In yet another sign of how Gov. Charlie Crist’s (I-FL) switch from Republican to independent in the Florida Senate race has altered his partisan relationships in the state, he is now being attacked by one Republican for his handling of the BP oil spill — and being defended by another Republican.
On Tuesday, northern Florida Republican state Sen. Don Gaetz publicly criticized Crist’s handling of the situation for his region’s tourism. “It is now Day 35, and I regret to say that thus far, the state of Florida has not done enough,” said Gaetz, who later added provocatively: “It’s in days like this that I miss Jeb Bush,” said Gaetz.
A response to Gaetz came from state Sten. Durell Peaden, a northern Florida GOPer who is still supporting Crist: “Now is not the time to score political points. We should unite together behind the families and businesses that are hurting the most. As a Senator from the Panhandle region, I recognize the Governor’s hard work and stand ready to continue the fight against those who caused this terrible spill.”
