Republican Is a Political Force, Despite Party Baggage

"I don't think Jeb's popularity rubs off on Charlie," said Van Church, a political coordinator for the Service Employees International Union. "He's just a politician."

To watch Crist on the campaign trail is to see that he is not just a politician; he's a natural politician. On a recent visit to a printing company in a Miami suburb, Crist bounded out of his car with the joy of a child who had just arrived at Disney World. He hugged his host, Manuel Fernandez, as if he were a long-lost brother: "It's so wonderful to see you!" The two men had never met.

Fernandez then told Crist his story: He arrived from Cuba in 1961 and started working at the company as a $2-an-hour janitor in 1965, when it had only six employees. Now he is the owner, and the firm has 50 employees, including his three children.

"That's America!" Crist shouted with delight. He told Fernandez about his grandfather, Adam Christodoulos, a Greek immigrant who shined shoes when he arrived in the United States and eventually opened his own shoeshine parlor: "It's the same story: the power of the American dream!"

Crist then introduced himself to Fernandez's 90-year-old mother: "Mamacita! You can't possibly be 90 years old!" Next, he kissed Fernandez's 7-month-old grandson: "You're Florida's future!" He praised the rest of the Fernandez clan with a playful slap at Davis, who missed a lot of congressional votes during the campaign: "Such a wonderful work ethic. You know, my opponent doesn't always show up to work."

"I thrive on this," Crist said in an interview. "I love people. And I love Florida. It's got such great weather, such tremendous diversity. Wonderful fishing. What's not to like?"

Florida has a history of boosterism -- not just shady speculators selling swampland, but visionary leaders seeking tourism, immigration and development. Crist fits into that tradition; when it comes to Florida real estate, for example, he sees nothing but smooth sailing ahead. "I'm telling you, it's not just going to be a boom -- it's going to be a sonic boom!" he said.

The Davis campaign has tried to portray Crist as a lightweight who floats with the political winds. But the charges seem not to have stuck. Crist may be swimming against a Democratic tide, but even his opponents think he is a powerful swimmer.

"I think Charlie's fabulous, just a great guy," said Jimmy Goff, a Democratic businessman at the Davis fundraiser. "I think this race will turn around, but it won't be easy."