Posted on 05/11/2009 4:40:55 AM PDT by shove_it
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) will be announcing Tuesday that he will be running for the Senate, according to a source close to the governor, giving Republicans their most high-profile recruit of the 2010 election cycle.
Crist's decision puts Republicans in strong position to hold onto the seat held by retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) Crist holds high approval ratings among both Republicans and Democrats, according to statewide polling, and has forged a moderate governing style that has won him widespread support.
His decision to run came as little surprise to political observers, with the governor and his allies hinting of his interest in running for Congress over the last several months.
Florida Republican Party chairman Jim Greer confirmed to the Pensacola News-Journal that Crist will be making his formal announcement in Tallahassee on Tuesday at "a low-key event" and said he will draw immediate endorsements by a statewide and national Republican leaders.
Crist starts out as the frontrunner to succeed Martinez. But he will first be facing a primary against an up-and-coming conservative challenger, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio. Many Florida conservatives have begun to rally around Rubio over dissatisfaction with Crist’s moderate positions, particularly his vigorous advocacy of President Barack Obama’s stimulus package.
One major unanswered question is whether former Florida governor Jeb Bush will back his gubernatorial successor, or stay on the sidelines during the primary.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) looks like the early favorite to win the nomination based on his strong fundraising and key endorsements from liberal groups. He is currently facing state senator Dan Gelber in the primary.
Which party is he running with? (D) or (R)?
This means Florida FReepers will have to work twice as hard for Rubio.
Pull out all the stops.
Crist is BAD news — Anyone remember in Feb 2008 he came out in support of “exploring” slavery reparations? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2178166/posts
A reliable source down there told me he has picked up a nickname he doesn’t much like, “California Charlie”.
Isn’t he queer?
Crist is a Democrat, never forget it. Big government, big spending progressive, only way to describe him. I think he knows he won’t be re-elected Governor, having made a giant mess.
First and foremost Crist turned the state run citizens insurance into welfare, meanwhile setting up huge exposure for the State. ... Not a good thing at all.
Crist is BAD news — Anyone remember in Feb 2008 he came out in support of “exploring” slavery reparations?I remember when he came out in support of John McCain on the eve of the Republican primary.
Why doesn’t Jeb Bush run? I believe he’s the most conservative Bush among all of them and it seems he would be a shoo in to win.
Ohh, Rinos are so cute when they are young!
Hello Otter,
Crist is what is wrong with the Republican party. He is a bona fide RINO.
Can’t we all just get along attitude and he supported this abysmal spending spree the “magic negro” pushed.
Just say no to RINO Crist.
Lovely ... chuckle.
That statement should tell everybody all they need to know about this guy.
LOLOLOL!
That's almost pure genius, and much better and more potentially viral than just plain "Hollywood."
SNOWBALL!
Welcome to hell!
Ditto Joe!
A apt likeness :)
We simply canNOT let this man get elected - though I will say it would be a relief not to have him in Tallahassee.
Perhaps Crist would take RPOF Chairman Greer to D.C. with him?
The name Bush guarantees a loss, so it’s best that Jeb Bush doesn’t run.
Crist will beat any opponent, and he’s slightly more conservative than Martinez. Crist will oppose most of Obama’s socialist agenda.
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