When Congressman Charlie Crist‘s campaign looked for women to back him in next year’s governor’s race against two viable female candidates, they turned to a small group of relatively unknown women — led by his two sisters.
Well, at least his siblings support him!
“The ‘Women for Crist’ group is going to be a grassroots, all hands on deck movement to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the issues facing the women of our state,” Crist said in a morning live-streamed press conference. The group will serve as an advocacy, organizing, and is expected to highlight Crist’s support on issues of importance facing women.
The former Republican governor said he was “proud and humbled” to be supported by “some of the best that Florida has to offer.” In addition to his sisters — Catherine Crist Kennedy, associate vice president at St. Petersburg College, and Elizabeth Crist Hyden, a radiation oncologist — that includes former State Rep. Annie Betancourt; Susan Windmiller, voter outreach consultant and former two-time president of the League of Women Voters of Miami Dade; Gadsen County Commissioner Brenda Holt; State Rep. Marie Woodson; Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, Former Sen. Arthenia Joyner; and former State Rep. Susan Bucher, who Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended as Supervisor of Elections in Palm Beach County in 2018 for what many say were politically-motivated reasons.
¿Quien? No disrespect to any of you ladies, but it’s a pretty B-list crowd.
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Understandably, it may not be easy to get A-listers when Crist is running in the Democrat primary against celebrity-quality media mavens like Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Nikki Fried and State Sen. Annette Taddeo, and we have a really good opportunity to elect the first female Florida governor.
Ladra can’t help but wonder if either Fried or Taddeo will launch “Men for Me” grassroots groups themselves.
Meh. Who are we kidding? Men are not as important to this gubernatorial election (are they ever?) as women are, as far as an angry voter target. Gov. Ron DeSantis hasn’t done a thing for women, and, in fact, is seen as a threat to women’s rights because of his awful track record as a congressman. His idea of defending women was a law he signed last year barring transgenders from playing on girls’ sports teams. He calls it the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.” As if.
This is the bone he throws at us, ladies.
“It’s no secret that under Governor DeSantis the women of Florida have been left unheard, unseen, and frankly attacked by this Administration,” Crist said, obviously reading from prepared statements.
“The Governor continues his cowardly assault on reproductive rights and a woman’s right to choose, meanwhile his leadership on the issues that actually matter like closing the gender pay gap, ending gender inequality in the workplace, putting a stop to sexual and domestic violence in our communities and empowering women with the tools and resources necessary to continue their education and succeed as business owners and entrepreneurs, are all being left to the wayside.
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“Women’s rights are human rights and the women of the Sunshine State deserve nothing less than to have their voices heard at every level of our government. And that’s exactly what ‘Women For Crist’ is ready to do: Listen to the voices of women across the state, join forces to ensure their views are reflected in our campaign’s mission to build a Florida for all, and mobilize to turn the tides and flip our state blue.
“That’s exactly why I’m running for Governor, to fight for, build, and deliver a Florida for all of my fellow neighbors across the state, not just some. And today I’m proud to say that I’ll do it alongside some of the best women leaders and activists Florida has to offer,” Crist said.
Naturally, it was mutual as they all gushed over the former GOP guv.
“We need a steady and experience hand who will focus on policies that will help every citizen after this pandemic,” said Bucher, who mentioned child care and rental assistance as some priorities. “I know Charlie Crist can bring us back.”
Bucher (photo above), who served in the legislature from 2002 to 2008, said that Crist may have been in a different party when he won the governor’s race in 2007, but he was able to reach across the aisle and work with everyone, which is something that is desperately needed.
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“We’re not seeing that anymore in Florida. It’s partisan politics at its very best,” she said, adding that Crist could have “very comfortably” stayed in his congressional seat but is “stepping up.”
Brenda Holt said up Crist will stand up for women’s healthcare needs and reproductive rights and that he’s always been accessible. “We need Charlie Crist. I can’t say it enough.”
“I trust Charlie,” said Windmiller.
Said Crist: “The folks with me today know what’s at stake and how serious we need to be to get Governor DeSantis out of office.
“We’re ready to get it done, to protect women’s rights, and ensure that the women of the Sunshine State always have a seat at the table. And with the support of everyone here and those who I know will join us in the future, we can get it done and more.”
Charlie Crist launches ‘Women for Crist’ group in 2022 guv race vs two women added by Ladra on
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