ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Former Gov. Charlie Crist vowed Tuesday that if he is elected, he will his executive powers to target discrimination against gay and transgender employees and force state-hired contractors to pay employees at least $10.10 an hour.

The proposals from Crist, who is the top Democratic rival to incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Scott, echo several steps taken at the federal level by President Barack Obama. They represent another effort by the former Republican to boost his credentials with Democratic voters.