Former Florida Gov. Crist says he'll speak at DNC

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida's former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist says he will be a speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

Crist said Monday that he will speak at next week's convention in Charlotte, N.C. He says he thinks highly of President Barack Obama's efforts to help Florida, citing his work to try to steer money for a bullet train to the state.

Crist announced Sunday that he is endorsing Obama. Republicans called the decision political opportunism and pointed out Crist has previously criticized the president on issues like his health care overhaul.

Crist changed his voter registration to no party affiliation after he dropped out of the 2010 Republican Senate primary and ran as an independent. Many speculate that he will return to politics as a Democrat and possibly challenge his Republican successor, Rick Scott.