Charlie Crist Won't Have Support of Old Friend John McCain in Independent Bid for Florida Senate | Valley Fever | Phoenix | Phoenix New Times | The Leading Independent News Source in Phoenix, Arizona
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Charlie Crist Won't Have Support of Old Friend John McCain in Independent Bid for Florida Senate

Florida Governor Charlie Crist did the unthinkable yesterday by bailing on the Republican Party and announcing that he will be running for the U.S. Senate as an Independent.The move comes after it became clear that Crist would not be able to fend off his opponent in the GOP Senate primary,...
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Florida Governor Charlie Crist did the unthinkable yesterday by bailing on the Republican Party and announcing that he will be running for the U.S. Senate as an Independent.

The move comes after it became clear that Crist would not be able to fend off his opponent in the GOP Senate primary, Marco Rubio.

Crist's decision has pissed off many high-ranking Republicans, and even his old pal John McCain won't be supporting his independent quest for a Senate seat.

Crist was one of McCain's biggest allies in the pivotal state of Florida during the 2008 presidential campaign, but "The Maverick" says he will only support a Republican candidate in the race.

McCain went On the Record with Greta Van Susteren last night and explained his decision.

"Charlie and I are good friends and will remain good friends. Obviously I will be supporting Marco Rubio. He will be the Republican candidate," McCain says. "I wish Charlie well. He's a fine person and a good friend. But I'm a Republican, and I support Republican candidates."

McCain is in a primary fight of his own -- which has often been compared to Crist's -- and according to the latest poll numbers, he's faring a hell of a lot better than his old friend.

McCain's success may have something to do with his opponent, J.D. Hayworth.

We have a feeling that if Marco Rubio had been spouting off about men marrying horses and President Obama's birth certificate, Crist would continue to toe that Republican party-line.

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