Charlie Crist

November 3, 2013 by staff

Charlie Crist, Charlie Crist is running for Florida governor as a Democrat. The worst-kept secret in politics was confirmed Friday afternoon when the Republican Party of Florida spotted Crist’s official filing with the state Division of Elections.

The former Republican governor turned Democrat plans a formal announcement at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE, but the state GOP beat him to the punch.

“Gov. Crist looks forward to discussing his priorities for moving Florida forward on Monday morning,” said Steve Schale, a spokesman for Crist who led President Barack Obama’s successful 2008 Florida campaign.

Republicans managed to diminish whatever drama Crist hoped to preside over in his hometown Monday, but it was hardly a secret that Crist was preparing to run against Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

Crist has been courting top Democratic fundraisers from across the state and country in recent months, has launched a new website, and lately is often accompanied by top Democratic strategist Schale. The sleuths at the Florida Republican Party this week also found a “CHARLIE CRIST FOR GOVERNOR – 2014” logo online.

Republican Gov. Rick Scott leaves today for a trade mission to Japan, so he won’t be in the state for Crist’s official announcement. That won’t stop him from responding to it, though.