Florida GOP cracks whip on free thinkers

So much for the party of personal freedom. The Republican Party of Florida last week reminded all its officials — from lowly precinct chairmen to elected legislators — that they would be stripped of their party standing if they voiced support or gave money to any non-Republican candidate. The real message: Don't support Gov. Charlie Crist's bid for U.S. Senate if he drops out of the Republican primary to run with no party affiliation.

Many say this is just payback politics. Former party chairman Jim Greer tried to evoke the same loyalty oath last year on Crist's behalf in an attempt to scuttle U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio's campaign.

But such lockstep mentality is as offensive now as it was then. Republican activists don't sign conscription papers; they have merely voiced allegiance to a party's principles. The Republican Party's tactics are heavy- handed and hypocritical from a party now ripe with scandal and under federal investigation.

There is a little something called free speech, and Floridians should be free to support any candidate they want regardless of their party affiliation. Thank goodness America still has a private voting booth so Republicans will be able to vote their conscience without fear of reprisal.