For all the shit we’re throwing Charlie Crist’s way — for being a gay Florida governor who spits on gay rights — might liberals actually want the guy in the U.S. Senate?
Yes, if the brilliant mind of Nate Silver is to be believed.
The scandal-plagued Crist, who yesterday officially announced his run for Senate, might actually be doing Democrats in the Senate a favor. How come? Because if he doesn’t run, the top two contenders are Marco Rubio, “a conservative young Cuban” who leans much farther to the right than Crist, and Kendrick Meek, “a not-particularly-progressive South Florida congressman” who’s the favorite to represent the Democratic ticket next year.
But with Crist’s run, we’re all but assured “an extremely moderate Republican” will be seated. So how is that good for progressive types?
How about we take this to the next level?
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Well Crist supported Obama’s stimulus plan, while many GOPs did not. His voting record hints Crist could be an ally in Democrats’ health care reform policies. He’s appointed both conservatives and moderates to the Florida Supreme Court, and played both sides of pro-choice and pro-life, suggesting he’s amenable to confirming an Obama pick who stands on either side of the issue (though Justice David Souter’s replacement will likely have been picked by the time Crist is elected). He’s shown willingness to enact immigration reform that provides amnesty to illegal immigrants.
And then there’s the other stuff: Harsher laws on marijuana. Pro-gun policies. Education vouchers. Oh, and gay rights, to which Crist says he supports civil unions but supported an amendment to ban same-sex marriage. He also let stand a ban on same-sex couples adopting.
But when all is said and done, Crist is not some right-wing zealot. He “resembles those of Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins,” notes Silver. His approval ratings are buoyed by bipartisan support. “Reading the divining rods, my guess is that the key policy debates during this interval will involve environmental policy (since cap-and-trade may lack the momentum to pass in a down economy), the tax code (since there will be increasing pressure on the Administration to pare down the deficit), and perhaps immigration reform (where Democrats may dare Republicans to further alienate Hispanic voters in advance of the 2012 elections). Democrats are likely to have Crist’s support on two of these three issues; that might be a bit better for them than flipping a coin between zero and three.”
Joey
Kendrick Meek “not-so-progressive”? He’s a proud supporter of gay rights! He’s by far the better choice for Senator. Charlie Crist shouldn’t get anywhere near Washington.
Zakakaka
Yes, Crist is a hot daddie
Anthony
A Senator is different from Governor. He is going to have to answer to Senate Republican leadership. If he wants to advance in the Senate he needs to play with the team. The only reason he is good for Democrats is the fact that he is a closeted gay. It only takes one picture or a couple of e-mails to reveal that and it would be a scandal that could help the Dems during an election year.
Chuck
Meek is a friend. He voted strongly against anti-gay legislation during the W years. I don’t think an African American can win statewide in Florida though. But I will vote for him.
Jason
As a third generation Floridian I will be voting for Christ. Lesser of three evils. He has never been caustic to gay rights, has been good to our environment and has supported consumers over the needs of big industry. Overall I have been very satisfied with him as Governer.
My only nasty letter was his support of the ethanol industry and signing a bill forcing that crap on us. Purely a racket to support the soon to be dead Sugar industry in Florida.
My priority is a Senator, Governor or Congressman that does more to attract high paying, high skilled jobs to this state. We have been on a downhill trend since Governor Martinez chased off IBM.
Kyle
When did legalizing ILLEGAL aliens become a “progressive” issue?
HYHYBT
@Jason: I don’t think Christ is running for office.
atdleft
@Joey: Yes!
http://www.hrc.org/documents/Congress_Scorecard-110th.pdf
So why are even talking about supporting Crist? Kendrick Meek’s our friend, not that closet case!
atdleft
@Jason: But why? Why choose the lesser of evils when you can have someone GOOD? That’s what I’m wondering.
Jason
My politics are generally conservative (except for that gay one) and I surely don’t want that crazy bitch from California and that freak from Nevada having any more power than they have now. I would like a power structure that is more equal and ultimately make it impossible for congress to do anything. The less they do the better. Crist is a real moderate and matches my politics more than the alternative Republican and definitely more than Meeks.