If you just compared it to the sentiments being expressed by other Republicans, the statement that Florida Gov. Charlie Crist released in response to a Senate vote in favor of a Democratic healthcare reform proposal wouldn’t seem that unusual.
“I am thoroughly disappointed that votes on an issue affecting 1/6 of the American economy were traded in for sweetheart deals and a rushed vote in the middle of the night,” Crist said. “The plan will cripple state economies and add half a trillion dollars in new taxes on top of half a trillion dollars in Medicare cuts. All of this translates to increased health costs on the backs of American taxpayers and decreased benefits for our seniors: That is not reform.”
Again, nothing out of the ordinary. But it is an interesting contrast with where Crist was less than a year ago. Back in February, he was supporting the Democrats’ stimulus package — even helping President Obama sell it.
Obviously, the two issues are different. But there’s a bigger difference, one probably more responsible for the shift in the governor’s thinking. At the moment, he’s running for Senate; he was expected to win the seat easily, but has been plagued by his primary opponent, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, who’s been surprisingly successful hitting Crist from the right.
