Florida gubernatorial candidate accuses opponent of not being antigay enough

Candidates Tom Gallagher and Charlie Crist each claimed to be the "true conservative" in the Republican primary for governor of Florida during a Monday night debate that sounded much like the ad war they have launched against each other. Indeed, the back-and-forth heated up earlier on Monday in a new television ad released by chief financial officer Gallagher, imploring voters not to be fooled by his opponent's latest attacks that label him a tax-increasing flip-flopper and to oppose Crist because he supports gay rights.

The ad, titled "Sorry Charlie," notes that Crist, the state's attorney general, supports abortion and civil unions for gays. "Tom Gallagher opposes gay civil unions and is endorsed by Florida Right to Life," the ad says. "Only Jeb Bush conservatives get to be governor."

Gallagher, 62, has campaigned as a conservative Bush supporter on all issues and has aggressively criticized Crist as being liberal.

Crist claims he is opposed to same-sex marriage but believes same-sex couples should have some rights similar to those afforded to married heterosexuals. The Gallagher ad comes after Crist released his latest television ad Friday, attacking Gallagher for supporting tax increases. Crist, 50, has run a campaign promoting a more moderate philosophy on social issues than his opponent.

"You've run for governor three times. Liberal, pro-choice, antigun, and so pro-tax you supported the state's largest tax increase," the Crist ad said. "Each time you run for governor you're a different person, but you're still taxing Tom Gallagher."

Crist and Gallagher face each other for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in the September 5 primary. Monday's debate was the final meeting of the two candidates ahead of next week's elections. (AP)

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