Charlie Crist Hits Tallahassee and Rick Scott

Former Gov. Charlie Crist, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination to challenge Gov. Rick Scott, headed to Tallahassee on Thursday and ramped up the attacks on his Republican opponent.

Im running for governor to try to serve you again because Im disappointed, Crist said. My heart is broken for educators, for people who care about the environment, for the middle class and the economy and the greater job opportunities we should be having in the Sunshine State,

Crist attempted to contrast his record with Scotts on Thursday. "He's got his record and I've got mine," Crist said. The new Democrat promised to ramp up attacks on Scotts record in the private sector, including the governors time at Columbia/HCA and his role in the largest fraud settlement in American history in which the company lost around $2 billion.

"When Governor Scott ran before, it was mentioned, Crist said. Maybe not enough.

Crist also defended his economic record and backing President Barack Obamas federal stimulus plan when he met the media. Asked what Scott policies he would reverse, Crist said, All of them.

I would change everything he is doing and get Florida back on track, Crist said, pointing to Scotts record on high-speed rail, the enviroment, education and voter rights.

Susan Hepworth, a spokeswoman for the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), quickly fired back.

When Charlie Crist says that he would reverse everything Rick Scott has done, does that include his five major tax cuts in the last three legislative sessions?" Hepworth asked. Does it include the record state-based funding for K-12 schools and $480 million in teacher pay raises? Does it include the 2,800 regulations slashed for job creators and the reduction of $3.6 billion in state debt? Charlie Crist has made it clear that Floridians cant afford another four years of his failed leadership.