FLORIDA: Charlie Crist Glides To Easy Nomination In Gubernatorial Primary

Former GOP Florida Gov. Charlie Crist strolled to an easy win in yesterday's Democratic gubernatorial primary, taking 73% of the vote against former state Rep. Nan Rich.

Mr. Crist's Florida primary victory didn't come as a surprise. The former governor has largely ignored his Democratic opponent, who ran as the "real Democrat" in the race. Mr. Crist has been criticized for shifting his views since he joined the Democratic Party in 2012. He has also heartily embraced Mr. Obama, who won the state in 2008 and 2012 but has seen his approval ratings slide into negative territory among Florida voters, according to poll averages compiled by Real Clear Politics. Mr. Crist's campaign is stocked with former Obama advisers and staffers. The Democrat has raised $8.8 million, according to filings with the Florida Board of Elections, shy of Mr. Scott's $10.3 million. The question Tuesday night was whether Democrats would turn out in force for Mr. Crist, who will need a strong showing from the party's base if he hopes to unseat Mr. Scott in November.

Crist's support for same-sex marriage has been "pinned" to the top of his Twitter feed for several weeks. Crist supported Florida's Amendment 2 when governor.