I have been reading a lot about who will be Charlie Crist’s running mate in his quest to become Governor. While I think that question is premature, given the fact that there is still a Primary to be held August 26, 2014, and Senator Nan Rich has a lot of momentum heading into said Primary, I have to wonder why the name Kendrick Meek hasn’t come up for which ever candidate comes out of the Primary, Nan Rich or Charlie Crist.
Kendrick Meek would make a formidable run for the actual Governor position himself, given his credentials and popularity with the Democratic Base:
1. State Trooper
2. Community Activist
3. State House of Representatives
4. State Senate
5. U.S. House Of Representatives
That’s a pretty good resume for a Lieutenant Governor, wouldn’t you say?
For either Nan Rich or Charlie Crist, Kendrick Meek would certainly be an asset. He has proven that he can raise money, and he is in the inner circle of Bill and Hillary Clinton. With the help of the Clintons, money would certainly be raised!
Kendrick would definitely be more of an asset to Charlie Crist, however, given the bad feelings that still exist from the 2010 Senate race. What happened in that race is still a bone of contention for the African-American Community.
I reached out to Henry Crespo, President of Florida’s Democratic Black Caucus, and he had this to say:
Kendrick Meek would be a game changer. Based on the history between Kendrick and Charlie, there is still a great deal of healing that needs to be done. Choosing Kendrick would go a long way towards that healing, and would help to close the gap of some disconnect still felt in the African-American Community. If he is selected and he accepted, I certainly would support Kendrick Meek being chosen as Lt. Governor.
Kendrick Meek hasn’t been very visible in Florida Politics these days, and who knows, he may not be interested at all. In fact, another source very close to the Crist campaign told me, on the condition of anonymity, that calls had been made to Meek, however Meek hasn’t returned them.
Whether Kendrick returns calls, or is offered the position remains to be seen, but it certainly would be a very logical and smart move on either candidate’s part.
Additionally, it isn’t like Charlie Crist hasn’t called Kendrick Meek before!
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Leslie Wimes
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