Crist's wretched excess

Got an e-mail tonight from "Julie," apparently from the Sarasota area, who sent me a copy of a column from today's Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Seems Gov.-elect Charlie Crist, the self-professed "Man of the People," needs - or wants - cash. A lot of cash.

He's asking for "sponsorships" for the inaugural festivities in Tallahassee. If you're interested, here's the menu:

• For $500,000, donors to the committee become honorary "vice chairmen" and receive 10 to 12 tickets to inaugural events, including "preferred seating" at a prayer breakfast, plus engraved gold cuff links, a framed autographed photo with The People's Governor, a silk tie and an official "limited edition" inaugural tote bag.
• For $250,000, donors join the governor-elect's "leadership roundtable" and score eight to 10 event tickets, preferred prayer seating, engraved silver cuff links, a framed autographed photo with The People's Governor, a silk tie and a tote bag.
• A $100,000 donation gains admission into the prestigious "century" club, whose members receive six to eight tickets, preferred prayer seating, engraved cuff links (sorry, they're not gold or silver), a framed autographed photo with The People's Governor, a silk tie and a tote bag.
• For $50,000, contributors become "freedom sponsors" and receive four to six tickets, preferred prayer seating, a silk tie and a tote bag.

Now, the Governor-elect makes it clear that he's not doing this to "sell" access to himself:

Crist, however, said it's really no big deal. "It is what it is," he explained to the [St. Petersburg] Times. "I'm working hard to make this a nonpaying event for a lot of people. And it's just a request."

Uh huh. "Just a request." Gotcha.

But what happens to money raised but not needed for the estimated $2.5 million festivities?

Officials say any leftover money will go to charity. But two lobbyists told the Times that they were informed the goal was to raise $10 million or more, with the excess headed to the state Republican Party.

Crist, however, said that's not the case at all. "Maybe some of the lobbyists are confused," he said.

Or, maybe not.

And you thought things would be different with Jeb! exiting stage right? Think again, Florida. The band may have a new conductor, but it's the same old song.

(Thank you, Julie, whoever you are.)