Florida Senate: Crist Confirms Independent Run

Florida Governor Charlie Crist confirmed at a campaign event today that he will run in the U.S. Senate race as an independent candidate.

Republican response:

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), U.S. Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Senate Republican Conference Chairman U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Republican Policy Committee Chairman U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) released the following joint statement in response to Governor Charlie Crist’s (R-FL) announcement today.

“We can no longer support the candidacy of Governor Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate.  More than a year ago, Governor Crist asked for our endorsement with a commitment that he would proudly represent Floridians and our party with principled conservative leadership. Quite simply, he did not keep his word.

“The question for Floridians is whether he will keep his word about all of the new promises he makes. Elections are about trust and frankly, it is unclear whether Governor Crist deserves any.

“The Governor said he has been ‘listening to the people.’ We hope he will listen to the thousands of Republican donors who will no doubt ask Governor Crist to return their donations. We will request full refunds ourselves and we plan to put our resources and support behind Marco Rubio.

“Marco is an emerging star who represents limited government, lower taxes, and free markets, and we are confident he will be the next United States Senator from Florida.”

Democratic response:

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, released the following statement regarding the Florida Senate race today:

“Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio are the two latest casualties of a divided Republican Party cannibalizing itself. As usual, Charlie Crist is putting his political ambition first and Marco Rubio is threatening to impose his extreme philosophical agenda. Meanwhile, Kendrick Meek will continue to be a hands-on leader, focused on improving Florida’s economy and bringing jobs to the state. Kendrick has run a very strong campaign and will likely emerge as the candidate of choice for Democrats, Independents and even moderate Republicans.”

(credit image – getty)

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