Black legislator: Crist "understands civil rights issues"

Former black legislator Frank Peterman joined a bash at Gov. Charlie Crist's governor's mansion this week to honor MLK Jr.'s legacy.

Peterman:

"[Crist] is a champion in so many areas, civil-rights areas. We worked together on issues with other African-American Caucus members. I can tell you, this man understands civil-rights issues and human-rights issues in the state."

For his part, Crist quoted a passage from the "I have a dream" speech:

"Many of our white brothers, as evidenced by our presence here today, have come to recognize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny; they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We know we cannot walk alone."

Then Crist paused and promised:

"In Florida, you do not. We walk together, and we will always stay on that path."