Charlie Crist Officially Announces He’s Running as An Independent
Beyond UCF, News, Politics — By Staff on April 29, 2010 at 6:07 pmFlorida Governor Charlie Crist announced just before 6 p.m. in front of a large St. Petersburg crowd that he has dropped out of the Republican Party in his bid for U.S. Senate.
Republican Marco Rubio will now be the official Republican Candidate for the senate race. Kendrick Meek will run as the Democratic candidate.
Crist faced fierce opposition from core members of the Republican party after hugging President Barack Obama and campaigning for the president’s federal stimulus package.
During his speech announcing his Independent run, Crist said, “I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, I know we’re doing the right thing.
He acknowledged it will be a tough fight.
“After this speech ends, I don’t have either party helping me,” Crist said. “But I need you. I need you the people more than ever. I’m counting on you and I believe in you.”
During a debate on the Fox News Channel, Crist told host Chris Wallace that he would not run as an independent. Republican opponent Marco Rubio has suggested, on his Facebook page, that the flip means Crist can’t be trusted.
Crist insisted though, “It’s the right thing for Florida. It’s the right thing for America.”
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2 Comments
What does his political party ahve do with his interests vs the interests of the state? If the Republican party does not stand behind him because he hugged the President and vetoed a bill that is saving hundreds of teachers and potentials their jobs, then why would he want to associate himself with them? Wuold you associate yourself with a group of people that did not support you when you made a decision based on the what the people that gave you your job wanted? I think he is doing the right thing. He is attempting to show that he no one else’s agenda but those of his state and does not want a party line dictate how he votes. He genuinely wants to do what he was elected to do- put the people’s decision into action. Charlie, you have my vote.
First he puts the interests of unions ahead of the interests of students. Now he’s putting his own interests ahead of the interests of the state. What is wrong with this man?