Crist vs. GOP

Florida Governor Charlie Crist is facing pressure from GOP leaders to not seek the US Senate seat. Crist, who became governor in 2007, has been under attack from the GOP and conservatives within the past few months for accepting stimulus funds from the Obama administration. Most recently, Crist is under attack for vetoing a "teacher tenure" bill that would have fired teachers and granted raises based on student test scores. Many conservatives and Republican leaders, including former Governor Jeb Bush, supported the bill. Crist's veto was largely supported by teacher's unions.

There is also another factor facing Crist. Republican representative Marco Rubio. Rubio, who was elected in 2000 and served as Florida's Speaker of the House from 2006-2008, is the biggest threat to Crist at the current time. Rubio has gained large support from across nation, including endorsements from Governor Mitt Romney, US House of Representatives Minority Whip Eric Cantor, and other leaders within the Florida government.




From a poll taken by Quinnipiac University on April 15th, Marco Rubio led Charlie Crist by 23%. However, there may be an out for Crist. While many are calling for him to not seek the Senate seat, others are calling for Crist to run as an Independent. Quinnipiac University polls show that Crist would have a slight narrow lead over Rubio if he ran as an Independent. Christ has stated that he is a "proud Republican" and isn't sure about leaving the party. However, as the primary filing comes to a close at the end of April, Crist will have to choose to stay with the GOP or jump ship to become an Independent. Many Republican leaders, including Senator John McCain, said they will not back Crist if he becomes an Independent.


Common Sense- In my opinion, I think Crist should remove himself as a candidate for the Senate seat, as a Republican and as an Independent. If Crist runs as a Republican, most statistics show that he will lose. If he runs as an Independent, Crist runs the risk of splitting the Republican ticket and possibly opening the door the Democrat candidate, Kendrick Meek, who has trailed both Rubio and Crist. I saw Marco Rubio at the Conservative Political Action Conference this past February in Washington D.C. He is a true conservative who represents fiscal responsibility and conservative values. He is a young, fresh face and the type we need for the Republican party. If Crist has any real common sense, he will drop out of the race and throw his support behind Rubio.