Crist launches video and website for expected gubernatorial run

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday launched a new ad and website that could preface a gubernatorial run. 

Crist has shifted his allegiance to the Democratic Party and is expected by many to try to win back the governor’s house, though Friday’s ad did not announce a run.

In a video posted on YouTube, Crist cited Democratic themes in aligning himself with workers and mentioning attacks on healthcare.

“You’ve seen the attacks against full-time working people and their healthcare, against women and their doctors, against teachers, public schools, and college affordability, and even against the simple act of casting your vote,” he said. “It’s not working.”

Crist also launched a new website: CharlieCrist.com. “Only you, the people, can get Florida back to common sense,” the main page says. Below that is an area for constituents to submit comments. 

Crist would run for election against Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Scott next year. In a June Quinnipiac University poll measuring such a match-up, Crist came out ahead. Half of people surveyed said if the election were held, Scott doesn’t deserve another term. 

Nearly 50 percent said they view Crist favorably, and 40 percent held that view of Scott. 

Crist served as the Sunshine State’s governor from 2007 to 2011 mostly as a Republican, but then left the GOP in 2010 after losing in a senate primary to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

In 2012, he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. 

Crist has burned some bridges with the GOP. 

Just this week, the widow of the late Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.) banned Crist from attending her husband’s funeral.