Charlie Crist announces plans to run for governor

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist kicked off his second gubernatorial campaign as a Democrat at a rally Monday. The announcement was made in Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg.

In his announcement, Crist said he wants the governor's job back to reinvest in education. Crist served as Florida's education commissioner from 2001 to 2003.

Crist also said he wants to create a global trade hub to bring more business to Florida. He emphasized Florida's Space Coast as being attractive to businesses looking for engineering talent.

"We deserve a governor who will embrace the best of all of us. We deserve a governor who will stand up for the people. I always have and I always will," said Crist.

Crist filed paperwork to get in the race Friday. He's now the Democratic front-runner in the contest to challenge Gov. Rick Scott, one of the most unpopular chief executives in the country.

Democratic leaders see Crist as a charismatic candidate who can appeal to independent voters and lead them back to power.

But Republican officials paint Crist as a political opportunist with no principles. Scott is expected to spend as much as $25 million in attack ads to amplify that message in what will be one of the most-watched races in the country.