April 28th, 2010
05:26 PM ET

Sources: Crist to run as independent

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has decided to run as a nonaligned candidate rather than compete for the Republican Party nomination in his bid for the Senate, a GOP fundraiser tells CNN.

The fundraiser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that Crist has begun contacting financial supporters to tell them that he is running as a non-party affiliated candidate and to ask for their continued support.

Once the overwhelming favorite in the battle for the Republican Senate nomination, Crist is now trailing former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio by more than 20 points, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this month.

But the survey offered hope Crist could win in November if he ran as an independent. In this scenario, Crist would have a slight edge over Rubio and a larger lead over Rep. Kendrick Meek, the likely Democratic nominee, in a three-way general election matchup.

Crist is expected to officially declare his intentions during an event Thursday afternoon in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. Crist's campaign is calling it "a candidate qualifying event." Crist has until Friday to declare his intentions.

Read the full CNN.com story

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Filed under: Politics
soundoff (25 Responses)
  1. AJ

    Arlen Crist. He just declared that the only thing to which he is loyal is his own career. He stands for nothing else.
    Thanks for taking yourself out of the race, buddy.

    April 29, 2010 at 7:59 am | Report abuse |
  2. Raffly

    I am confidence Christ will beat the crap of Rubio.....
    Go Christ...

    April 29, 2010 at 8:05 am | Report abuse |
  3. ERICA

    NO JESUS NO PEACE! THOUGHT ROTHSTEIN WAS BAD YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET! lol

    April 29, 2010 at 8:06 am | Report abuse |
  4. John

    The Democratic and Republican parties have run this country into the ground. They both need to be taught a much needed lesson. We need as many Independents as possible.

    April 29, 2010 at 8:30 am | Report abuse |
  5. Heather

    Crist is not going independent out of some sense of loyalty to Floridians. He’s throwing a tantrum because he knows he’s going to lose the primary. It’s the voters, not the RNC, that want Rubio. Crist is doing exactly what so many liberal congress members did with the health insurance bill and is ignoring the voters.

    April 29, 2010 at 9:29 am | Report abuse |
  6. Odette Baez

    i am a strong liberal and registered FL Democrat, but Crist has my vote in November... mine and many of my friends and family members [all of whom have differing views politically, socially and religiously]...

    and Rubio [and his fellow tea partier/neo-cons] creep(s) me out completely!

    April 29, 2010 at 4:55 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Doug

    I, although a life long Democrat, have been and continue to be impressed with Governor Crist.
    I was afraid I would have to change my affiliation to the "Party of Palin" in order to vote for him, now I can remain a loyal D.

    April 30, 2010 at 2:16 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Ngovicaus

    Friendship this love for my.

    July 19, 2013 at 7:05 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Joyce

    Are you looking for a spell caster to get your Ex lover or scammers to refund your money back to you ASAP? email Dr.Uromi: uromitemple@gmail.com

    March 10, 2014 at 11:44 am | Report abuse |
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