Nan Rich has been running for governor for a year and a half now but shes finally finding her groove now that she has a major primary rival.
During most of her campaign, Rich has been staking out ground to Rick Scotts left and belting out attacks on the Republican governor. But almost every Democrat in Florida has been doing that. Theres been nothing to set Rich apart besides the fact she was the only major Democrat in the race.
Charlie Crist entering the race actually gave Rich a real target. During her campaign, Rich has made no apologies for staking out liberal positions on economic and social issues. With Crist, a former Republican, in the race, Rich certainly has room to make the case that she is the real Democrat in the race.
Rich has challenged Crist to a series of debates and has been picking apart his record on the issues. Breaking down Crists positions on abortion, fiscal matters, education, the environment and other issues, Rich has been reminding Democrats on where she stands and where the former Republican has been. On abortion in particular, Rich has insisted there is little difference between Scott and Crist.
With Crist finally getting in the race, Rich has picked up the pace. In recent days, she has met with Democratic groups across the state, dashing from Boca Raton to Jacksonville to Wakulla County to speak to activists.
Richs message of being the real Democrat in the race could appeal to some of the party rank and file. But she still faces a much larger obstacle than Charlie Crist as she tries to rally Democrats behind her.
Rich speaks to Democrats hearts but Crist speaks to their heads. Democrats havent won a gubernatorial election in Florida since 1994 when Lawton Chiles slipped by Jeb Bush. While they might cheer Rich and agree with her on the issues, Democrats are having a hard time imagining her beating Scott. All the polls shows Crist doing much better than Rich when matched against Scott. Rich has been having a hard time making headway against Crist when it comes to beating Scott.
Still, theres a core of Democrats who will back the liberal in the race no matter what and thats the group Rich needs to appeal to. When Crist ran for the Senate with no party affiliation in 2010, some Democrats remained committed to their candidate -- Kendrick Meek -- even though it was clear he had no chance. These voters had little use for Crist and can help push Rich against him in the Democratic primary.
Rich is an underdog, to be sure, and she needs to step up the fundraising to make this a contest. But Rich is finding her voice as Crist starts his bid and is picking up the pace. Shes not roadkill on Crists trip back to Tallahassee.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis piece exclusively for Sunshine State News.
