Crist criticizes elections bill, hints at veto

Gov. Charlie Crist would not use the word -- "I don' t like to use the V word," he said -- but made it clear he does not support a fast-moving elections overhaul bill that has drawn sharp criticism, including an editorial in Sunday's New York Times. (background here)

"What is it we’re trying to cure?" Crist asked in an interview with the Times/Herald. "The more opportunity you give people to vote, the better it is for democracy. So that aspect of it concerns me."

"It always seems to me that when there may be legislation that attempts to sort of make it harder for people to do something – the people that we work for –  generally that’s not good. I don’t look on that in a favorable light and that is true of this particularly particular part of this legislation."

Would you veto the bill if it hits your desk? "Let’s see if it does first. I don’t like to use the V word … but I’m not fond of that provision. It concerns me."

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Comments

[Gag]

Crist does "like the V word." The cig tax does not make him feel "warm and fuzzy."

Why doesn't he just put on a pink tutu and wiggle his tush when people say things he likes.

Perhaps we teach him the blink system of communicating--one for yes, two for no.

[...]

When passed into law this legislation will help Crist win his race in 2010.

[Pro-Democracy]

I'm no fan of Crist, but he's right on this one. Republicans in the legislature are trying to fix a problem that simply doesn't exist, and are using this myth to enrich their electoral prospects at the expense of our democracy. Shame on them.

[FloridaProgressive]

All voters who care about preserving what's left of our democracy would do well to contact Gov. Crist in opposition to SB 956. We really need to ensure he vetoes this rubbish if/when it lands on his desk.

It is amazing what marriage will do for people, before crist was married, he hated using the other "V" word, now he is talking about a veto!love is a beautiful thing

[GOP CM]

SB 956 also has some nifty sections in it that

- give the Governor virtually the power to share and control his State Party.

- Allow the state party to pay for virtually anything in a campaign - and none of it counts towards the limits on contributions. Great stuff if you're planning to run for office and your state party is under your thumb. So my guess is Charlie will sign it or - more in keeping with his "style - he will just let it become law without his signature.

[Jim]

Is Gov Crist supporting A.C.O.R.N. & letting dead people vote?

[Sid Vicious]

Charlie won't say the 'v word'? This is [bleeping golden]! Does he know what all the innuendo that ManTan is inviting here? Sometimes, it just pays to let the guy put his own foot [or fist, if he's into that] into his mouth!

[Oink, Oink]

Charlie boy - you had better be planning on using that VETO stamp on a heck of a lot more than just the Election Bill

VETO anything CSX!!!!!

VETO anyting imposing a state income tax on ANY FLORIDIAN

VETO the Legislature's budget until they START PAYING FOR THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE, THEIR DENTAL INSURANCE AND ACCEPT THE SAME RETIREMENT BENEFITS AS REGULAR STATE EMPLOYEES.

VETO THE LEGISLATURE'S BUDGET until THEY CUT THEIR EXCESS DISTRICT STAFF!!!

VETO THE LEGISLATURE'S BUDGET until THEY LIMIT THEIR TRAVEL TO STATE PER DIEM RATES!

VETO the Legislature's Budget until STATE EMPLOYEES' KIDS are eligible for KIDCARE!!!!!

[Bob]

Our legislature should stay out of party politics except to ensure that laws are not violated. Laws should not contain any parety rules or affect any legal operations.