Florida's Gov. Crist accused of 'cronyism'

by David R. Sands
Washington Times
August 29, 2009

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday selected his closest political confidant to serve out the term of retiring Republican Sen. Mel Martinez for 16 months, until the Republican governor himself hopes to take over the seat.

In the choice that quickly brought Democratic charges of cronyism, Mr. Crist ended a long and very public selection process by naming former chief of staff George LeMieux - a self-described "Charlie Crist Republican" - as the state's next senator.

The Broward County lawyer and Republican Party official has formed a tight bond with his former boss, who once called Mr. LeMieux the "maestro" of his winning 2006 gubernatorial campaign...

Update: Crist signs controversial growth bill

By Jim Ash • florida capital bureau chief • June 1, 2009
Tallahassee.com

Gov. Charlie Crist, a U.S. Senate candidate who frequently crosses the state for high-profile bill signing ceremonies, took a far different approach Monday when he signed a controversial growth management bill vehemently opposed by environmental groups...

Everglades questions grow as deal shrinks

Herald Tribune
By Kate Spinner
Friday, April 3, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist's shrunken $533 million Everglades land deal will not restore the River of Grass and would leave the state with thousands of acres of low-value orange groves...