May 11, 2009 8:08 pm US/Eastern
Gov. Crist Expected To Announce Senate Run Tuesday
Head Of Republican Party Said He's Interested In The U.S. Senate Seat
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
His rivals would give anything for his approval ratings, his ability to raise money, and his seeming ability to steer clear—so far anyway—of the economic storm swamping Florida. Political pros considered him a lock for a second term as governor. On Tuesday, Governor Charlie Crist will give in to the lure of another office. He is expected to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated in 2010 by Republican Mel Martinez.
Let the political free-for-all begin. Crist would begin a Senate bid with unmatched ability to cross party lines in Florida. Doral voter Mick Hopkins said, "I'm an ultra-liberal Democrat. I'm a big time Barack Obama supporter, and I supported Charlie Crist."
Crist embraces political moderation, and critics say he avoids tough decisions about the economy, taxes, education, etc. Be that as it may, his political calculus has served him well. Three months ago he warmly welcomed President Obama to Florida, arguing later that the Sunshine State needs all the help it can get from Washington to survive an economic crisis.
Steven Geller, Florida's former Senate Democratic leader, has been friends with Crist since their college days. He says he has repeatedly told Crist it would be a mistake for him to give up the governor's mansion for national politics. Why? Because Geller argues Crist may well have to ignore his moderate political base to beat Marco Rubio in the Republican senate primary next year. Rubio, the conservative Miamian and former Florida House speaker, is widely viewed as a formidable opponent.
Geller argued, "Crist will either need to move to the far right or have problems winning a primary. If he moves to the far right in a primary, it will make it difficult to win the general (election). There's a Democratic tide sweeping the country."
That tide will include South Floridians Kendrick Meek and Dan Gelber. Both are savvy political veterans vying to snatch a U.S. Senate seat from Republican hands. Crist's fortunes will also be tied to the Florida economy and budget. More tough times are forecast and Crist will have to answer for what happens on his watch.
Still, any opponent would give anything to have the governor's political advantages. Former Florida GOP chairman Al Cardenas said, "He is proving to be our best fundraiser and still very popular during these difficult times."
Those are qualities Charlie Crist hopes will serve him well in his bid for national political office. It's a lure he cannot resist.
The Senate seat opened after Republican Mel Martinez stepped down after one term. If the announcement is made, it wouldn't be the first time Crist sought the U.S. Senate seat. He lost in 1998 to Bob Graham. Crist was elected governor in 2006.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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