Incumbents have huge advantages over challengers in American elections – both owing to the factors why voters select particular candidates (name ID) and how campaigns work (position taking, credit claiming). While Governor Crist is not an incumbent in the race for the US Senate seat in Florida – his position as Governor gives him many of those same advantages. In recent weeks Crist has been capitalizing upon his position (and the free media attention) in attempts to secure the Senate seat. From his high profile veto of the Teacher Merit bill to the signing of the Condo Bill to what will, almost certainly, be his veto of the Abortion Ultrasound bill.
While all of this looks good for Charlie, the particulars of the three-way race also make this a difficult road. In the last twenty four hours Crist has been attacked by Rubio (pro-life) and by Meek (pro-choice) over the abortion bill. To Rubio and his followers, Crist is another opportunist turn-coat who does not really value the sanctity of life. To Meek, Crist is an opportunist who has long turned his back on women seeking an abortion. Well, at least Rubio and Meek can agree on something, if just partially.
About Me
- Martin J. Sweet
- is a professor, political commentator, and Director of Content for thelaw.tv. Sweet was the 2005 co-winner of the APSA's Corwin Prize for the nation's best dissertation in the area of public law. His book, "Merely Judgment: Ignoring, Evading and Trumping the Supreme Court," is forthcoming from the University of Virginia Press in November 2010. Professor Sweet is a regular political contributor for local television and radio stations, and has been interviewed for his political analysis numerous times by the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel, Sarasota Herald Tribune, Scripps-Howard News Service, as well as the Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Daily News, and the Washington Post. Sweet has also been an invited speaker and panel moderator for national and local education, civic, and religious organizations.
