By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-887434.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Gov. Charlie Crist responded Wednesday to criticism by former Governor Jeb Bush. In a televised interview, Bush said it was "unforgivable" for Crist to embrace President Obama's economic stimulus package. Crist says his decision saved thousands of jobs, including those of lots of teachers.
Jeb Bush says he has a problem with Charlie Crist being the only statewide leader who embraced the stimulus package when Republicans were suggesting an alternative. Governor Crist shrugs off Bush's criticism by saying everybody has a right to their opinion.
"But I also understand that 87-thousand jobs would have been lost if we didn't have it, you know, 20-thousand educators, and I can't in good conscience not support those people. I work for them."
Crist noted earlier this week that every sitting Republican governor accepted stimulus money. Bush's criticism of Crist likely indicated that the former governor will back Crist's opponent in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, former House Speaker Marco Rubio.