Florida Gov. Won't Support Sotomayor Confirmation
"I have strong concerns that Judge Sotomayor would not strictly and objectively construe the Constitution and lacks respect for the fundamental right to keep and bear arms," Crist said.
Crist plans to run for the Florida Senate seat in 2010, and his position is the opposite of the man he seeks to replace. Republican Sen. Mel Martinez has already announced his intention to vote for Sotomayor's confirmation. (Martinez has decided not to seek a second term, clearing the way for Crist's run.)
The president of the Southern Florida Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Luis de Rosa, told the Herald that he is "very, very disappointed" in Crist's position. He warned it could cost the governor Hispanic votes.
But the decision by Crist, who is facing off against Marco Rubio for the Republican nomination, carries conservative Republican appeal, CBS4's Tim Kephart said.
According to the National Journal, Rubio has said that he wouldn't support Sotomayor's confirmation and criticized Crist for not taking a position.
Crist previously told the Miami Herald that he was too busy governing Florida to take a stance.