Charlie Crist: Right-Wing Extremist?

For the convenience of anyone who hasn't been paying attention, National Review has compiled 10 of the popular Republican-turned-Independent-turned-Democrat former Florida governor's "most conservative moments." Some highlights:

"You might have heard that Charlie Crist, former governor of Florida, former Republican, and former independent, is now a Democrat. Prepping for a possible new run for the governorship, he has switched parties. He posted a proud picture of his registration form onto his Twitter feed ...

"Appearing on 'Hardball' last week, Crist promised Chris Matthews that he would support mainstream Democratic policy positions, with Crist acquiescing to opposing any kind of enforcement on immigration and school vouchers, and being 'totally for the public-school teachers unions.' He also told reporters, 'Ive had friends for years tell me, "You know, Charlie, youre a Democrat and you dont know it."'

"I dont know who Charlie Crists friends are, but they apparently arent very attentive listeners. Before he lost the 2010 Republican Senate primary to Marco Rubio, Crist told everybody who would listen that he was a 'true-blue Reagan conservative.' ...

"Heres a list of Charlie Crists most conservative moments:

"1. Crist earned the nickname 'Chain Gang Charlie' during his time as attorney general of Florida. Crist, who wanted to be considered tough on crime, was instrumental in reinstituting chain gangs for Florida felons.

"2. When running against Marco Rubio in the 2010 Republican primary for Senate, he brushed aside the idea that he wasnt a true conservative: 'Im an anti-tax, pro-life, pro-gun Republican ... Ive never voted for a new tax. ... If thats not conservative, I dont know what is.' Indeed.

"3. Before he left the Republican Party in 2010, Crists website read, 'Charlie Crist supports making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent. If given the opportunity, Charlie Crist will vote to make permanent tax cuts within individual income brackets, a permanent tax cut on capital gains, a permanent end to the unfair death tax and the end of the unfair marriage tax penalty.' A record Grover Norquist could be proud of.

"4. Crist consistently received high marks from the Florida NRA. Some even accused him of doing the gun lobbys bidding.

"5. Crist also supported Floridas Defense of Marriage Act, which says that gay marriages 'are not recognized for any purpose in this state.'

"6. While running for governor in 2006, Crist ran as an 'anti-abortion' politician. ..."

{Source}