Popular Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, 51, recently became engaged to Carole Rome, 38, who he met in September of last year. The couple is scheduled to wed in the fall.

Now, let's be real about this; Gov. Crist, whom I happen to like, is treading a slippery slope in his quest to become John McCain's running mate. Crist's flip-flop on offshore oil drilling raised a stink among environmentalists and now this latest move will likely draw his critics out in full force.

Crist was married briefly while in college more than 30 years ago. His bachelor status has been a problem for his political career as have long-standing rumors of his homosexuality but he has overcome them.

Inarguably, Crist is charismatic. He enjoys popularity in Florida across all demographics which is why he's on McCain's short list. I'd love to see him continue to defy expectations and remain single but it seems as though he's marrying to further his political career.

On the other hand, since he's still in the VEEPstakes, it's probably better to let the rumors come out now rather than waiting until closer to the election. It's still disappointing that the governor appears to be pandering rather than retaining his somewhat maverick flavor which is what many folks like about him in the first place.