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Crist Will Introduce Obama In Fort Myers

The Associated Press

President Barack Obama says failure to act quickly to pass the economic stimulus bill "could turn a crisis into a catastrophe."

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By WILLIAM MARCH

wmarch@tampatrib.com

Published: February 10, 2009

TAMPA - Gov. Charlie Crist will introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting today in Fort Myers, where Obama will push his economic stimulus package - a bill that has separated Crist from fellow Florida Republicans.

Crist has strongly supported the stimulus package, saying the money it provides will help Florida balance its state budget.

But all the Republicans in Florida's U.S. House delegation voted against the bill, and Republican Sen. Mel Martinez has announced that he will oppose it also.

Crist said he's not concerned about the partisan politics involved.

"We need to be bipartisan in our approach," he said. "The issue here is to do what's right for the people."

Crist talked to reporters about the stimulus package while appearing at the annual governor's lunch at the Florida State Fair on Monday.

He barely mentioned the package in his speech, noting only that he's meeting with Obama.

In his prepared remarks, however, Crist said, "I continue to work with my colleagues and members of our congressional delegation to ensure Florida receives our fair share. We want Florida to be positioned to use the money quickly in ways that jump-start our economy."

The governor's office also released a quote from Obama, who said, "We can't allow politics to get in the way of urgent relief for the millions of families and small businesses that need it."

Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, who attended the lunch and whom Crist complimented in his speech, played down his difference with Crist.

"We're both on the same side of trying to help Florida and trying to help the economy - we disagree on the specifics of this bill," Putnam said.

State Chief Finance Officer Alex Sink said she will be in Fort Myers and hopes to talk to Obama about expediting aid to Florida banks.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, will also attend, as will Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami. But Rep. Connie Mack IV, R-Fort Myers, whose district the event will be in, won't attend, a spokesman said.

Reporter William March can be reached at (813) 259-7761.

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