Florida A&M University Rattlers celebrating homecoming gave gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist quite a different reception than the one they gave senatorial candidate Charlie Crist four years ago. When Crist rode in the 2010 Homecoming Parade as a no-party-affiliate candidate he was met with silence, nods of approval and whispered words of encouragement.
Saturday Crist skipped the parade and went straight to Perry Street where tailgaters gather across from Bragg Memorial Stadium. People flocked to Crist the Democrat for photos and hugs. The candidate took more than a half hour to walk less than half the length of the stadium. Crist would take three or four steps then someone would ask for a picture and the candidate obliged.
Crist started the final weekend of the campaign in Tallahassee bolstering the get-out-the-vote effort of local Democrats. Their strategy counts on the network of volunteers, operatives and campaign procedures President Barack Obama assembled two years ago producing a victory Tuesday. Visits from former President Bill Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden for the Crist campaign aim to keep the Obama coalition of working people, females and younger voters engaged in the mid-term election.
“He’s for the best interest of the people,” said PJ Bailey after hugging Crist on Perry Street.
“I live and work in Miami, Florida and a lot of things he did and that he is trying to do benefit the people of Miami. He has my vote,” said Bailey.
Earlier Crist stopped in at the Oleans Cafe across the street from the FAMU administration building and on a hill opposite the state capitol. The diner serves cafeteria style and there was a 35-minute long line in the minutes before Crist arrived.
When Crist walked in his reception foreshadowed what awaited him along Perry Street; hugs and photos for all with a stump speech on the side.
“This election is coming down to the wire, (and) let’s understand a couple of things here,” said Crist. “We have to make sure everyone gets out (to vote) that’s number one. Number two, Rick Scott thinks he can buy this race but he can’t buy you. I’ll say it again, he can’t buy you and he can’t buy the governor’s office. It’s up to you. Money can’t vote, people vote”
An estimated $104 million has been spent on the governor’s race. Gov. Rick Scott’s campaign and supportive groups have spent about $68 million and the Crist campaign and affiliates have spent another $36 million.
