Charlie Crist has dropped out of the Republican Party to run as an independent for the U.S. Senate. If anyone were really in a rush to get payday loans to fill his opponents’ coffers they already have, as no one was surprised. (Maybe they will?) Crist has the advantage of a long service record and greater recognition with the voting public in Florida.
Charlie Crist and the Republicans have broken up
Some Republicans are asking Charlie Crist give any campaign funds he previously received from the GOP back. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) made pleas in the press for Crist to return any funds from the PAC (Political Action Committee) that were given for his potential Senate campaign, and any requested funds back to donors, according to USA Today.
Running independent can be risky
Running as an independent can go several ways. Name recognition is the biggest asset Charlie Crist has, according to the New York Times. Floridians know him better than the other two candidates. His Republican opponent, Marco Rubio, has popularity among tea party types, but is thought to be a bit moderate for their taste. He also allegedly used party funds for personal expenses. (A tea party person misusing funds? That would never happen!)
Independents don’t always fare too well
Historically, independents don’t fare well. There are two current independent Senators, Bernie Sanders and Joe Liberman. There are only three independent governors ever (Jesse Ventura ran with a party and doesn’t count) and one President. (George Washington had no party affiliation.) Statistics aren’t on the side of independents. However, branding does – and that’s what Charlie Crist has. This will get interesting.
Sources
USA Today
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/04/cornyn-to-crist-give-back-gop-campaign-cash-/1
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/us/politics/29cristcaucus.html
