Gov. Charlie Crist, continuing to try to siphon Democratic votes away from Democratic Senate rival Kendrick Meek, has issued a position paper on gay rights. (Let's just say it's a lot different from what he was saying in 2006).  Hardly known as a position-paper-producing policy wonk, Crist is clearly making a bid for the Democratic-leaning gay community.

In the document Download Crist LGBT position paper, Crist puts in writing his support for civil unions and opposition to the military's "don't-ask-don't tell policy," He also suggests that gay couples should be allowed to adopt: "We need to take politics out of adoption decisions. That is why I oppose Florida's current law that requires Family Law judges to ignore what is right for a child in order to adhere to what Florida law blindly demands. There is only one question that matters: What is in the best interest of that child?"

Democratic Senate rival Kendrick Meek put out a statement this morning calling Crist's gesture "too little too late" and noting correctly that Crist had flip-flopped on don't ask don't tell back in May. And the Florida Democratic Party released Crist's 2006 candidate questionnaire to the Christian Coalition he which he said marriage is between a man and a woman and opposed adoption by gay couples. Download Crist_CCSurvey.

So for those keeping score, no new flip-flops by Crist today. But the position paper is a reminder of a  4-month-old flip on the military's policy on gay soldiers and a 4-year-old flop on gay adoption.

Beth Reinhard

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