Gallagher Stays In Fla. Gubernatorial Race Despite Low Poll Numbers

Comparing his Republican primary opponent to Howard Dean on social issues, gubernatorial hopeful Tom Gallagher said Thursday he would stay in the race despite a huge deficit in the polls and less campaign money.

Gallagher, the state’s chief financial officer, also sought to distance himself from Attorney General Charlie Crist on issues like taxes, insurance and immigration ahead of the Sept. 5 primary.

“Charlie Crist wants to take our party in a new direction, away from the conservative course that has been set by (Gov.) Jeb Bush. I want our party to remain conservative in every sense of the word,” he told reporters.

In Jacksonville, Crist said he wasn’t surprised Gallagher was staying in, and was “looking forward to a campaign of ideas.”

Crist’s campaign issued a statement saying his opponent “should not resort to personal attacks.” It also said Crist “has a proven record of fighting for the issues that matter most to conservatives and did not reinvent himself this campaign cycle.”

Gallagher called the news conference to end speculation that he would drop out. Leaving the race would have helped Crist save money for the November election against the Democratic nominee — either state Sen. Rod Smith or U.S. Rep. Jim Davis. Bush can’t seek re-election because of term limits.

Gallagher is more than 20 points behind in polls and has $4 million less to spend than Crist. Gallagher has vowed not to campaign negatively against Crist, and reiterated that promise.

“There are 25 days left until election day. I’m going to spend that time convincing the voters that I am the best person to lead the party in this state,” he said. “I’m going to stick to the issues, and I encourage my opponent to do the same.”

But Gallagher has aligned himself with the socially conservative side of his party, questioning Crist’s stance on issues like abortion, gambling and civil unions for gay couples. Crist has said he does not oppose civil unions for gay couples, a message Gallagher seized on in his prepared speech.

“When he ran for president, Howard Dean described his enactment of Vermont’s civil union law as one of his proudest accomplishments, and a great step forward for gay rights. Florida Republicans do not share Howard Dean’s values,” Gallagher said.

Questioned after the speech, Gallagher said: “There are issues in which (Crist) has their side. On the issues that I mentioned, he’s on their side totally, and totally opposite Jeb Bush.”

Though both candidates consistently raise Bush’s name in speeches, the outgoing governor continued to remain neutralThursday in Pensacola.

“I’m going to support the Republican nominee. Part of the reason we have campaigns is to define who we are in our different parties. I consider Charlie Crist to be a conservative. He’s different than Tom Gallagher _ that’s why we have elections,” Bush said. “Both of them are well qualified. Both of them can lead our party well.”

Meanwhile, two high-level Gallagher staffers have left the campaign. Political strategist David Johnson, one of his top advisers and former executive director of the state Republican Party, resigned Wednesday. David Browning, former campaign finance director, left the campaign Thursday morning.

“As we have differences regarding the path and strategy of your campaign, it has become clear that the only remedy is for me to tender my resignation as a consultant to your campaign effective immediately,” Johnson said in a brief letter to Gallagher.

Gallagher spokesman Albert Martinez said the departure of both was amicable.

“What they had in their mind was different than what Tom had in his heart. We respect them immensely and we appreciate their hard work and support of Tom,” Martinez said.

Topics A.J. Gallagher