Florida’s former governor has thrown his hat into the ring for the U.S. Congressional District 13 seat now held by Republican Rep. David Jolly. “Public service is in my heart, “he explained at his announcement. I can’t help it. I guess that’s fairly obvious”, he told reporters gathered at a community park, where he announced his run”.
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Crist will run in the 13th congressional district, a seat being redrawn amid a contentious redistricting battle.
After losing the Republican nomination to Marco Rubio, Crist ran as an independent and ultimately lost the general election to Rubio.
“I am thankful to God for this day and I am thankful to the Florida Supreme Court for having the wisdom to do the right thing and have fair districts again”, Crist said in an announcement speech taped by Tampa radio station WMNF. They are the sole organization dedicated to stopping political opportunists like Charlie Crist from getting elected to Congress.
Crist failed to win the 2010 U.S. Senate race against Rubio, and more recently, lost a gubernatorial bid against Governor Rick Scott a year ago.
Crist’s party affiliation and the offices he has sought have changed, but his references to “the people” have been a staple throughout his political career. The shifting lines are placing St. Petersburg into one district-giving it a more Democratic tilt.
In the Democratic primary, Crist is facing Eric Lynn, a former Obama administration official who has raised about $550,000.
“I care too much about this district, the institution of congress, and who represents us to lay down and let this huckster walk into office”, Jolly said. He insisted Crist should forget about running and apologize to Floridians for his “unprincipled party switches” and “embarrassing losses”.
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“The best way to describe it is that it truly is home, and it’s like coming home”, Crist said. “If not, if it’s a contest among Democrats, Charlie Crist is the one person I hope goes down in defeat”. I have always tried to listen to the people.
