Charlie Crist, in his indie bid for U.S. Senate, is appealing to Republicans and
Democrats. And this leads to seemingly different messages in different parts of
the state.

A week ago, speaking in the Democratic bastion of Broward
County, Crist said "thank god" he left the Republican Party. But yesterday in
the conservative Panhandle region he had a different message. He told
Pensacola reporters he remains a conservative and the held the same ideology he
did when he won the governor's mansion in 2006 as a "Jeb Bush
Republican."

See a Q and A and TV clips below.

From the Pensacola News-Journal:

Q: Do you still consider yourself a conservative?

A: Of course. I'm a fiscal
conservative, open minded on social issues. I think we need to be tolerant. We
need to be watchful of our money. We need to reduce taxes. All are things
important to the people of Florida. What I am is a commonsense guy. And that's
what the people want more than ever.

Q: What's your message to conservatives
who have supported you in the past?

A: I haven't changed. The party changed.
I think what's important is that you stay true to yourself. That's what I have
done, and that's what I will do in Washington.

Here is a clip of Crist's "thank God" comment. And here is a clip of Crist in Pensacola.

John Frank