With pomp, pageantry but less partying than usual, Gov.-elect Charlie Crist will be sworn in today as Florida's 44th chief executive, succeeding fellow Republican Gov. Jeb Bush. Crist, the state's attorney general the past four years, will be administered the oath of office at noon by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Lewis on the Old Capitol steps, the centerpiece moment in a daylong series of events marking the change in leadership.
Crist's inaugural address, likely a 20-minute summation of political hopes and themes, will follow. A parade, street festival and open house at the Governor's Mansion top the afternoon's events -- but the customary inaugural ball has been canceled.
From a political standpoint, inaugurals are a governor's first signature moment. And most expect Crist's speech to cast a more moderate and bipartisan tone than speeches delivered by Bush during the course of his two terms. "Charlie Crist seems to be more of a consensus builder than Jeb, who was someone who knew what he wanted to do and plowed full speed ahead," said Darryl Paulson, a University of South Florida government professor. |