Crist says don't get rid of Obama health care plan

Charlie Crist the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida told the Palm Beach Post editorial board recently that unlike many Republicans in Washington, he does not believe that President Obama should scrap his health care reform proposal.

"There may be parts of it that you don't have to scrap. There are three parts of it that I would like to see scrapped: It would raise taxes significantly, it would raise rates significantly and it would take a half-a-trillion dollars out of Medicare."

"I think the real issue here, as it relates to health care, is that people want it to not cost so much and people want to have access to it. I think there is a consensus of agreement that the health care that is delivered in America is good. But it's not easy to get it and it's too expensive when you do get it".

Crist indicated that after the legislative session he will begin to focus on national issues and take a firmer stand on health care.

Crist embraced and supported the Obama stimulus plan because as the Governor said, "We needed the money". Crist supports stem cell research, is not a darling of the right wing, and is now willing to work with President Obama on health care reform.

Crist is tempting me to support him for the Senate. If he runs as an Independent, its possible that I may do that to keep Marco Rubio from winning as I realistically think Kendrick Meek would finish third in a three way race. As for Meek vs Crist, I am fine with either one.