VIDEO: AP: Crist Mulling Independent Run For Senate (From FOX's Special Report)

RealClearPolitics ^ | April 19, 2010 | RealClearPolitics

[ianschwartz]

Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL) tells the AP he is considering running as an independent for Florida's open Senate seat.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Hogwash. Conservatives and independents are behind Rubio.

[freespirited]

It was a Quinnipiac poll. Meanwhile Ras did a poll a few weeks ago (likely voters) that showed Crist would come in last, well behind Meek.

Independents typically poll better early in the race than they do on election day.

[Maurice Tift]

  You're right. Election math is just bad when 3 or more are running. It makes it easier to get someone that a majority would never support. Crist certainly knows this and if he runs as an independent, it really should be a signal to everyone that he is not to be trusted.

[dools007]

From what I’m reading indies are moving to the right. Why would Crist, running as an independent, be attractive to them? I thought indies were deserting the left because they are rejecting Marxism. By definition that would include RINOs.

[Tex-Con-Man]

Maybe he’s trying to negotiate a deal...bow out gracefully for the full backing as a Republican in a future run. I hope he just goes away.

[Notwithstanding]

Sunday, 3/28/10
CHRIS WALLACE, HOST
CHARLIE CRIST

WALLACE: ...have been persistent rumors in Florida that you are so far behind, at least currently, in the polls...that you may run instead as an independent. Here is your chance to dispel all the rumors. Are you willing to pledge right here, right now that you will run in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate and not run as an independent?

CRIST: I’m running as a Republican...

WALLACE: So are you ruling out that you will file as an independent by the April 30th deadline?

CRIST: That’s right. That’s right. I’m running as a Republican.

WALLACE: You will run not for a governor — you’ll run for Senate, and you will run as a — in the Republican primary.

CRIST: ...I’m running as a Republican...

WALLACE: Will you support the winner of the GOP primary, whether it’s you or Marco Rubio?

CRIST: Of course I will...

WALLACE: Well, I’m going to get — I’m going to — I’ll give you an opportunity for a final statement. I just want to say, though, you are saying you are going to run in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. You will not run on the no party affiliation line.

CRIST: That’s right. That’s right. That’s what I’m saying.

[Nuc1]

Thanks. I hope Crist comes in last. I am sick of greasy weasels like him running this nation.