Matt Gaetz and the R word: Florida's Democratic primary takes bitter detour
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) is taking a pause from his usual campaign stance as a “happy warrior.”
In a sign that the Democratic primary for governor has entered a bitter new phase, the Florida congressman has hit rival Nikki Fried with a blistering new mailer that calls her a “Republican lobbyist for big tobacco and insurance companies” and notes her previous friendship with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
The mailer is hitting the mailboxes of Democratic voters this week — about three weeks before the Aug. 23 primary to decide who will take on Gov. Ron DeSantis in an election where the incumbent is a heavy favorite to win. The decision to highlight Fried’s connection to Gaetz...
