Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, outed as gay in “Outrage” film, announces plans to run for US Senate in 2010

The new documentary Outrage rips on the mainstream media for not reporting on the personal lives of politicians who are closeted gays but support anti-gay legislation.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is among those focused on in the film which has gotten a great deal of attention in the past week. But a Reuters story I just read about Crist announcing plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 does not mention his prominent presence in the film and whether it might impact his run. As governor, Crist has been anti-gay in appointing two state Supreme Court justices who oppose gay marriage, he continues to support a ban in gay adoption and at this point, is one of the top contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

In making his announcement earlier today, Crist said: “The challenges Florida faces are not just Florida challenges but they are national issues. As a result of that, I believe I can best serve the people of Florida if they are willing to allow me (to be) their next United States senator.”

Elected in 2006 to a four-year term as governor, Crist is seen as the top contender to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Mel Martinez, a fellow Republican. He succeeded former President George W. Bush’s younger brother Jeb Bush as governor.

Outrage points out that Crist seems to conveniently get involved with women just before important elections – including actually marrying one of them last year when he was considered a possible VP running mate for John McCain.

He is shown on a radio show being asked about persistent gay rumors and says: “I love women, it’s a wonderful thing.”

And yet, the movie points out that after a brief marriage to a woman who is now a lesbian, Crist claims to have lived a “monastic life” for 20 years after that divorce. Why would a man who loves women so much stay away from them for two decades?’

One of Crist’s girlfriends – the one who was conveniently with him when he ran for governor – would not comment for the film but did say: “I think I should just keep my mouth shut. Call me in 1o years and I’ll have a story for you.”

Related posts:

** My review of Outrage

** The Outrage over the GOP Closet

** My interview with Outrage director Kirby Dick Part One and Part Two.