Cardiologist and Republican Fundraiser Bounced From State College Board

Zachariah

​Late last week, Gov. Charlie Crist removed Holy Cross cardiologist Zachariah P. Zachariah from the powerful Board of Governors overseeing Florida universities. It's another occasion for gossip in the state's Republican Party.

Was Crist wary of insider trader allegations made by the Securities and Exchange Commission against Zachariah? Or did Crist's move reflect the growing divide between his campaign and the powerful Republican fundraisers aligned with Jeb Bush, for whom Zachariah was a major fundraiser in past campaigns.

If the SEC doesn't settle its suit against Zachariah, the two sides are scheduled to go to trial in August, the same month that Marco Rubio and Crist will settle their battle for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Expect Rubio to enjoy a windfall of Zachariah campaign dollars.