To Be Senator, Crist Must First Be Governor

Fire the pollster and send the media consultant on vacation.  To become Florida’s Republican US Senate nominee, Charlie Crist is going to have to focus less on the job he wants and more on the job he has.

Crist once called serving as Florida’s governor the “greatest job I’ve ever had.”  Ironically, in order for him to leave that job behind and move on to the next one, voters are going to have to believe again that this is a job he loves and still wants to do.

Because right now, many Florida voters aren’t so sure.

It’s a tricky thing, spending tens of millions of dollars to get the greatest job ever, only to decide half way in that you really want a different one, which will also cost tens of millions dollars to get.

To most people, it just starts to look like nothing more than a game of high-priced musical chairs.   

The key to moving on or moving up is to resist treating the Governor’s Mansion as a stepping-stone.   If Charlie Crist wants to become Florida’s next Senator, the only way he can get there is by staying focused on where he is instead of where he wants to go.  He’s going to have to govern, not campaign.  He must earn his next job by performing the one he has.

At this point in the Republican primary, Marco Rubio is looking to be hired.   But Governor Crist is looking to be promoted. And that makes Rubio’s task an easier one.

As Governor, Crist’s performance and results can be measured, evaluated and debated. Results are what will get him promoted or not.   

And with a state unemployment rate nearing 12 percent, the highest level in thirty-five years; more than 20% of the state with no health care coverage and the new year starting with a $3 billion dollar deficit…the Governor’s got work to do.  

But instead of being a disadvantage, Florida’s sorry state of affairs could be an opportunity.   Crist has a chance to show who he is and what he wants to do.  As Governor, his actions have to make his case for why he should be the next Senator.

His actions are going to have to speak louder than Rubio’s words.

Posted by Bernie Campbell on Monday, January 25, 2010
Permalink: To Be Senator, Crist Must First Be Governor