Crist Not A Big Fan of Ethics

Shameful activity here:

A company that ships oil into Iraq for use by American forces there "appears to have engaged in a reprehensible form of war profiteering," according to a letter by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Cal., Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The company, International Oil Trading Limited, is run by Florida-based businessman Harry Sargeant, a top fundraiser for the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain.

And, of course, we know how Crist feels about him:

On Wednesday, Crist said he was grateful for help from Sargeant, whom he has known since they were fraternity brothers at Florida State University.

"He's a great patriot, and I love him for it," Crist said.

Crist and I have different definitions of "great patriot." Mine doesn't include war profiteering.

Empty Chair Charlie's First Priority?

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

While Empty Chair Charlie likes to claim his first responsibility is his job as Governor, a review of his schedule over the past month shows his job is not his first priority.

Today, the Orlando Sentinel quoted Crist saying, "My first and foremost responsibility is to the people of Florida...I'm going to stay focused on Mission 1, which is Florida, and when I have time to help out my friend I'm eager and anxious to do so."

Between September 14 and October 14th, Crist spent only 9 days working in his office at the Capitol or in the Governor's mansion according to his public schedule.

"While Empty Chair Charlie's first responsibly might be to the people of Florida, clearly we are not his first priority. While the problems facing the Sunshine State are mounting, Crist's only response has been to continue his out of touch, out of town ways," said Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff. "The Governor rarely shows up to work and has done nothing to jump start Florida's economy, unless you count telling Floridians struggling to pay their mortgages to go to Disney World as an economic plan. Despite the fact that Floridians are suffering under the Republican recession, Empty Chair Charlie keeps jet setting, attending baseball games, and even blowing off the McCain campaign by going to Disney. Floridians are asking when is Crist going to make Florida his priority?"

From the Blogs

Ybor City Stogie: Charlie Crist: When I have time to help, I'll try to do that

Ybor City Stogie: Empty Chair Charlie Holds Feeney Fundraiser

Florida Gets a "D" on Choice Issues

NARAL points out the following facts:

69 percent of Florida counties have no abortion provider.

Florida has unconstitutional and unenforceable criminal bans on abortion.
Details

Florida law subjects women seeking abortions to biased counseling requirements.
Details

Florida allows certain individuals or entities to refuse to provide women specific reproductive health services, information, or referrals.

Florida restricts low-income women's access to abortion.

Florida law restricts young women's access to abortion services by mandating parental notice.

Florida subjects abortion providers to burdensome restrictions not applied to other medical professionals.

Governor Charlie Crist (R) is anti-choice.

Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp (R) is anti-choice.

Attorney General Bill McCollum (R) is anti-choice.

The Florida House is anti-choice.

The Florida Senate is mixed-choice.

We can do better than this.

Crist and Greer Should Follow Own Advice on Ethics and Honesty, Cancel Feeney Fundraiser‏

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For Immediate Release: October 7, 2008

Crist and Greer Should Follow Own Advice on Ethics and Honesty, Cancel Feeney Fundraiser

As Governor Charlie Crist and RPOF Chairman Jim Greer host a fundraiser today for the FBI's Representative # 3, aka Congressman Tom Feeney, it appears that their words about ethics and honesty don't match up with their deeds.

While defending his decision to host a Feeney fundraiser, Greer said: "People make mistakes. He said he made a mistake, and I think voters like to have someone who's honest." [Orlando Sentinel, 10/5/08]

We think voters like to have someone who's honest as well, which is why voters in Florida's 24^th District are supporting Suzanne Kosmas, a candidate who shares their priorities and doesn't have to apologize for a record of corruption.

Crist also should answer for this hypocritical fundraiser, given that he promised "the most ethical government possible, the most open and transparent government possible," [Pensacola News Journal, 1/07/07] and yet is helping fill the coffers of one of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress.

Since Feeney was named the 6^th Most Vulnerable Incumbent in the country by Roll Call today, Empty Chair Charlie must have decided he could put that promise on hold.

"If Governor Crist and Jim Greer were taking their own advice when it comes to ethics and honesty, there is no way they would be hosting a fundraiser for Tom Feeney, who is plagued by ethical problems and under FBI investigation," said Eric Jotkoff, spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party.  "Governor Crist should cancel tonight's fundraiser, since Feeney's unethical behavior and record of deception is exactly what's wrong with politics today."

Get all of the facts about Feeney's corruption scandal at: www.feeneysfullofit.com.

  -###-