Charlie Crist: I'm Going Independent

'Our political system is broken,' says Florida governor
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 29, 2010 4:58 PM CDT
Charlie Crist: I'm Going Independent
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in a file photo from April 23.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Charlie Crist delivered the not-so-shocking news today that he's leaving the Republican Party to run for Senate as an independent. "Unfortunately, our political system is broken," said the Florida governor in making his announcement, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Prepare for days of feverish speculation on how the political calculus will play out in the three-way race with Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek.

It's a safe bet that Crist will be the juiciest political story for the next few days, writes Chris Cillizza in the Washington Post. But he "has to figure out a way to build on any momentum ... and parlay it into a next act that keeps him relevant in the race for the foreseeable future." He's also going to face serious problems with staffers jumping ship and donors wanting their money back.
(More Charlie Crist stories.)

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