Crist appoints Christine Robinson to Sarasota County Commission (Updated)

Gov. Charlie Crist today appointed attorney Christine Robinson to a seat on the Sarasota County Commission. Robinson will replace Commissioner Shannon Staub — who announced her resignation weeks ago — starting Dec. 16.

A press release from the governor’s office describes Robinson’s credentials:

Robinson, 36, has been a self-employed attorney since 2004. She served for three years on the Manatee Community College Board of Trustees beginning in 2007 and on the Sarasota County Planning Commission for four years beginning in 2008. Previously, she served as an assistant state attorney in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit from 2001 to 2004, and in the Eleventh Circuit from 1999 to 2001. She received her bachelor’s degree from Niagara University in New York and her law degree from the University of Miami.

In a blog post published last week, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune‘s Jeremy Wallace described Robinson as the “odds on favorite” to win Crist’s approval. Robinson will finish out Staub’s term, giving her almost two full years before facing an election.

Update:

A quick perusal of Robinson’s history of campaign contributions shows she has supported U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, and Rep. Connie Mack, R-Cape Coral; newly elected state Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota; and Gov.-elect Rick Scott.