FL AFL-CIO Backs Meek

Despite an appeal from Gov. Charlie Crist to support his bid for the U.S. Senate, the Florida AFL-CIO endorsed his chief Democratic rival, Congressman Kendrick Meek, on Sunday.

Crist had attended the AFL-CIO endorsement convention on Friday and personally asked for their support, saying his campaign needed their backing. Meek gave a rousing speech on Saturday morning, asking for the backing of the AFL-CIO in passionate terms.

Working people in Florida need a fighter, a leader who will work for their issues everyday, said Meek after winning the AFL-CIO endorsement. My fight is your fight, and today I stand humbled and proud to have earned your support.

The AFL-CIOs backing of Meek brought praise from the Florida Democratic Party.

This news is a huge blow to lifelong Republican Charlie Crist's opportunistic attempts to transform himself once again, said Democratic spokesman Eric Jotkoff. Just like Floridas labor leaders and working families saw this weekend Crist is nothing more than a typical politician who will say or do anything to win and further his ambitions, this fall Floridians of all stripes will reject our incumbent Governors do nothing approach.