'Summer of Charlie Crist' a Political Box-Office Bomb

Labor Day weekend is here and now we know the summer of Charlie Crist was a bigger box-office bomb than The Lone Ranger.

This summer, Florida politics was supposed to focus on Crists efforts to win Democrats over as he prepares to run again for governor. Back in May,pundits insisted Crist would be the story and this would be the "summer of Charlie Crist."

True, Crist made some noise this summer. He expressed his support for same-sex marriage and questioned Rick Scotts voter purges. Those positions could certainly help Democrats forget he spent most of his political career portraying himself as a conservative Republican.

But Crist stayed off-stage most of the summer, though things should pick up in the months to come. Hell continue to speak to Democratic groups in the fall and hell have a political memoir -- and perhaps a book tour -- coming out at the start of 2014. Crist was noticeably absent as protesters took over the Capitol to demand a special session to repeal the states Stand Your Ground law.

Crist dodged a few bullets this summer. Nan Rich continues to be a nonfactor in the gubernatorial race and Alex Sink has done nothing to indicate that she will run again. Despite some occasional media noise, Bill Nelson appears increasingly unlikely to run. If nothing else, Crists odds of avoiding a nasty Democratic primary are getting better by the day.

While Crist remained in the wings, Rick Scott was able to use his office this summer to continue to crawl back into the race. The economy keeps getting better and Scott hasnt been shy about heralding the fact that Floridas unemployment rate is below the national average. He also did a fine job of falling into a trap on Stand Your Ground. Polls show Floridians support the law and Scott had no problem taking on the likes of Jesse Jackson when they started insulting the Sunshine State and its residents.

Scott is also starting to engage Crist. Speaking at an event backed by Americans for Prosperity (AFP) in Orlando Friday, Scott bashed Crists fiscal management and reminded listeners that he backed Barack Obamas stimulus plan. Scott also called for more tax cuts, hoping to ensure Florida doesnt have a surplus at Floridians expense.

The governor is still an underdog to be sure but, as Floridas economy continues to improve, so do Scotts chances of winning a second term. There wasnt much Crist could do to dominate the summer headlines. He doesnt currently hold office and hes still not officially in the race. Using the bully pulpit that comes from being governor, Scott took advantage of his opportunities on everything from Stand Your Ground to jobs.

It wasnt the summer of Rick Scott by any means, but he made more political gains than Crist during the past few months.

Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.