Charlie Crist

Guide Note

Charlie Crist is a Republican politician who served as the Attorney General of Florida from 2003 to 2007 and is currently the Governor of Florida. As governor, Crist has signed executive orders imposing strict emissions controls, fought insurance companies to lower their rates and has been called "the state's first black governor" for his work to ease race relations. Crist is currently under consideration as a potential running mate for John McCain in the 2008 Presidential Election.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Charles Joseph Crist, Jr.
2. Born: July 24, 1956
3. Former Profession: Lawyer
4. Religion: Methodist
5. FL Attorney General: 2003 to 2007
6. Elected FL Governor: 2006
7. Has endorsed John McCain for President
8. Being considered as a possible running mate for John McCain

Crist Politics

In the 2006 gubernatorial race, Crist campaigned on a platform of "pro-life and pro-family" which included proposed subsidies to heterosexual adoptive parents and foster parents and a strengthening of the legal "right to die." His campaign also emphasized the introduction of state-wide legal gambling and expand support for environmental protections.

Personal Life

In July 2008, Crist proposed to Carole Rome at his St. Petersburg apartment. Crist was 51 and Rome was 38 at the time of the engagement. Crist was previously married in 1979, but the marriage ended in divorce a short time later. The media has questioned his bachelor status since 2006, when Crist entered the gubernatorial race and there was speculation on his sexual orientation. Crist and Rome plan to wed in September 2008. ¹