Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate: ICYMI: Florida & National News Report That Crist Today Didn’t Rule Out Independent Run
Miami, FL – Tonight, Florida and national news outlets report that Charlie Crist would not rule out running as an independent when asked at an event today. Check out the coverage below, including ABC’s Michael Putney in Miami saying that “Charlie Crist might seriously start thinking about running for the Senate as an independent”:
ABC Orlando: Today, Crist “Didn’t Rule Out” The Option Of Running As An Independent. ANCHOR: “Governor Charlie Crist doesn’t seem to be ruling out the possibility of running as an independent in this year’s Senate race. Crist has been asked before about switching parties in the Republican primary in August and he’s always said no way. However, today, he didn’t rule out that option. Crist’ poll numbers have been slipping over the past six months to his opponent, former House Speaker Marco Rubio.” (ABC-WFTV Orlando, 4/7/10)
CBS Fort Myers: “Crist Says He’s Not As Opposed To Running As An Independent As He Was Before.” ANCHOR: “Well, new at five, today Governor Charlie Crist says he’s not as opposed to running as an independent as he was before. In the past few weeks, the governor was asked about switching parties and he said no way. Today, he gave the question a little more credit saying he’s focused on the current legislative session and will think about it after lawmakers are wrapped up.” (CBS-WINK Fort Myers, 4/7/10)
FOX News: “Today, Crist Refused To Rule Out A Run As An Independent.” FOX NEWS’ CHRIS WALLACE: “In America’s Election Headquarters, Florida Republican Senate hopeful Marco Rubio says he raised more than $3.6 million during the first quarter of this year. Rubio is leading Florida Governor Charlie Crist in the polls and today, Crist refused to rule out a run as an independent, despite a pledge he made on ‘Fox News Sunday’ just ten days ago to run in the Republican primary.” CRIST: “I’m focused on the session. I’m focused on these bills that are pending and coming up shortly. That’s where my focus is, there will be time for other things later.” (Fox News’ “Special Report,” 4/7/10)
WPLG’s Michael Putney: “Charlie Crist Might Seriously Start Thinking About Running For The Senate As An Independent.” ANCHOR: “And new fundraising figures are out today for key political races and the news is not good for Governor Charlie Crist who’s running for Senate. Our senior political reporter Michael Putney’s been looking over these new figures. What do they show for Charlie Crist?” PUTNEY: “Laurie, they show that Charlie Crist is behind Rubio in raising money believe it or not. Not that long ago, Governor Crist was way ahead of Marco Rubio in the polls and in the amount of money raised. But now it’s completely the other way around. Here are the somewhat astounding new figures from the Rubio campaign. They took in $3.6 million in the last three months, impressive. He has gotten money from a total of 51,000 people, that’s a big donor base. The average contribution per supporter just under $100, and thus far, Marco Rubio has raised $1 million online – that is quite an achievement. So how is Governor Charlie Crist doing with his fundraising? Well, he’s not saying. His campaign had to turn in their fundraising figures at the same time as Rubio. But the Crist campaign says, ‘Hey, we’re not ready to release them yet’, which means they’re probably not very good. Rubio – the former Florida House Speaker from West Miami – now looks almost unstoppable in his bid to be the GOP Senate nominee and Charlie Crist might seriously start thinking about running for the Senate as an independent. Laurie, he has got until the end of April to make up his mind about that.” ANCHOR: “Oooh, that would make it interesting.” PUTNEY: “Would it not.” ANCHOR: “It’s interesting, Rubio’s incredible fundraising is even before big endorsements like Rudy Giuliani’s.” PUTNEY: “Right, this is over the last three months. He has done extremely well. He has really appealed to a core of strong supporters, and they are writing checks, and making email contributions.” ANCHOR: “Very conservative supporters.” PUTNEY: “For the most part, they are.” (ABC-WPLG Miami, 4/7/10)
Newsweek: “Should Charlie Crist Reconsider An Independent Run?” “Despite Crist’s denials, some of his recent moves would align nicely with an independent run. He recently said he wouldn’t call for overturning Roe v. Wade. During the Fox News debate, he defended his acceptance of federal stimulus dollars and argued that some aspects of health-care reform were laudable. This week, he bucked his party by vetoing a GOP-backed bill that would have revived powerful fundraising vehicles that Florida Republicans were clamoring for. These don’t look like the actions of a man locked in a losing primary battle against a right-wing darling. So perhaps Crist is mulling the possibility of running as an independent after all. We’ll know soon; the filing deadline is April 30.” (Arian Campo-Flores, “Should Charlie Crist Reconsider An Independent Run?” Newsweek, 4/7/10)
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Orlando Sentinel’s Mike Thomas: “I Can’t Help But Think He Is Headed For An Independent Run For Senate.” “Now is he going Indie? … After veering to the right, Crist is returning to his populist roots. I can’t help but think he is headed for an independent run for Senate. “ (Mike Thomas, “Charlie Goes Nuclear On Republicans,” Orlando Sentinel, 4/7/10)
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CONTACT: Alex Burgos (305) 389-3594
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