Crist has been hesitant to talk about the race
while carrying out his responsibilities as governor
but began to ease himself into the dual role while
talking to the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce
and the Volusia County Tiger Bay Club. He hadn't
answered many questions about the campaign or
federal issues since announcing his plans to run
last week.
He spent a significant chunk of his 25
minutes of remarks talking about the stimulus
package, saying without it the state would have
needed to raise taxes. Crist's primary opponent,
former House Speaker Marco Rubio, has criticized
the package and is pointing out that Crist appeared
with Democratic President Barack Obama to promote
it.
"I'm pragmatic and I'm practical and as a chief
executive it's important to get things done to make
sure that your children get a good education, to
make sure that the most vulnerable in our society
get the health care that they need, to make sure
that we have public safety so that crime doesn't go
up. That's why I stood for it," said Crist, who
hopes to replace Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, who
is retiring after one term.
Republicans in
Washington widely opposed the package. All House
Republicans voted against it, and only three
Republican senators voted for it. Crist's
appearance with Obama made some Republicans
uncomfortable, while others defended him, saying
his view as governor is different from the
perspective of members of Congress.
Asked by an audience member if he would have
supported the stimulus package if he was already in
the Senate, Crist said, "Of course."
"Ask the members of the Legislature what our
alternative would have been if we didn't have that
stimulus. I'll tell you what it would have been -
we would have had to raise taxes dramatically to
make the budget balance because we can't run a
deficit in Florida. Our constitution will not
permit it," Crist said. "That's a great thing. I
wish they had that in Washington."
Before his talk turned to the stimulus, Crist
built up to remarks about his Senate run by listing
a resume of accomplishments as governor on a wide
range of issues. He said insurance and property tax
rates have dropped since he took office in 2007
while Florida's public school rankings have risen
substantially.
"Public service is what makes me happy. It
brings me joy. It's like a calling and that's what
I want to do," Crist said. "I'd be proud to
represent you in Washington. It's important, I
think, now more than ever that we have people who
can work with others to get things done. We have
done it in Tallahassee. I call it the Florida way
and it would be nice if they can do it in
Washington."
He mentioned his efforts to purchase sugar farm
land to protect the Everglades, and a program that
helps make health insurance more accessible for
residents who don't have it.
"This are the good things that are happening in
Florida," he said.
He was also asked about federal immigration
policy.
"It's terribly important that we secure our
border and stop illegal immigration for the very
reason that we can continue to have legal
immigration. Our country's always stood for that,"
Crist said.
Talking to reporters afterward, he said he would
support an immigration bill similar to the failed
2007 legislation that many Republicans opposed
because it provided a path to citizenship for
illegal immigrants. President George W. Bush,
eventual Republican presidential nominee John
McCain and Martinez supported the measure.
"I like Sen. Martinez' and Sen. McCain's
approach," Crist said. "I thought they had the
right idea and maybe just a little more support up
there would help it get it done."
