Not everyone is welcoming former Republican Governor Charlie Crist into the Democratic fold. Democrats say Crist will have a whole lot of explaining to do if he decides to join their Party.
Ex-Republican Charlie Crist arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina Tuesday to prepare for his time on the big stage at the Democratic National Convention.
“Look, I agree with Charlie Crist on his selection for President, I join him on that. Over the years, we haven’t always agreed. I have a longer memory than that and whatever happens if he becomes a democrat should that occur, if he runs as a democrat we’ll see how it works out. But I think once again that there’s an awful lot of positions that would have to be explained.” Florida Democratic Party Chairman, Rod Smith said.
And helping to remind Democrats about those positions is the Republican Party of Florida, which launched an attack ad against Crist. But even back then, when Crist was a Republican some Democrats didn’t believe he was a strict conservative.
“I think the people will embrace him. I didn’t really see him as a really steep Republican. He was more or less marginal.” Florida Delegate Dorick Nurse of Ocala said.
Crist got a lot of flack back in 2009 for supporting President Obama’s stimulus plan and giving him a noteworthy hug. But not all Democrats are ready to give Crist a big welcome if he switches parties.
“He’s got to prove to the people, the Democrats, that he’s a real Democrat. So long serving Democrats who want to be governor they’ll go toe-to-toe with him and the person that the people want the most will be victorious.” State Senator Arthenia Joyner said.
And Crist is expected to start making his case on Thursday as he explains why he supports President Barack Obama’s re-election.