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Tampa fundraiser won't help Crist
The education commissioner asks supporters to give to the Red Cross instead.
By STEVE BOUSQUET
© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 20, 2001
TALLAHASSEE -- Charlie Crist had a change of heart.
The state education commissioner went ahead with a campaign fundraiser Wednesday evening in Tampa in his race for attorney general.
But amid questions about the propriety of raising money during a crisis, and with other candidates not campaigning, Crist said he would not take checks and would ask supporters to donate to the American Red Cross instead.
"It's just something I've been thinking about," said Crist, who called a reporter with his decision. "It's been an evolution. It's a different time for our country."
On Tuesday, Crist said he would proceed with the fundraiser because President Bush had urged Americans to return to business as usual.
The fundraiser was scheduled some time ago, he said.
One of Crist's rivals for the Republican nomination for attorney general, Sen. Locke Burt of Ormond Beach, also held a fundraiser Wednesday. Miami-Dade firefighters had decided they would carry on with an event at their union hall, organizer Dominick Barbera said.
Gov. Jeb Bush has suspended all campaigning indefinitely, campaign manager Karen Unger said.
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