Incoming Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist, former Republican governor of Florida, called President-elect Donald Trump "pragmatic" and said his plan to overhaul infrastructure spending would be "a godsend."
"As President Obama said, I think he's pragmatic," Crist told Politico while headed to Democratic Party headquarters in Washington.
The former Republican did admit that Trump's hiring of Steve Bannon gave him pause, but also said he's glad to see Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus tapped as White House chief of staff.
"The Priebus hire gives me faith. I know him to be a good man," Crist said. "He's a fellow Greek and I think he'll do a good job."
The incoming Congressman added that he admires Trump's plan to invest in infrastructure, pledging billions to fix roads, bridges and tunnels.
"It'd certainly help my state, and all states," Crist said. "That's a godsend."
Crist told Politico that he briefly texted Trump after the election, and remarked that the billionaire supported his campaign for governor "when I was a Republican."
According to Crist, he's received a warm welcome from Democrats in Washington despite his previous loyalty.
"What is the expression? Blessed is the convert," he said. "They've treated me very well because, though I used to be a Republican, I saw the light."
"I've always felt that party isn't all that important," Crist told The Tampa Bay Times shortly after winning his seat. "What's important is fighting for the people."
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