fl_sen_CRIST
CHARLIE CRIST
Age: 42 Born: July 24, 1956 in Altoona, PA Education: Cumberland School of Law, J.D.(1981); Florida State University, B.S.(1978); Wake Forest University (1974-76) Military: none Family: divorced; no children Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL Religion: Methodist Career: Florida State Senator (1992-present); Staffer, Sen. Connie Mack (1988-89); Attorney |
• Charlie Crist is the son of a Greek immigrant who shined shoes when he arrived in the United States. He saved his money, put himself through medical school, and became a General Practitioner in St. Petersburg, Florida.
• After graduating from law school, Crist merged his love of sports and his career. He worked as the General Counsel for the National Association of Professional Baseball Players for six years, before becoming a partner in a private law practice.
• In 1989, Sen. Connie Mack appointed Crist to be the youngest member of the Federal Judiciary Commission. Crist went on to serve as MackÂ's State Director.
• During his tenure in the Florida State Senate, Crist has been outspoken on the issue of crime prevention. His proposal to re-instate chain gangs, earned him the nickname, Chain Gang Charlie. Crist pushed the STOP bill through the legislature - Stop Turning Out Prisoners requires convicted criminal serve at least 85% of their sentences.
• In 1995, Crist was named Honorary Sheriff by the Florida Sheriffs Association. That same year, he was also given the Police Benevolent SocietyÂ's Legislator of the Year.
• Crist supports the further development of Charter Schools and limited forms of vouchers for families to fund private education.
· In high school and at Wake Forest University, Crist was the Varsity Football Quarterback. He enjoys water skiing and jogging.