Politico profiles the “band of others” campaign staff that Charlie Crist was forced to build after leaving the Republican Party:
The mix is so eclectic that campaign professionals aren’t sure what to make of it.
“I can only speak for Florida, but outside of local elections, yes, this kind of political melting pot is unprecedented in this state at this level,” said Democratic consultant Steve Vancore.
The Crist model took shape by necessity, not choice. After making his decision official in late April to leave the GOP, the governor immediately lost most of his apparatus of press aides, pollsters and strategists.
In came Wood, his sister, to replace campaign manager Erik Eikenberg at the helm. A lifelong Republican who grew up in their father’s local campaigns, Wood has always been involved in Crist’s political career, but she lacks a background in managing a statewide effort.