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Victor Crist: For a better state Senate

C. Burt Linthicum, a 49-year-old accountant and first-time candidate for office, is off the mark targeting incumbent state Sen. Victor Crist as an example of an unprincipled party hack "out of touch" and focused on "power and greed." Crist is a little full of himself and quick to play the law enforcement card. But he has more support than any Tampa legislator across the widest range of political constituencies. Crist works his district hard, reaches across party lines, welcomes compromise and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty addressing everyday problems.

Crist, 49, served in the state House in the 1990s before entering the Senate in 2000. His attention to crime, poverty and services to the needy has won him praise across the spectrum, from child welfare advocates and civil rights organizations to police, business and legal aid societies.

Crist is conservative but reasonable, balancing his approach to criminal justice and consumer issues. He also is good at sounding out constituents in his north Hillsborough and central Pasco district before taking action in Tallahassee. Linthicum, a Constitution Party candidate, locks himself in an ideological cocoon with his archconservative views. Crist is the only serious choice.

In Florida Senate District 12, the Times recommends Victor Crist.

[Last modified October 20, 2006, 05:57:42]