Posted on Fri, Jul. 04, 2008

Charlie Crist, Florida's first bachelor governor in 40 years, popped the question to his girlfriend of nine months on Thursday.

She said yes.

''She's wonderful. She's brilliant and funny and great,'' Crist told The Miami Herald, just before the newly engaged couple planned to sit down to dinner. ``We're very excited.''

Crist, 51, proposed with a sapphire and diamond ring at his St. Petersburg condominium overlooking Tampa Bay.

The state's soon-to-be first lady is Carole Rome, 38, a New York native who now lives on Fisher Island.

Among their dates: a visit last weekend to Jungle Island, a weekend in New York at a Hamptons beach home while Crist recovered from knee surgery, and a dinner at the White House with President Bush.

Crist said that while they have not set a date, ''We're talking about doing it sometime in the fall at my church'' -- the First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, followed by a reception at the mansion. ''That would be very nice,'' he said.

Crist's parents couldn't be happier.

''We're delighted about it,'' Dr. Charlie Crist Sr. said Thursday.

``Charlie's been more serious in this relationship than I've seen him in a long time with a young lady. It's been no surprise. He's been spending a lot of time with her and her family.''

It will be the second marriage for Crist and Rome. Crist was married for six months after college to Amanda Morrow and then divorced in 1980.

Rome was married to Todd Rome of New York, CEO of Blue Star Jets, until 2006. They have two daughters, ages 11 and 9.

The governor said the prospect of helping raise her daughters was something he was thrilled about. ''I can't tell you how excited I am,'' he said.

Rome graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University, where she got a degree in business administration. She worked as an auditor at Arthur Anderson in New York City and then got a real estate brokerage license, working at The Corcoran Group. She helped run her family's Halloween costume business, Franco American Novelty Co., started in 1910 by her grandfather Sam Oumano.

George LeMieux, Crist's former chief of staff and campaign manager, was happy to toast his friend.

''I think it's great,'' he said.

``First and foremost the governor is my friendI know how happy Carole makes him. I know they'll be a great couple. I'm just excited and happy for both of them.''

The future bride and groom might have to skip the honeymoon and hit the campaign trail instead.

The couple went to John McCain's Arizona ranch on what was perceived to be a vice presidential vetting weekend a month ago.

Crist said that while he doesn't consider himself a running mate contender, he admits the job could be offered.