"The proof is in the flip-flop" [June 19 edition]

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Floridians who thought the state might benefit from Gov. Crist's closeness to John McCain can forget about that. When the choice is between doing what's best for Florida and what's best for John McCain/Charlie Crist, the governor on Tuesday let it be known that he's going to make the call based on political ambition." "In McCain vs. Florida, Crist chooses McCain". See also The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida's governor seems to be putting politics ahead of environment".

"Seems to be"?

Steve Bousquet is having a hard time calling a spade a spade: "As a candidate for governor in 2006, Charlie Crist was unequivocal: He would never support oil drilling off Florida's shores."

Crist even evoked childhood memories of cleaning birds after an oil spill in Tampa Bay. He has expressed adamant opposition to drilling throughout his career, from state senator to education commissioner to U.S. Senate candidate to attorney general.

But on Tuesday, he joined presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain in calling for an end to a 26-year federal ban on drilling, saying states should decide whether to allow rigs off their coasts, subject to safety and environmental restrictions.

Has Florida's populist-in-chief accurately sensed a shift in public opinion, or is it a calculated move to bolster his chances of being chosen as McCain's vice presidential running mate?

"Crist's about-face on oil: VP-itis or vox populi?".

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board thinks the issue is less than deep: "Crist's flip-flop on offshore exploitation is indefensible"

It should go down as one of the more mercenary flip-flops in the state's history. With his eyes on John McCain's ticket as a running mate, Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday fell behind McCain's push for ending the moratorium on oil drilling along Florida's coastline after years of favoring the ban without conditions.

"Florida's Gov. Drill".

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Crist's stunning reversal of his position on drilling for oil and gas off the Florida coastline is all about politics and political ambition. Sadly for the governor and state residents, the abrupt switch has very little to do with sound energy policy." "The big switch: Drilling for votes". The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "McCain Makes False Promises With New Oil-Drilling Stand".




Transportation

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Crist doesn't like the transportation bills that would have allowed more vendors to have a shot at the gas and food concessions on Florida's Turnpike. In less than a week, the governor twice vetoed legislation that would have allowed smaller vendors to compete for the concession business. On Friday, he vetoed a bill with the concession changes, and on Tuesday he vetoed another bill with similar language. Gov. Crist says the vetoes will ensure that there is ''fairness and integrity...". "Turnpike contract mustn't hurt drivers".




More oil

"Republican members of Florida's congressional delegation lined up Wednesday behind President Bush as he challenged Congress to allow drilling off the nation's coastlines." "Drill, Florida's GOP lawmakers say".

Here's a shocker: "Jeb Bush reconsiders stance on drilling".

More: "Soaring gas prices drive offshore-drilling debate". See also "To drill or not to drill? Oil debate refuels" and "Drilling a wedge in McCain support".

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Offshore drilling no panacea for rising gas prices".




"Developers' dream bill"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "From the same Legislature that refused this year to put the slightest restraint on new development comes a bill, now on Gov. Charlie Crist's desk, to give a pass to potentially some of the largest real estate projects in Florida. This one richly deserves a veto." "Developers' dream bill deserves Crist veto".

"Crist's decision to abandon the once nearly universal, bipartisan opposition to oil and gas drilling in coastal waters off Florida has led some people to wonder whether he is attempting to kiss up to Sen. John McCain in hopes of landing a spot on the national ticket." "Crist's drilling reversal reflects risky political calculus, some say".




Enough

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Plow exemptions under".




A tight race will do that ...

Buchanan claims to "remain opposed to expanded drilling off Florida's west coast. Expanded drilling would threaten our natural resources, which are vital to our tourism-based economy and quality of life." "Buchanan: Don't lift ban on oil drilling".




Desperate

"Mario Diaz, the political reporter and former morning anchor at WTSP, Channel 10, will coordinate media efforts in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas." "Channel 10 Reporter Joins McCain Campaign".




No joke

"In papers filed with the state, Jose N. Vazquez lists his address as a prison facility near the south shore of Lake Okeechobee, where he is serving time on a felony conviction. That didn't stop the state Division of Elections this week from declaring him a qualified write-in candidate for a state House of Representatives seat that includes parts of Tampa and Hillsborough County." "Prison inmate qualifies as a write-in candidate".




Q Poll

"Poll: Obama leads in key states".




"Far from over"

"The fight for control of Florida's public universities is far from over." "Fight over control of universities resumes". See also "U. board steps back on presidential selection plan" and "BOG may expand its say in hiring".