Crist, the ‘Cahill’ of Florida?
If Florida Gov. Charlie Crist wants a glimpse into the life of a newly declared Independent candidate, he need look no further than Massachusetts’ Tim
Jul 31, 20201.3K Shares1.3M Views
If Florida Gov. Charlie Crist wants a glimpse into the life of a newly declared Independent candidate, he need look no further than Massachusetts’ Tim Cahill.
Cahill, the sitting Democratic state treasurer, had been eyeing a gubernatorial bid, but Cahill and the Democratic Party had been drifting apart. The party base continued to rally around sitting Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick, leaving Cahill with little hope of becoming the party favorite. So last year, Cahill changed his party affiliation from Democrat to what Massachusetts’ election law refers to as “unenrolled” status.
That switch shook things up on the Republican side of the race. Polls show thatsince identifying as unenrolled, Cahill has begun to cut into frontrunner Republican Charlie Baker’s margin. Part of that success can be linked to Cahill’s new alignment with the Tea Party movement.
So can Crist expect the same kind of treatment if he does decide to run as an Independent? Not necessarily. For one, Massachusetts is friendlier territory for outsider candidates — unenrolled voters make up more than half of registered voters in Massachusetts. In Florida, fewer than 20 percent of voters are Independents.
And Crist won’t be the one capitalizing on the Tea Party in his race — Crist’s GOP opponent, Marco Rubio, has conservative support locked down. Polls do show better odds for Crist if he runs as an Independent, but he’d still be playing catch-up to Rubio.
Despite their vastly different circumstances, do Crist or Cahill have a better shot at winning their elections as candidates outside of the two major parties? Well, yes, but they each still have a long road ahead to become more than just a spoiler.
Camilo Wood
Reviewer
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
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