Charlie Crist's possible return to the top of Florida's government, this time as a "Democrat," just got a whole lot easier.
Alex Sink, the state's former CFO and the Democratic nominee in 2010 who lost to Rick Scott by about one point, has announced that she will not run again in 2014. This is bad news for Democratic voters who like to voter for candidates that have been Democrats for more than a few months.
Sink informed the Associated Press of her decision, and said she'd rather spend her time running Florida Next, a foundation that supports startups in the state. The AP also cites the death of her husband, Bill McBride, last year.
Charlie Crist is widely expected to announce his own intention to run for Governor as a Democrat sometime in the next few months.
Sink was perhaps would have been his strongest competition in a Democratic primary. However, former Senate Minority leader Nan Rich has announced her own candidacy and could possibly attract more liberal voters who aren't attracted to Crist's meandering moderatism.
Incumbent Republican Rick Scott is viewed as one of the most vulnerable governors in the nation.
Update: Here's the e-mail Sink sent out to supporters of her 2010 campaign.
I want to thank my many friends and supporters from around Florida who have reached out to me over the past months with words of encouragement for my continued involvement in the business and political life of our state.After careful consideration, I have decided that the best way for me to make a positive and lasting impact on our state is to continue the work we've started together. I plan to continue my involvement with the Florida Next Foundation, working to build a state of innovation and inspiring the next generation of young Florida leaders. And of course I am going to be supporting candidates who I believe share my vision that Florida can be a state of opportunity for all of its citizens.
That being said, like so many Floridians, I am appalled at Governor Rick Scott's failed leadership on the economy, education and the environment. I will continue to speak out and to aggressively hold him accountable for ignoring Floridians' best interests.
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