Cocoa Republican purchased Crist oil painting

[rekha2010]

A member of the Florida Transportation Council from Cocoa is the owner of Gov. Charlie Crist’s portrait that once graced the halls of the Republican Party of Florida’s capital headquarters.

The party said on Wednesday that Ron Howse purchased the oil painting in May for $7,708.75 plus a shipping charge of $8.75. A party official said the portrait was delivered to an address in Cocoa.

Howse could not be immediately reached Wednesday to comment on his purchase.

The governor’s portrait was removed from party headquarters a day after he announced in April that would run as an independent for the state's open Senate seat. Other items bearing Crist's signature or likeness were also removed.