Good Time Charlie: Dreaming of Crist

When the rumors that Charlie Crist may opt to run as an independent for the open Florida Senate seat, following the "Joe Lieberman Primary sore-loser" model, the reaction from political watchers was rapturous.  Nate Silver summed it up best: "If Crist were to win as an indie, he'd instantly become one of the most important politicians in America. But not an easy path."  I agree on both points, having a true independent from the center-right would be a refreshing change of pace in Congress, but it will be tough to pull off.  Crist is currently bleeding support against both Marco Rubio, his staunchly conservative Republican Primary opponent, and Kendrick Meeks, the likely Democratic candidate.  The man who was once the most popular governor in the country has lose his luster thanks to a concerted effort on the part of conservatives to punish him for his moderate policies and support for Obama's stimulus plan.  However, if Crist were to leave the Republican party by highlighting how his sensible progressivism was heir to the Teddy Roosevelt Republican tradition he could be a formidable foe in the general election; once a clear winner develops from either party, and in all likelihood Mr. Rubio looks like the heavy favorite, voters from the other side might flock to Crist as the lesser of two evils.  Given the state's history with disputed elections, I imagine Florida voters will be sensitive to the notion of "throwing their vote away."

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