Florida's Crist Announces Senate Bid

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Senate 2010

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

It's official: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is running for the Senate.

The Senate bid for Crist, who is among the most prominent moderate Republicans in the nation, comes at a time when the GOP is seeking a new identity in the wake of the 2008 elections. His attempt to win the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mel Martinez could play an important role in the debate over the future of the Republican Party.

"Here in Florida, we've shown that when we put people first and work together much can be accomplished, and I intend to bring that same approach to Washington," Crist said in a statement announcing his decision. "That is why, after thoughtful consideration with my wife Carole, I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate."

(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Crist, who is 52, is quite popular in Florida – a Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey found his approval rating at 64 percent – despite tough economic times and a high unemployment rate in the state. His approval rating comes in spite of the frustrations of conservatives, who have been angered by Crist's support for the Obama administration's stimulus package, among other issues. Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, who will face Crist in the Republican primary, calls the governor a Democrat masquerading as a Republican.

"If we're offering the same thing as the Democrats, but with different packaging, what's the point in having a Republican Party?" Rubio told Politico. "I'm going to offer Floridians a clear, consistent, authentic small-government choice in the primary."

Crist is the clear favorite in the Republican primary – an April Quinnipiac poll showed him leading Rubio 54 percent to 8 percent – though Rubio is well-liked by conservatives and is positioned to cause problems for the more moderate Crist if he can raise enough money.

Still, national Republicans are unlikely to rally behind Rubio, even if they might prefer him ideologically, because Crist's entry into the race means they won't have to spend as much to defend Martinez' seat. With Democrats poised to secure a filibuster-proof Senate majority if and when Minnesota's Al Franken is seated, Republicans will be fighting hard for every last seat, and they won't want to spend money where they don't have to – particularly in Florida, one of the most expensive states to run a campaign.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

A recent Rasmussen poll found that 57 percent of the state's voters are at least somewhat likely to vote for Crist as a Senate candidate, including 23 percent who say are very likely to do so.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, endorsed Crist not long after his announcement Tuesday morning.

"With his record of reform in Florida, I know that Governor Crist will bring a fresh perspective to Washington in our efforts to fight for lower taxes, less government, and new job creation for all Americans," he said. "Charlie Crist is a tireless advocate on behalf of all Floridians and one of only three Governors who earned an 'A' from the CATO Institute for his efforts to restrain spending and cut taxes last year."

Conservative Republicans may well not be happy with support for Crist from the party establishment as potential GOP standard-bearers jockey for position in a post-Obama world. Crist, who was mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate for Sen. John McCain in the presidential election, could gain greater prominence as the face of the party during his bid – a troubling prospect for those who would rather see their party hue closer to the ideology of someone like Governors Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal and Mark Sanford or former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by kansas1946 May 12, 2009 7:59 PM EDT: It will be nice to see Republicans supporting a gay politician. He is about the most decent Republican around right now, and gay to boot. A big step forward for Republicans.; Reply to this comment


by fedup12 May 12, 2009 1:34 PM EDT: Moderates are the worst of all kinds. They will spend on the conservative and the liberal agenda.

Bet they cant find a bill they dont want to spend money on!!!; Reply to this comment


by fedup12 May 12, 2009 1:30 PM EDT: Lemme ask a question of the cons in this group???

Why do you feel the need to re-invent yourselves.

Something about a pig and lipstick comes to mind.; Reply to this comment


by blazercoach1 May 12, 2009 1:10 PM EDT: windmaster, well named.

I thought the greatest strategic blunder was getting involved in a land war in Asia....followed closely by going in against a Sicilian when death is on the line...; Reply to this comment


by Oregon_State_OSU May 12, 2009 1:03 PM EDT: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist

Just another White Hair Old Southern Goat running for office. Its so nice that the GOP is a dying race.; Reply to this comment


by briannorwood May 12, 2009 1:02 PM EDT: I guess this puts Boss Limbaugh in a bit of a pickle now, doesn't it!

Will he stick to his "conservative principles" and support the "true conservative" Rubio, or double-talk his way into supporting moderate (a.k.a. socialist commie traitor) Crist?

My guess is he will double-talk his way into supporting Crist. So much for principles!

LOL; Reply to this comment


by specialty8 May 12, 2009 12:39 PM EDT: Beckie,
Sorry, I'm not in your little movie and I'm not a fan of your Barney either.; Reply to this comment


by AOCGUY May 12, 2009 12:24 PM EDT: Becky - I've lived in Florida for over 30 years now and alhough I have heard the stupid rumors it is news to me that "everyone" knows he is gay. Probably news to his new bride as well.

Don't know how well he would do as a senator assuming he can get elected, but he has done a pretty good job followinig a very popular governor (Jeb Bush). Personally I wish he would run for reelection.; Reply to this comment


by johndevinejr May 12, 2009 12:15 PM EDT: I don't care that he's gay. But I do care that he's gay and supports anti-gay legislation.

That's called hypocrisy and Americans don't like hypocrites.
Posted by BeckieBest at 8:30 AM : May 12, 2009

Americans don't like hypocrites, perhaps that is why the republicans are having so much trouble.

.; Reply to this comment


by johndevinejr May 12, 2009 12:13 PM EDT: Beckie, if America does not like hypocrits, then why were all the dems screaming about the Bush bailout, but now all of the sudden it"s ok since Obama is following the same agenda, only twice as much?
Posted by specialty8 at 8:39 AM : May 12, 2009

Before Bush took action he allowed Lehman Bros to fail. This was the beginning of this economic disaster. Then they threw money at the banks with no controls. When the banks were told that they would have to account for the way the money was used the said it wasn't possible. (I thought that was their business, tracking money). Bush just knuckled under and said, OK.

Obama is following the advice of every reputable economist on the planet. And, although it is still way too early to tell, things seem to be getting a little better.

It will take a couple of years to be able to see if these loans have helped.; Reply to this comment