Charlie Crist Senate Run To Be Announced: Officials

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The head of the state Republican Party says Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will announce his 2010 political plans Tuesday and hinted that the U.S. Senate is his target.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer says he believes Crist has "concluded that the problems and issues that Floridians are facing _ high unemployment and the economy _ can't be solved in Tallahassee, they need to be solved in Washington, and I believe that's what he's going to do."

The Senate seat he may be seeking is held by Republican Mel Martinez, who is leaving office after one term.

Crist, elected in 2006, sought the same Senate seat in 1998, losing to Democratic incumbent Bob Graham.

Comments

[mick7191]

Hey Charlie, come on in. The waters fine.

[triplbee]

This is an interesting opportunity for the GOP. It's obvious that Crist is gay. He is also politically moderate and hugely popular in the fourth largest state and largest swing state in the US. Will the GOP be smart enough to support this man, or will they crucify him on their ideological cross?

[danonchalant1]

What the eff do you think?

[triplbee]

I really don't know. Crist could easily win this seat. Come 2010 the GOP may be so eviscerated that they may be glad to hang their hat on a winner. Or....we'll see.

[Defunct]

Crist always does his job ;)

[roshni]

Crist is one of the few republicans I can stomach.

[jsgaetano]

There isn't anyone in the Goop who the Goopers hate more than CharlieCrisp.

They hate him even more than they hate McCain and Romney!

[Pip1860]

I she going to be another Arlen Spector? On our side on the ballot only....

[CurtT]

He'll find Washington much more accomidating to his lifestyle than Tallahassee. He may even go out to the bars.

[blukazoo]

OK, for a minute I thought the headline was "GOP attacks Christ" as in "Jesus Christ", for supporting Obama.

[danonchalant1]

That was an awesome post! LOL

[billygore2000]

Nothing against Crist, but may he have a strong Democratic opponent who whips him.

[danonchalant1]

Here here! Don't wanna let the G.NO.P. off the hook by exposing that guy!

[icenzi13]

Charlie Crist needs to fulfill his campaign promises before he goes running off to Washington. Where is our lower homeowner insurance and property tax reform Charlie??? All you have done is raise taxes under the guise of fees. Even you Everglades restoration plan is starting to fall apart because you can't afford it. Typical polititian....

[AlanBJ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOL5KR8zlSs

DSCC - Charlie Crist Wants Out, Wants To Run For Senate, Leaving Floridians With The Mess

[ramal]

"Come out, come out, where ever you are..."

[ObamAtomic]

Who care if he's this or that?
We care about his political views and what he is doing for Floridians.
Under his leadership,schools are closing and Police fortress are flourishing in Florida.

The school tuition increased 15% that is relevant ,his private life irrelevant.
He's not good but can be worse.
The focus should be ,Republicans on the Florida legislature,eh!

[Querent]

Better Crist than Jeb.

[biglover]

I kinda like this guy. He seems very reasonable to me. He's got a lot of class and no I don't care about his sexual orientation and no one else should but I am afraid it will come out when he runs - maybe not.

[StringOfLights]

People keep commenting that Crist is gay. Who cares one way or the other?

[jeanrenoir]

Crist is a model civil servant for the rational, consensus era of Obama. Who cares, indeed, if he's gay? Let's hope the idiot Republican neanderthals make a big slimy campaign out of "Crist's 'gayness,'" so the voters of Florida, even Republican ones, can elect him and show these pathetic bigots just how out of touch they truly are in a changed America.

[ramal]

It really shouldn't matter if his political views and past policy actions concerning Gay people were positive towards equality for Gay people. Unfortunately his or not. That is a bit like the town drunk for Mayor on a prohibition ticket. Such blatant hypocrisy from any politician should not be allowed to go unnoticed.

[billygore2000]

Well, he does, no doubt. And maybe another guy or two.

[Quaoar]

Carole Rome should if she doesn't already know.