Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist appeared at two unity rallies Thursday. The candidate is trying to unify the Democratic Party and energize voters before the general election.
Despite the effort, some Democrats aren't thrilled about Crist being the nominee.
"People are discouraged about the governor's race," said Susan Smith. Smith is President of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida.
"We've got our job cut out for us, we do," said Sally Phillips. Phillips is President of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Caucus.
Three influential leaders in Florida's Democratic Party shared their thoughts about the challenges that lie ahead for Crist and the strategy moving forward.
"I think when you draw that contrast between Rick Scott and Charlie Crist, that mobilizes a lot of folks when they realize what's at stake," said Tim Heberlein, vice chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Party.
"We've got to take back our state," Phillips said.
Attack ads have already hit the airwaves. But the President of Florida's Progressive Democratic Caucus said this won’t energize her folks. She said Crist has to take a stand on more issues.
"Unless he starts to spell things out a little more clearly, it is going to be hard to motivate people to come out," Smith said.
At Thursday's unity rally, Crist's primary opponent Nan Rich showed up to throw her support behind the Democratic candidate. Phillips said that helps her feel better about voting for Crist. Still, Phillips said the Rich endorsement will only go so far.
"There are people who have said - who worked very hard for Nan - who said they aren't going to vote," Phillips said. "They cannot vote for Charlie, we're hearing that. Absolutely, we're hearing that. "
Democrats admit these are huge hurdles for Crist to overcome within the party he now represents.
Current governor and republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott had no scheduled events today. His campaign did tweet several times touting job creation and Florida's economy.