Category: 2010 Elections

Charlie Crist’s Identity Theft Problem

March 10, 2010 by Kenneth

Coincidentally enough, Florida is the state with both the highest rate of identity theft, and with a governor suffering through the most prolonged identity crisis in recent political history.

Charlie Crist’s “Man In The Mirror” confusion was in full view during the 2010 State of the State speech, when he launched his third 180-degree turn since becoming governor in 2006 – this time trying desperately to swing back towards what was a winning identity for him back then.

That Crist was posing as a Republican centrist eager to appeal to moderates of all affiliations. He was going to help protect the environment, help Floridians with housing and health care, things that sounded downright…Democratic. But he didn’t help with any of that, focusing instead on building his campaign war chest and appeasing the entrenched special interests that dominate Florida’s economic and political landscapes.

Then came the economic meltdown, the real estate crash, and Crist’s inability to provide leadership on either front. Unless, that is, you call tax cuts leadership. Then came the decision, campaign coffers already stacked high, to abandon the sinking ship of state and run for the U.S. Senate – prompting a challenge from the hardcore Right Wing of his party, in the form of one Marco Rubio, former Florida House Speaker.

Indictment Count #3 – YOUNG, INC. (It’s a family affair!)

February 18, 2010 by Kenneth

In day 3 of “Indictmentpalooza,” we learn that it’s a family affair! Looks like longtime Congressman Bill Young’s family has benefited greatly from earmarks too. Check out the latest press release from Charlie Justice’s campaign:

YOUNG, INC.

Former Staff And Family of Rep. Young Benefit from $118 Million In Taxpayers’ Money From Young Earmarks

Young Steers $45 Million Of Taxpayers’ Money to Young, Inc. Clients In Just 4 Years; $73 Million Earmarked for Employers of Young’s Sons

St. Petersburg, FL – February 19, 2010 – Congressman Bill Young has steered more than $118 million in taxpayers’ money to the direct and indirect benefit of his children, daughter-in-law and former staff members.

Along the way, Young has taken $386,000 in campaign cash from the clients of his former staffers.

“This is just wrong,” said Charlie Justice. “Congressman Bill Young treats the federal budget like his personal piggy bank. Since 2005, Bill Young has steered $45 million in taxpayers’ money to his daughter-in-law and former members of his staff. In addition, the employers of his sons have received $73 million in earmarks placed in the budget by their father. At the same time, Young has taken $386,000 in campaign cash from the clients of his former staff.”

Indictment Count #2 – Bill Young, the Al Capone of Congress

February 17, 2010 by Kenneth

(from Justice campaign press release)

Charlie Justice Continues Indictment Of Bill Young For Corrupting Federal Budget, Exploding Deficits

‘Bill Young has become the Al Capone of earmarks’

Three investigations into Young-related earmarking are on going

St. Petersburg, FL – February 19, 2010 – Charlie Justice says Congressman Bill Young has engaged in a systematic “Earmarks for Cash” conspiracy that has corrupted the federal budget process and helped explode the deficit.

Congressman Bill Young Attacks Justice for Attempting to Help Pinellas Association for Retarded Children

After Charlie Justice delivered the first count in the indictment yesterday, Congressman Bill Young’s campaign attacked Justice for attempting to secure funds for the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children for use as a hurricane shelter.

“Bill Young should be ashamed of himself. He sent $13 million of our tax dollars to New York Harbor and took $120,000 in campaign cash for himself. I went through the budget process and the Republican governor of Florida vetoed money to protect children in the case of a hurricane,” Justice said. “This is exactly why it is time to kick Bill Young out of Congress. He just doesn’t get it.”