Florida Gov. Crist criticizes man he sent to U.S. Senate

From The Associated Press on Sept. 26:

ST. PETERSBURG — Gov. Charlie Crist lamented Washington’s hyper-partisan shift Friday, singling out his one-time top adviser and campaign “maestro,” George LeMieux, the man whom Crist appointed to the U.S. Senate just a year ago.

Speaking to members of the St. Petersburg Times editorial board, the independent Crist said he was disappointed by how he thought LeMieux has put the Republican Party in front of the people of Florida.

“What do I attribute it to?” Crist asked reflexively. “The next primary. I don’t know what else could account for it otherwise.”

The blunt yet cautious criticism is part of the new platform in Crist’s campaign for the Senate seat LeMieux holds. On Friday, Crist affirmed his support for gay adoption in the state, said he liked some provisions in the federal health care bill but wanted to restore $500 million in proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage benefits, and remained an advocate for gun rights.

“Tax cuts? Hell! yes,” Crist said. “Government in your bedroom? Hell! no.”

Crist, 54, is locked in a difficult three-way race against Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek. Many expect LeMieux to challenge Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

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