In eight days Democrat Charlie Crist will know if he left it too late to reach out to the predominantly African-American neighborhoods of St. Petersburg. What was revealed over the weekend were indications that much of South St. Petersburg has already pledged its allegiance in the CD 13 race to Crist's Republican opponent, David Jolly.
First, in a report card-style rating of the race, members of St. Petersburg’s NAACP have graded Crist "F" and David Jolly "A" on issues of importance to the black community.
Then, Chico Cromartie, a former member of the executive committee of the St. Petersburg NAACP, issued a scathing email that states in no uncertain terms which of the two candidates will act in the best interest of black voters -- and Cromartie says it’s not Charlie Crist.
“Most residents are familiar with Charlie Crist politically,” he wrote to some of the area’s most prominent political, business, social and church leaders in black St. Petersburg. “(Crist) has a political career that spans 30-plus years. He has laid claim to every major political party in the United States. He has also supported and endorsed every president since Ronald Reagan.”
Cromartie recalled when Crist spearheaded the Florida “chain gang” campaign -- a nickname the former state lawmaker once touted as a source of pride. He’s a man with a big personality and and an ego to match, said Cromartie.
"As African Americans, we must ask the simple question ... ‘In Charlie Crist’s 30-plus years of politics, what has he done for the African American community ... aside from the fact that he put 'leg irons' and 'chains' on already condemned men in a predominately African American prison system ...”
Cromartie called it a “major concern” and an issue with great emotional significance to many African-American voters.
Jolly, he said, is the polar opposite of Crist -- "he’s a relatively new politician who has only been in office for two years and he’s never switched parties or stances on important issues -- he’s brave in the face of opposition, which he has met from both sides of the aisle" for committing to fight the darkening status quo of national politics.
Said Cromartie, "(Jolly) has already embraced the local African American community with a unique sense of understanding and compassion never before seen from any local candidate, Republican or Democrat. He has challenged Washington with his Stop Act -- an act that ostracized him from many members of the United States Congress, both Republican and Democrat. He has helped veterans, immigrants and reached out and supported local African Americans and organizations in their fight for social equality."
Explained Cromartie, “He has a reputation for doing what he says and not shying away from doing what is right, despite the political consequences. ...
However, you may feel about David Jolly or his political perspective, one thing is for certain: any man with conviction and compassion in today’s political climate, is rare."
Some of the email's recipients included state Rep. Darryl Rouson, who represents southern Pinellas County and has a colorful history serving the community, acting as president of the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP and as chairman of the St. Petersburg Area Black Chamber of Commerce.
Others added to the chain were church leaders and local business owners. One of the more notable names on the email chain, though, was Pastor Louis Murphy, who heads Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, which boasts the largest African-American congregation in St. Petersburg.
Cromartie ended his email with an endorsement without calling it one: "... When you cast your ballots as African Americans and citizens," he wrote, "[decide] what type of person you want to represent you and your family."
The St. Petersburg NAACP, meanwhile, has not officially endorsed any specific candidate, either. But its report card grading system was indicative of its sentiment. Grades were based on responses to a series of questions asked in chapter forums held earlier this month.
Crist flunked primarily because -- despite being invited to attend -- he simply didn’t show up. In order to get a grade, candidates had to actually participate in the event.
Citizens on social media called blowing off the NAACP event “pompous," among other things, and chapter President Maria Scruggs criticized Crist’s decision to stay away, saying he was taking black voters for granted. In a post on her Facebook page, Scruggs reposted one of Jolly's Facebook posts slamming Crist for running Photoshopped ads featuring Jolly with Trump.
“[He] chose not to [accept the invitation,]” Scruggs said, adding that the local chapter chooses to remain neutral in elections.
Neutrality aside, polls show a tightening CD 13 race between Jolly and Crist.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
