For the first time in 12 years, Florida turned blue and voted for Barack Obama. Voters here also replaced 2 Republican Congressmen with Democrats. Still, Florida’s Republican Governor remains exceptionally popular.

Charlie Crist promised property taxes would “Drop like a rock”. It was more like a pebble. He tackled high property insurance rates and got mixed reviews. Yet his popularity remains extremely high. A poll by Quinnipiac University found if Crist were up for re-election today, he would win. 68 percent approve of the job he is doing.

“His numbers for a sitting Governor are very impressive. Especially for a sitting Governor in very tough economic times.”

Even here in Tallahassee, which is solidly Democratic, Crist enjoys a 70 percent approval rating.

Crist dodged reporters and spent the day hob-knobbing with state lawmakers as they organized after the election. Former Republican House Speaker Alan Bense believes the Governor’s popularity comes from reaching across the aisle.

“He’s thoughtful, he’s energetic, and he’s optimistic for Florida. And I think people are looking for a leader like that today.”

Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson almost endorsed Crist in 2006.

“The people really trust him at this point and depending on how we come out of these economic conditions here, will determine whether his popularity will continue to soar at a high level.”

Even with the accolades, re-election is still two years away, and the economy isn’t cooperating. But for now, Charlie Crist is more than twice as popular as George Bush.

While Charlie Crist enjoys high approval among voters,
Republican U-S Senator Mel Martinez is on shakier ground. The first term junior Senator has just 36 percent saying he deserves to be re-elected.