Charlie Crist has denied that he has any intention of leaving the GOP, though today’s poll from Public Policy Polling demonstrate he just cannot win the Republican primary.
It’s time for Charlie Crist to suck it up and face facts. Or he will become a political laughingstock destined for a lifetime of boat-drinks at the St. Pete Yacht Club (not a bad life, but not what Crist wants).
After polls two weeks ago showed him down by 16 and 18 points, respectively, a new survey out today shows him trailing Rubio 60% to 28%. The PPP poll also shows Crist trailing Marco Rubio among conservatives, 71-17. Of course, the poll was a robopoll and 41% of respondents believe the Republicans in Congress are too liberal.
Crist cannot do a Joe Lieberman and re-run as an independent in November if he loses to Rubio in the August 24 primary; state law requires that he declare his independence. He must do so by April 30.
As Mitch Perry writes, it would no doubt crush Crist and his supporters to “concede” to Rubio in the spring; the fact is he would keep himself viable in the fall by doing so. Or he can continue down this path for the next five months. More here.
I think Charlie Crist owes it to the millions of Florida moderates to run as an Independent. Kendrick Meek can’t win and Rubio is too conservative for many. Crist has always believed “in the people.”
Charlie, why not put your faith in them one last time?
