In an emotional letter this week, State Sen. Charlie Crist urged Gov. Lawton Chiles to veto two bills, saying they will make it tougher to clean up the Everglades. Trouble is, Crist voted for one of the bills. He didn't mention that fact in the letter he sent to Chiles... Crist urged Gov. Lawton Chiles to veto two bills, saying they will make it tougher to clean up the Everglades... 'This legislation could have a devastating, far-reaching impact on the world-renowned River of Grass, and undo much of the good work that has been accomplished,' the senator wrote in a letter he faxed to the media. 'It would be an appropriate and fitting tribute to Marjory Stoneman Douglas' memory for you to veto this legislation.'... 'I also strongly encourage you to veto HB 4141, for this legislation makes it more difficult for the South Florida Water Management District to make the operational decisions necessary in order to control water flows and protect the environment in the Everglades region. (St. Petersberg Times, May/5/1998)

Crist "voted 'yes' when House Bill 4141 came up on the Senate floor. The bill gives legislators oversight on the tiniest details of the massive Everglades restoration project. (St. Petersberg Times, May/23/1998)

When questioned about the inconsistency between his vote and his letter, Crist flip-flopped again. He said he's changed his mind - once more - and now he supports the bill he voted for in the first place. 'I'm sending (Chiles) a follow up letter asking him to disregard my comments on HB 4141,' he said. 'I think that my original feeling about the bill was correct. Even though it may slow things down, it is important to have oversight. I may be wrong, but that's how I feel about it now.' (St. Petersberg Times, May/23/1998)

He loves them. He loves them not. He loves them. He loves them not...He feels strongly both ways. That sums up, for the time being, state Sen. Charlie Crist's opinion of two bills that could affect the cleanup of the Everglades. But the day is young. Check back before nightfall to see if Crist has flip-flopped again... This would all be funny if it didn't so perfectly illustrate many people's biggest concern about Crist...In Tallahassee, where legislators, staffers and journalists quickly learn who the real workhorses are, Crist has earned a reputation as a show horse and a clotheshorse. Even on the issues he pays most attention to, Crist is more likely to go for the publicity stunt than the thoughtful legislative action...Despite professing deep concern for the future of the River of Grass, Crist showed himself to be as shallow and wishy-washy as a birdbath. (St. Petersberg Times Editorial, May/26/1998)