Update: Charlie Crist Using 'FanGate' to Drum Up Donations

Updated Oct. 17: 10:30 a.m.: A media release issued by debate sponsors Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association sheds a little more light on Gov. Rick Scott’s objections to the fan. Both campaigns had agreed to rules in advance that prohibited ”electronic devices (including fans),” the release states. Charlie Crist’s campaign signed and returned the letter with the rules Oct. 13, but added a hand-written note that stated “with understanding that the debate hosts will address any temperature issues with a fan if necessary.”

The temperature at Broward College at the time of the debate was 67 degrees on the stage, under the lights, the release stated.

Earlier:

Democrat Charlie Crist is turning up the heat in his bid to retake Florida governor’s mansion.

The former Republican governor, turned Independent, turned Democrat is using Gov. Rick Scott’s refusal to begin Wednesday night’s debate as a springboard to raise more money for his campaign coffers.

Scott held up the first live televised debate between the two by about 5 minutes because he said Crist’s use of a small electric fan violated the rules of engagement. Candidates are prohibited from having “electronic devices (including fans)” on stage during debates.

Scott counted that fan as an electronic device. Crist, however, says that objection was “pretty ridiculous.”

In an email sent to supporters Thursday morning, Crist said, “Trust me – I didn’t want to argue about a fan on the podium. I wanted to talk about education, the environment, and what we can do to make the future of Florida a little brighter.”

Crist went on to accuse Scott of “finding any reason he could to avoid answering a few questions. His shady behavior has always shown his blatant disrespect for the intelligence of Floridians.”

The email continues by explaining to supporters that there’s still a “massive fundraising gap to make up, a huge get-out-the-vote operation to fund, and only 19 days to go.”

It closes by asking for donations of $1 or more.

That funding gap Crist referenced amounts to just over $500,000. According to the Florida Division of Elections, Crist has raised $8.587 million since Nov. 1, 2013. Scott has raised $9.171 million.

What are your thoughts on “FanGate?” Was it “pretty ridiculous,” or was Scott right to want to stick to the rules? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

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See Also:

• Gov. Scott Sweats Fan at Debate