Democratic state Senator Al Lawson crossed party lines and has endorsed Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate over the Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek.
“Florida desperately needs an independent senator in Washington who will fight for good jobs and economic opportunity, a quality education for every child and Social Security for all our seniors, regardless of what the political party bosses want,” Lawson said in a statement. ” Charlie Crist will be exactly that senator, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy.”
The endorsement may be a surprise, but not necessarily a game changer for Meek.
Keith Simmonds, assistant dean College of Arts and Science, believes the endorsement doesn’t significantly change anything but it shows that race isn’t playing a political role.
“I am impressed with the evidence it provides that the African American community isn’t following the same road, the same person.” Simmonds also thinks that choosing sides is a part of the election process.
“Crist is popular in the African American community and here comes another popular candidate within the community and the vote is split. Someone is going to get hurt. It’s unfortunate, but it’s going happen,” said Simmonds.
“Floridians sent a clear message – they want a real democrat representing them in the U.S Senate,” said Meek after winning the primaries. If he wins the general election, Meek will be Florida’s first black Senator.
” I am honored by the support of the senate democratic leader Al Lawson,” said Crist, in reaction to the endorsement. Lawson and Meek are both FAMU alumni.