Florida Democrat Nikki Fried Peddles Conspiracy Theories

As the only Democrat to have won a statewide election in Florida since 2012, Nikki Fried was in possession of a solid case for why she — rather than, say, Charlie Crist — should be chosen as the party’s nominee for governor next year. And yet, according to a poll released yesterday, the voters do not seem to agree. Just over a year out, Fried is attracting the support of just 22 percent of Florida Democrats, while Crist is garnering more than half.

As a perennial candidate for public office, Crist may be a little better known. But, at this stage in the game, this presents a problem in and of itself. Fried, who serves in the state government as the elected agriculture commissioner, has her name featured on every gas station and concealed-carry permit in the state and is constantly featured on MSNBC; Crist, who now serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a party-switching has-been who lost his last two statewide bids. It is Fried, not Crist, who should be dominating the early days.

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Charles C. W. Cooke

Charles C. W. Cooke is a senior editor at National Review and the host of The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast.

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As the only Democrat to have won a statewide election in Florida since 2012, Nikki Fried was in possession of a solid case for why she — rather than, say, Charlie Crist — should be chosen as the party’s nominee for governor next year. And yet, according to a poll released yesterday, the voters do not seem to agree. Just over a year out, Fried is attracting the support of just 22 percent of Florida Democrats, while Crist is garnering more than half.

As a perennial candidate for public office, Crist may be a little better known. But, at this stage in the game, this presents a problem in and of itself. Fried, who serves in the state government as the elected agriculture commissioner, has her name featured on every gas station and concealed-carry permit in the state and is constantly featured on MSNBC; Crist, who now serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a party-switching has-been who lost his last two statewide bids. It is Fried, not Crist, who should be dominating the early days.