2008 was a year of ups and downs for Governor Charlie Crist. He was thrust into the national spotlight as talks of a Crist VP nomination began to surface. While he lost the nomination, he gained a wife. His biggest test next year could be trying to keep government afloat as state revenues dwindle.

2008 started off strong for Governor Charlie Crist. The plan he backed to lower property taxes was approved by voters and a gaming compact he signed with the Seminole Tribe brought blackjack and Vegas-style slots to Florida. But both plans soured.

The state Supreme Court ruled the Governor’s compact needed legislative approval and despite his campaign promise property taxes didn’t “Drop like a rock”

But he soon rebounded as talks of a Crist VP Nomination began to surface. Crist spent the summer campaigning for John McCain.

And while McCain said “I don’t” a special lady said “I do” and moved into the Governor’s Mansion.

Crist became Florida’s first sitting governor in 41 years to get married while in office. Florida’s new First Lady Carole Crist wants to spend 2009 helping kids.

“Particularly children in Florida are very near and dear to my heart.”

While his wife will focus on the kids, Crist has an even bigger task: working with lawmakers to find a way to bridge the state’s two billion dollar budget gap.

Despite the economic downturn and the shrinking state budget Crist’s approval rating remains in the high 60’s.