Crist’s Special Session Slammed by Rubio and Bovo

In an act of pure political theater, Governor Charlie Crist (D) has called a Special Session of the Florida State Legislature to address the BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  The primary reason why Crist claims he has called this Special Session is to get the Legislature to pass a law that would ban offshore oil drilling off Florida’s coast– even though the law as it presently stands does just that. It is obvious to even causal observers that this stunt is nothing more than than a naked appeal to woo Democrat voters.  Crist is running for Senate and has been aggressively campaigning for Democrat votes- votes that are coming straight out of the hide of fellow Democrat candidate Kendrick Meek, who is far back in the polls due to this play by Crist.

Crist’s Republican opponent in the race, Marco Rubio just chimed in and had this to say:

“Offshore drilling in Florida’s waters is already illegal in Florida, and Charlie Crist knows it. Floridians are tired of him using the oil spill as a political photo op, as an opportunity to get camera time and using the suffering of the region as a prop for this own campaign.  Fortunately, both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House have said they’re going to try to come back in September for a special session to look at property tax relief, sales tax holidays and other economic measures that can help revitalize the region.”

Many GOP state legislators are up in arms about this special session, as it is yet another big waste of taxpayer money. However, it could turn out to be interesting if a bill is introduced to bring an Arizona style immigration law to Florida, which is a possibility.State Representative Esteban Bovo, (R) in District 110 gave me his thoughts  regarding Special Session called for by Governor Charlie Crist-

“I am very concerned with the tragic situation in the Gulf of Mexico, but this is not the moment to play politics. Currently there is a a prohibition on drilling in Florida waters and therefore to spend tax payers dollars to duplicate what is already prohibited seems like a waste of time. I am more interested in a Special Session that deals with the economic fall out of the tragedy and how we can help our coastal communities and industries that have been affected survive.”  Bovo added, “Until our leaders in Washington make a serious effort and commitment to promote the development of long term energy policies that reduce our dependence on petroleum, we will continue to see the gulf and other areas as a source for oil.  Nothing will stop the Chinese, the French or other from exploring in international waters that are right of our coasts.”