The invitation that just crossed my desk is interesting for so many reasons. Rick Baker is hosting a coffee reception for Charlie Crist. Sounds pleasant enough, right? Well, keep in mind, St. Pete’s two biggest swinging dicks (metaphorically) have never been especially close. Baker’s more of a Bush man than a Crist ally, so Baker’s support of Crist represents more than just a former mayor hosting a soiree for a city’s favorite son. What will also be interesting is whether Deveron Gibbons attends the event. Gibbons has been trying like mad to re-ingratiate himself with Crist’s campaign, but will Deveron have the salt to show up at an event hosted by Rick Baker two days after Gibbons screwed Baker out of the SPC presidency. Oh, to be a fly on the wall…
By the way, Governor Crist will be presiding over Tommy Minkoff’s investiture today. Some Pinellas politicos worry that Crist’s appearance will politicize a judicial event or, worse, Crist will repeat his performance from last week when his attendance overshadowed the hosts of John Morroni’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. Me? I think Charlie should very much attend Judge Minkoff’s event — and the soiree at the Yacht Club after.
