Ahem, shouldn't you be in Tallahassee, governor?

As state officials contemplate painful budget cuts during the opening days of the annual lawmaking session, Gov. Charlie Crist made time to accompany Republican nominee-in-waiting John McCain last night and today to $1,000-per-person receptions in Gulfstream and Naples and to nationally televised campaign stops in West Palm Beach.

Granted, there's no bills for Crist to sign yet, but he does have an image to protect as the self-proclaimed "people's governor."

"You know, you just keep working hard for the people every day,'' Crist told reporters. "That's why I'm going to back to Tallahassee this afternoon to make sure we keep our quality of life in Florida as strong as it needs to be.''

Later he added, "I know we're in session and it's the first week, but (Sen. McCain) is interested in Florida issues and he's already the nominee of the Republican party. Any time I have the chance to explain the issues and concerns of Florida, I'm going to do that."

McCain did sound slightly more open-minded about the idea of a national catastrophic hurricane insurance fund that could lower rates in Florida than he has in the past.

"I am confident we can move forward in a fashion that will not only be acceptable to Gov. Crist and the people of the Florida, but also to the Congress of the United States,'' McCain said. "I think it also has to be an approach that addresses the concerns that other states have.''

More on McCain's visit to Florida today here.

Comments

[calfloridia]

It's fine that the Governor is on hand to demonstrate his support for McCain. Remember it's all one state - right?