Crist, Obama join to promote stimulus - St. Petersburg Times

FORT MYERS — President Obama visited one of Florida's most economically ravaged communities Tuesday, where Gov. Charlie Crist showered him with the kind of bipartisan love that has eluded the president in Washington.

"We know that it's important that we pass a stimulus package,'' Florida's popular Republican governor said amid "Yes, we can!" cheers as he introduced the Democratic president. "This is not about partisan politics. This is about rising above that, helping America and reigniting our economy."

But that's a minority view among Crist's Republican colleagues. Not a single Republican U.S. House member voted for the stimulus bill, and when the $838 billion package passed the Senate on Tuesday all but three Republicans voted against it, including Florida Republican Mel Martinez.

Crist, Obama join to promote stimulus - St. Petersburg Times