Charlie Crist's final State of the State address was one of the best speeches we've heard from the governor. It was mostly a campaign speech, to be sure, with the candidate for the U.S. Senate emphasizing his accomplishments, but he also made clear his agenda for what will likely be a difficult session.
"The promise of Florida still burns bright," he said, while acknowledging recent "dark clouds." The Pollyanna statements that have frequently been mocked were largely absent. He did not shed his nice-guy persona but seemed more confident, reflective and determined.
Crist also showed some fire. He made no apologies for being a pragmatic conservative and presented a short list of his principles that most Republicans would embrace: smaller government and lower taxes; freedom and personal responsibility; and an efficient government that protects the most vulnerable.
Yet conviction, he said, must be tempered with practicality. He emphasized the difference between ideological rhetoric and problem solving, a jab at those who say he has been too willing to compromise.
Whether Crist's brand of conservatism will resonate with voters in the GOP primary is anybody's guess, but it was nice to see him forcefully defend himself, something he has seemed reluctant to do.
He asked lawmakers to pass the Seminole compact that would bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Florida, and he built an effective case for his use of federal stimulus money, observing that Floridians helped pay for the stimulus. Why not get some of that money back?
Crist said he will focus on jobs, education improvements and ethics reform.
It was a good speech and a good first day of the Legislature, with passage of a law delaying an increase in the unemployment tax on businesses. Now comes the hard part.
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