Crist should take note of Lawson’s clout with Democratic base, GOP lawmakers

Former Gov. Charlie Crist, a new member of the Democratic Party, had a strong showing in the latest Public Policy Polling (PPP) report on Florida. PPP’s January 16th poll found that 70 percent of Democrats in the state view him favorably. He would also beat incumbent Gov. Rick Scott 53 to 39 percent in an election matchup.  

But Crist might face opposition in the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial primary. Some members of the state party are attempting to recruit former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz to challenge Crist for the nomination.

If Crist wins a divisive primary contest, he will need a running mate who can energize the Democratic base. He will also need someone who can work across party lines in order to push legislation through the Republican-controlled legislature.

FAMU alumnus Alfred “Al” Lawson could rally swing voters in the majority white Florida Senate district he represented from 2000 to 2010. A Crist-Lawson ticket would also excite African American voters. Crist won 20 percent of black votes when he ran for the governorship back in 2006.

Lawson can get things done at the Florida Capitol. A recent news article published by the Florida Current shows that Lawson still has tremendous clout with his former colleagues in the Republican-dominated Florida Senate.

“Although we were of different parties, Al Lawson was always highly regarded by the Republicans,” Florida Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, told reporter Bill Cotterell.

Lawson formerly served as the Minority Leader of the Florida Senate. He could guide the process helping Crist’s appointees to the executive agencies and the Florida Supreme Court secure confirmation. He could also find sponsors for bills that represent the priorities of the governor’s office.

Right now, Lawson is mulling a bid for the FAMU presidency. But the process of pursuing the position could be filled with complications. Cotterell noted that: “[Al Lawson’s] brother Kelvin Lawson is on the FAMU board and his wife, Delores Lawson, is an assistant dean of nursing at the university.”

Whether or not Lawson throws his hat into the ring to lead FAMU, his name should become part of Crist’s shortlist for the lieutenant governorship. That position would enable him to use his political connections to help FAMU, the Big Bend, Democratic Party, and entire state of Florida.