The GOP shall inherit the Earth

The Saviour of Mankind threw his weight behind a Republican candidate for Governor in Florida two years ago, essentially nullifying well in advance both the primary and general election for 2006.

It would not be unusual for a Republican officeholder, such as Katherine Harris, to scheme to fix an election. Yet it does come as a surprise to find that Jesus, normally not associated with this kind of thing, would show his hand so openly.

A reverend [O'Neal Dozier] who introduced Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist during a breakfast with other pastors Monday said the Lord came to him in a dream two years ago and told him Crist would be the state's next governor....

"The Lord Jesus spoke to me and he said 'There's something I want you to know,'" said Dozier, pastor of the Worldwide Christian Center in Pompano Beach. "'Charlie Crist will be the next governor of the state of Florida.'"...

"I introduce to you, as the Lord Jesus has said, the next governor of the state of Florida, Charlie Crist," Dozier said.

Crist's first words were, "Well, as they say, the praise doesn't get any higher."

Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who is opposing Crist in the primary, wouldn't comment on the remarks after the event.

Afterward, Dozier said he met Crist two months after the dream at a conference of Republican leaders from around the South. He told Crist about the dream, and Crist replied that he would run.

"It's the most amazing thing anyone's every told me," Crist said. "It's beyond overwhelming, but the reverend has a very strong faith in his heart and he's a good man. I'm very grateful for his help and his support and his belief."

Gov. Jeb Bush, who appointed Dozier to a group that nominates judges in South Florida, didn't directly respond to the remark, but praised Dozier.

"Far be it from me to judge about people's faiths and what occurs because of it," Bush said. "He is very sincere. Rev. Dozier's a good man."

Although the other Republicans in attendance did not challenge Dozier or Crist directly on the issue, behind the scenes there was plenty of grumbling about Jesus' announced intention to hold a fundraiser for his candidate.

Democrats are said to be talking to lawyers about whether the Son of God can legally cancel the gubernatorial election this November. They may file an appeal directly to the state supreme court.