Florida Gov. Crist announces he's engaged

BY MARY ELLEN KLAS, meklas@MiamiHerald.com

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TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Charlie Crist told close friends Thursday that when he popped the question to his girlfriend, Miami businesswoman Carole Rome, this morning, she said, ``Yes.''

Rome, 38, a New York City native and consultant to her family's Halloween costume business, Franco American Novelty Co., has been dating Crist for the past nine months.

The couple went to John McCain's Arizona ranch on what as perceived to be a vice presidential vetting weekend a month ago.

''I think it's great,'' said George LeMieux, Crist's former chief of staff and campaign director.

``First and foremost the governor is my friend. I know how happy Carole makes him. I know they'll be a great couple. I'm just excited and happy for both of them.''

AP / FILE

Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Carole Rome poses for photographers in their arrival to The Bloomberg Afterparty in Washington on Saturday, April 26, 2008.