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Nov 8, 2009 12:27 am US/Eastern
Governor Crist Speaks Out On Accusations
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
As Governor Charlie Crist makes his bid for the U.S. Senate seat, some are criticizing him for abandoning his Republican base and swinging too far to the middle.
CBS4 News caught up with Crist at the Make a Wish Foundation gala Saturday night to discuss the condemnations.
It's a theme suggested in a recent YouTube video that compares the governor to Adolf Hitler. Crist told
CBS4 News that the video is "unimaginable" and he denied leaning too far to the left. When asked if he should change his political strategy at this point, Crist replied, "No, I think the most important thing I need to do is be myself, be Charlie Crist, fight for the people everyday and try to provide a better education for our children."
Saturday, the governor also cleared up recent criticism that he seems to be indecisive. He initially supported the $787 billion stimulus package, but then turned his back on it.
"I think the stimulus has helped Florida enormously. It saved about 20,000 teaching jobs, a lot of construction jobs; my job is to look out for the people and that's why we took that money," said Crist. But the governor said he would not be taking the second round of stimulus funds. "Cause I think we're in good shape. We're getting better everyday."
Crist refused to answer questions about his declining popularity ratings. But he did talk about the controversy over whether or not he lied about knowing the President was in Florida.
Back in February, Crist embraced and introduced President Barack Obama at a South Florida event. Eight months later when the President returned to town, Crist was absent and said he didn't even know Obama was here.
He later admitted to knowing the President was in Florida. The governor told
CBS4 News he has not been dishonest, "'cause it's the truth. I didn't know his itinerary."
The spotlight is heating up for Crist as he fights for the U.S. senate seat against Marco Rubio. But Crist remains confident cooler heads will prevail and he will win that election.
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