Florida Governor Charlie Crist has picked a liberal for a judicial post, and Republicans are not happy:
Crist was faced with a choice between the two leading prospects handed him by Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commission. He had to choose between a clear conservative and a clear liberal.
The conservative was District Court of Appeals Judge Alan Lawson. Crist received an estimated 30,000 e-mails, faxes, phone calls, and letters in support of Lawson, in addition to the endorsements of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, law enforcement officials, the National Rifle Association, Florida Right to Life, Florida Family Action, and dozens of other pro-life and pro-family groups around the state and across the country.
The liberal was Judge James Perry, who was heavily supported by Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States; Equality Florida, the leading homosexual activist group in Florida (and the leading opponent of Florida’s recently successful ballot initiative banning gay marriage in Florida); the NAACP; and several other liberal groups.
Whom did Crist choose to put on the already activist, left-leaning, Florida Supreme Court that tried to steal the 2000 Presidential election from Bush for Gore? This Republican chose the liberal -- Judge Perry. On qualifications alone, leaving judicial philosophy aside, the choice was clear. It had to be Lawson, an appellate judge. Perry, a trial court judge, has absolutely no appellate court experience whatsoever, and yet he will now be sitting on the highest appellate court in the nation’s fourth largest state.
Given that Lawson, the right-winger, had more qualifications yet was passed over, it would seem that Crist's appointment of Lawson was a big screw you to the Republican Party and the Religious Right. Now, how many days will it be before Rush Limbaugh and his band of thugs will force him to recant?
Emperor Dobson's minions are pissed:
Florida Family Policy Council President John Stemberger released the following statement: "The Governor’s decision today is both stunning and profoundly disappointing. He missed a real opportunity not only to appoint the most qualified candidate, but also to bring the court back into ideological balance. Instead, he made an appointment rooted in politics and one which will entrench the Florida High Court back into a 5-2 left leaning majority for at least the next decade. The People’s Governor received a record breaking number of communications from tens of thousands of Floridians asking him to appoint Lawson, who was clearly the most qualified candidate. The Governor was apparently completely unmoved by this unprecedented and historical show of support."
William March of the Tampa Tribune explains Crist's percadiment:
Both sides have lobbied Crist, and he has strong political reasons for not wanting to alienate either side.
Crist has proclaimed his intent to make racially diverse judicial appointments, and he wants black and minority support if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.
At the same time, his relations with the conservative base of the Republican Party are badly strained, partly because of his backing of President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. An appointment conservatives don't like would only worsen that.
University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson summed up Crist's dilemma: "Given his background, you would expect him to appoint an African-American," Paulson said. "Part of his success has been reaching out to African-Americans.
"But given the political situation, you might expect him to use the appointment to heal the wounds with the conservatives."
And Crist has already been in trouble with the group over his promotion of gambling in the state.
Human Events concludes:
In light of today’s judicial appointment, which puts Perry automatically on the Supreme Court since there is no confirmation process, Crist’s relationship with conservatives just got a whole lot worse. Strained is an understatement. Ruptured is more like it.
Yet, this latest proof that Crist is a Republican in Name Only is a good thing, even though we Floridians will suffer the consequences. How so? By his own hand, Crist has stripped away any credibility in the notion that he might be a conservative.
Among the choice comments:
Indeed. I've heard this guy's name being touted by no less than Rush and Hannity too. But as seems to be the norm anymore, we just can't find someone who will hold the conservative line.
If they aren't giving in to billions in earmarks, they're buckling under pressure from special interest groups like PP and the NAALCP.
Looks like I need to hit the lotto and fast. Apparently I'm going to have to run but unlike all these millionaires I have to work...
Crist just ended his career as a Republican. He should just become a Democrat since that is how he has been acting anyway.
Let there be no doubt as to which side of the batter's box Charlie Crist stands. I really can not decide who is more pathetic........the LGBT Governor from Florida or the former LGBT Lt. Governor of Maryland. The Republican Party dies from within due to its LGBT constituents and the continual compromise or destruction of its conservative principles. Eurosocialism, sadomasochism, transvestitism.........even Johns Hopkins recognized gender reassignment does not cure gender identity disorder.
Crist is so focused on furthering his political career. He's a lame duck as a republican. Another one that needs the boot.
HEADS ON STICKS!!!
I know it's getting a bit redundant, but lately those are the only words that come to mind.
A month ago, all I wanted was to kick somebody's ass. Now, well the heck with that, I want their freeken heads.
Crist is another Specter, Snow or Collins. Like those three, and McCain and Grahamnesty, he's another dangerous RINO trying to position himself for power and the decline of our culture by running as a Republican and acting like a liberal. I hope that he's defeated in whichever race he runs and then joins Cynthia McKinny in California where he belongs.