politics. Grow up and inform yourself before exposing your ignorance any further. The friends/family/lobbyist line is virtually nonexistent once one gets elected to a statewide office. Businesses, trade unions, and special interest groups will put old friends, relatives, former staffers, whomever, on retainer just so they can have access the governor.

It might not be pretty but that's the way it is. And why shouldn't the governor invite these people to his wedding. In most cases their relationships pre-date his election to office (which is why they were hired as lobbyists in the first place).

[Joe B.]

The reporter is just covering the reception only, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't make us watch the video of the wedding night, it won't be pretty!!!

[Lin Young]

Hmm, I can't believe there is still so much speculation about whether Charlie Crist is gay or straight. Does his sexual orientation really matter? I don't want to know that kind of detail about someone else, it's too gross to be speculating about what other people do. Why are so many people so curious about that? And again, does a person's sex life really matter? If so, why? I care about his politics, which I often disagree with. But I figure his sex life is something I don't want to hear about.

[Angie]

I'm confused.......I thought someone said the reception is at Georgie's Alibi Bar.....maybe its the rehearsal dinner at Georgie's, or better yet, maybe all the boys for the "bachelor party" will be at Georgie's Alibi Bar................Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Crist obviously experienced a slip of the tongue.

[Jacque]

Consumated? Does that word come from the word "consume". Now I'm confused, I don't know if we consumated our wedding vows, 10 years ago on our wedding night. You know, all that champagne, etc. I'm trying to remember....................................hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

1:42.
Yes it DOES Bother me!
That is why I voted for Brian Moore in November (Socialist Party candidate, betcha ya didn't know that, huh?).
And just because it ain't pretty and has always been that way is not a reason to keep up with the same old crud.

[Norma]

The way time flies, that wedding, reception, and wedding night will be over lickety split.................!

[worried floridian]

I don't know if Crist is gay, straight, or bi, and i am not defending him in anyway - but if he were gay or bi, it would seem to me that if there was a gentleman/men in his past, now would be the time for that person to come forward. This close to the wedding the media spectacle would be huge.

So why hasn't anyone come forward? is it because Crist really does not have a history with gentlemen? Is it because the person is fearful of retribution, or perhaps that person's own family does not know about his sexual orientation?

Now that we are in the age of the Larry Craig-Jim McGreevey-Mark Foley-Jennifer Flowers-John Edwards stories, etc, it just doesn't make sense that no one has come forward if Crist is gay/bi.

[Bob]

Now let me get this straight.....Carol really is a woman..right? If she is a woman, what does she want with him, he's just a skinny white boy with no money......

[Jan]

This will probably be the social event of the season, lots of pictures and flowers and music....and...and.. don't forget all the pretty men and women there..............................!

[Lou]

This is "news"? You're joking, right?

[hank]

Who really cares about this event? Can we say "beard"

yawn

the times is trumpeting their participation in this? boy, times have changed.

[Dave]

He came forward in 2006. It Just wasn't covered by SPT.

http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2006-11-02/news/crist-denies-trysts-ii/

[Ed]

I guess it's better than having to read about Barney Frank's wedding night.

Time to focus on policy, no longer on Charlie Crist.

[?!]

This Crist? It vibrates?

[WKG IN TOTAL DISBELIEF !]

THIS IS THE STRAW THAT BROKE MY SILENCE…

LET ME START BUT SAYING I AM USUALLY NOT ONE TO SPEAK MUCH OF POLITICAL ISSUES.

SIMPLY DUE TO THE FACT THE GOV., THE STATE, THE UPPER POWERS TO BE AND THE MEDIA MANIPULATE AND MOLD THE ISSUES HOW THEY WANT THEM OR HOW THEY WANT THEM TO BE PERCEIVED.

SO, I STILL DO REVIEW THE PEOPLE, THE TOPICS AND I VOTE,,, HOWEVER,,,
I TRULY FEEL MY VOTE HAS LITTLE,
IF ANY IMPACT OF THE FINAL OUTCOME...
THEREFORE I USUALLY KEEP MOST OF MY VIEWS AND OPINIONS ON GOV AND POLITICS TO MYSELF...

AFTER ALL,
WE ALL KNOW THE ADAGE OF,
PERCEPTION IS REALITY,
OFTEN NOT ALL THE FACTS ARE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE AND THE PERCEPTON OF THE PEOPLE AND ISSUES ARE MANIPULATED LARGELY BY THE LARGER CORPORATIONS AND THE MEDIA.
LEADING THE MASSES TO SIMPLY DRAW A CONCLUSION FROM THE PROPIGANDA THE CORPORATIONS AND MEDIA HAVE FED THEM???

I CAN NOT BE SILENT ABOUT ANY OF THIS ANYMORE!!!

OUR ECONOMY IS IN A TAILSPIN WHILE THE POLITICIANS SPEND MILLIONS TO GET JOBS?
THAT PAY ONLY A FRACTION OF WHAT THEY SPENT TO BUY THE VOTES... THE BIGGEST SPENDER DOESNT ALWAYS GET THE WIN BUT DOES IN MOST CASSES.

I STILL DONT UNDERSTAND THAT ON ANY OPEN LEVEL,
WHICH FURTHER SPEAKS FOR THE POTENTIAL CONTRACTS, NEGOTIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS MADE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS..

THE ARE A LOT OF COMMENTS AND NUMBER OF CONCERNS POSTED HERE AND EVERYWHERE...

SO,
NOT TO MUDDY THE WATER WITH LIFESTYLE PREFRENCES AND THE EXISTING UPROAR ABOUT SEXUAL PREFRENCES AND CURRENT LAWS,
THERE ARE HUGELY DEEPER ISSUES HERE.

BUT IF IM POSTING THIS,,,
I FEEL I SHOULD BE FULLY OPEN ABOUT THE ISSUES ON THE TABLE HERE...

1ST , IM OPEN MINDED AND REALLY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT A PERSONS LIFESTYLE AND OR SEXUAL PREFRENCES. I BELIEVE A PERSON SHOULD ALWAYS FOLLOW THEIR HEART.

SO THE QUESTION , IF CHARLIE CRIST IS GAY OR NOT...
IS NOT ONE OF THE ITEMS THAT SHOULD BE A HANG UP HERE ...

WE ARE AN EXTREMLY OPEN MINDED COUPLE WHO DO EXPLORE AS-WELL AND WE HAVE BI, GAY AND STRAIGHT FRIENDS...
SOME OF WHICH ARE NOT ALWAYS OPEN TO OTHERS ABOUT THEIR PREFRENCES , SIMPLY TO AVOID THE PREJUDICE OF MAIN STREAM SOCIETY...

2ND THE SAME SEX MARRAGE ISSUE,,,
HMMM ? SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE ?
OUR BODIES ARE OUR TEMPLES, ONCE AGAIN FOLLOW YOUR HEART!

EVERYONE MARCHES TO A DIFFERANT DRUMMER AND FOLLOWS THEIR OWN PATHS...
HMM ?
I THINK THEY STILL CALL THAT FREE WILL AND PERSONAL EXPRESSION...
WHICH ARE ALSO OPINIONS, VIEWS AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES...?

IF YOU’RE OF LEGAL AGE AND NOT HARMING OTHERS,
WHO CARES WHAT GENDER ANYONES PARTNER IS...

AS REDICULUSLY SIMPLE AS THIS EXAMPLE IS,,,
TRY THIS ONE ON FOR SIZE,,,
EVERYONE LOVES SEAFOOD BUT,,,
YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO IT AND EATING IT GIVES YOU,
GIVES YOU EXTREME DISCOMFORT???
QUESTION?
DO YOU STARVE YOURSELF??? OR
DO YOU MAKE YOURSELF ILL BY EATING SOMETHING THAT SIMPLY DOESNT AGREE WITH YOUR SYSTEM.

THE ANSWER THERE IS OBVIOUS,,,
YOU SHOULD DO AND SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO WHAT PLEASES AND COMFORTS YOU.

NOW ! ! ! ! !
ONTO WHAT REALLY HAS ME IN TOTAL DISBELIEF…
THERE ARE A FEW ISSUES HERE THAT REALLY SHOULD HIT HOME WITH ANYONE AND EVERYONE CONCERNED WITH OUR CURRENT ECONOMY AND EVERYTHING ELSE OUR LOCAL , STATE AND GOV IS DOING AND OR ALLOWING.

HOW IS IT, IN THIS FALLING ECONOMY WERE STILL THROWING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AWAY AND LOSING LOVED ONES OVER SEAS???

? WHILE OUR ENTIRE ECONOMY IS COLLAPSING AROUND US ???

FLORIDAS ENCONOMY IS SIMPLY CRUBLING AND OUR UNEMPLOYMENT IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH, MORE JOBS AVAILABE (BULL) MAYBE FOR THE PERSON OUT THERE SKILLED OR NOT, IF YOU CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO MANAGE TO SURVIVE ON NEXT TO MINIMUM WAGE (PLEASE)...
OR BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF DISPLACED WORKERS, COMPANIES ARE REQUIREING A BACHELORS OR MASTERS DEGREE TO MAYBE GET A J.O.B. PAYING 35K A YEAR ? IF YOURE LUCKY!!!
EVEN AFTER SPENDING THOUSANDS OR GOING COUNTLESS THOUSANDS IN DEBT TO EVEN TRY TO PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.
WOW...
AUTO REPOS, HOME FORECLOSURES & EVICTIONS AT A STAGGERING AND STARTLING ALL TIME HIGH???

NOW REMEMBER PRECEPTION IS OFTEN THE PRECIEVED REALITY...

WHITH THE ABOVE SAID I CANT EVEN FULLY PUT IT INTO WORDS MY THOUGHTS ON THE ALREADY QUESTIONED EVENT OF,,,

Taxpayers fund Gov. Crist's $ 430,000.00 European tour

A HALF MILLION DOLLAR TOUR???
A HALF MILLION DOLLARS FOR A EUROPEAN FIELD TRIP ???
PAID FOR WITH FLORIDA TAX PAYERS MONEY ???
TAX MONEY TAHT WAS PAID BY ALL OF US AND,,,
UNFORTUNATELY,
ALOT OF CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED AND DISPLACED FAMILIES...
??? A HALF MILLION DOLLARS UNDER THE PRETENSE OF TRYING TO SPARK THE FLORIDA ECONOMY????
WHAT???
PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW MORE OUTSOURCING OF ALREADY NON EXISTANTING JOBS OR PROJECTS IS GOING TO HELP OUR ECONOMY?
OHH I SEE,,, THE STATE MAKES ITS MONEY OFF CONTACTS AND PROPERTY SALES AND LONG TREM AGREEMENTS AND,,,
THE COMPANIES SAVE MONEY BY OUTSOURCED PROJECT LEADERS AND MANAGEMENT,,,
OHHH BUT THEY WILL BRING MONEY TO OUR LOCAL ECONOMY WITH WHAT THEY BUY??? (BULL)
OH , AND THERE IT IS,,,
CREATING EVEN MORE MINIMUM WAGE FOOD, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE POSITIONS!!! (((BULL)))

IM SORRY BUT I THOUGHT STATE GOV WAS STATE GOV.
DEALING WITH ISSUES FACING FLORIDIANS AND OUR ECONOMY, NOT NEGOTIATON AND SMOOZING OVERSEAS!

I THOUGHT THAT WAS MOR OF WHAT OUR PRESIDENT, EMBASSADORS AND DIPLOMATS DID???

NOW AGAIN WITH PERCEPTION BEING REALITY.

? FL GOV CHARLIE CRIST ENGAGED TO WED ?
A HALF MILLION DOLLAR TRIP IS AN ABSOLUTE JOKE,
WITH A BOTCHED PUNCH LINE...

COME ON ? SERIOUSLY ? SPARKING THE FLORIDA ECONOMY?
WITH A OBVIOUS NO HOLDS BARRED, EXTRVAGANT TRIP LIKE THIS...
TAKING HIS FIANCEE AND HER SISTER ALONG? SEEMING TO BE KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY WITH THE PUBLICIZED MINI-BAR BILLS AT EACH LOCATION???
? HOW CAN HE BE OPENLY JUDGEMENTAL ABOUT LIFESTYLE CHOICES DOING THINGS LIKE THIS ON OUR HARD EARNED TAX DOLLARS???
WHILE ALSO TAKING OTHER LOCAL OFFICIALS?
AND OTHER INVESTORS & BUSINESS OWNERS?

LOOKS A WHOLE LOT MORE LIKE,
A STATE AND TAX PAYER FUNDED,,,
OVER THE TOP PRE HONEY-MOON!!!
? WHAT ROOM DID HER SISTER CAMP OUT IN ? :-)
THERE WAS A LOT OF PUBLISHED MINI-BAR EXPENSES???
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMMM.

THE PICS THAT ARE POSTED EVERYWHERE,
SHOW MORE MUSEAMS, ART GALLERYS, PHOTO OPPS AND TOASTING? THAN BUSINESS??
BUT, HEY,,,
TALK OF NEGOTIATIONS OF OUTSOURCED SOLAR POWER OPERATION WITH SPAIN???
AND AN (((AGREEMENT))) TO SHARE INFO ABOUT GREEN TECHNOLOGIES...
PLEASE THAT ONE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE THROUGH VIDEO CONFRENCES, NOT A PRIVATE JETS & VIP EURO TRAINS...

COME ON!!!! GIVE ME A BREAK !!!!

TO TOP IT OFF,,,
NOW THAT HE IS UNDER FIRE FOR THOSE ACTIONS,,,
HE CLAIMS THEY ARE KEEPING THE WEDDING AND RECEPTION SMALL,
WITH ONLY CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY???
BUT IN THE SAME SENTANCE HE SAYS THEY ARE ALSO INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS LOOKIN TO INFLUANCE HIM ????
SINCE WHEN ARE PEOPLE AND BUSINESS AQUAINTENCES LOOKING TO BUY OR INFLUANCE YOUR ACTIONS OR DECISSIONS CONSIDERED " FAMILY OR FRIENDS???

I MEAN SERIOUSLY,
THIS IS WORSE THAN THE GOV LENDING OR GIVING MONEY TO HELP WITH OUR HOUSING CRISIS AND FORECLOSURES BUT THE MAJORITY OF THE MONEY GOING TO BANKS NOT THE PEOPLE STRUGGLEING???

AND THE GOV GIVING MILLIONS TO AND BAILING OUT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO ALREADY (COMMON KNOWEDGE) HAVE THE MONEY AND THE POWER,,,
JUST FOR THEM TO TURN AROUND AND THROW EXTRAVIGANT COMPANY AND INVESTER CONVENTIONS?
PLEASE…
OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE SEEN TOO MANY FRIENDS, FAMILY AND BUSINESS AQUAINTENCES LOOSE JOBS, CARS, HOMES , BUSINESS AND WELL EVERYTHING.
ALL WHILE THE BIG MONEY PLAYERS MAKE BIGGER MONEY BY BUYING OR FREEZING OUT THE LESS ESTABLISHED ONES,
WHILE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE POOR ECONOMY AND JOB MARKET.
“DOWNSIZING AND FIREING THE SEASONED EMPLOYEES,,,
TO SIMPLY REHIRE, (DESPRATE OR DEGREED,,, BUT UNSEASONED “GREEN” = LITTLE OR NO PRACTICAL WORK EXPERIENCE)” AT A FRACTION OF WHAT THE POSITIONS HAVE BEEN OR SHOULD BE PAYING…
NO PART OF ANY OF THIS IS RIGHT…
IF THIS DISTURBS YOU AS MUCH AS IT DOES ME ,,,
OR
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE ME YOUR TAKE ON IT ,,,
PLEASE RESPOND AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK…
PASS IT ON…

[Gator(R)]

$1 to whoever reads 3:49's entire post.