Republicans are quickly rolling out their reaction to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist’s announcement that he is leaving the Republican primary for Senate, and instead running as an independent. Crist’s GOP rival Marco Rubio is all set to move forward on his conservative platform, while the national GOP that had supported Crist a year ago is switching to Rubio.
Rubio released this statement:
“Since I launched this campaign a year ago, I have run on the principles I hold dear, the issues concerning Floridians, and the ideas I believe will help get our nation back on track. This was the case when I was over 40 points down in the polls, it’s true today, it will be true through November, and it will be true when I get to Washington. I am a Republican because it is the natural home for all Americans who believe in limited government, individual freedom, a strong defense and traditional values. I entered this race because I believe no other candidate can be trusted to go to Washington and stand up for these values.
“Governor Crist still doesn’t get it; this race is not about conservative vs. moderate, Republican vs. Democrat or, now, Republican vs. Democrat vs. Non-Party Affiliated. This election’s outcome was never going to hinge on whether he chose to run as a Republican or not. This race is a referendum between the limited government, free market American identity I will fight to preserve versus the costly and intrusive big government agenda that both Governor Crist and Congressman Meek support. This race is not about doing whatever it takes to win in November; it’s about earning the privilege and responsibility to work boldly in the U.S. Senate to ensure future generations inherit a stronger and more prosperous America. What party or non-party you affiliate with is far less consequential than the principles and policies that will define America for decades to come.
“Whereas yesterday my primary opponent was one supporter of wasteful stimulus spending, tax increases, cap-and-trade energy taxes, liberal judges and abortion, I now look forward to debating issues and ideas with Governor Crist and Congressman Meek, who share the same unhealthy appetite for more government, more spending and higher taxes.
“As the campaign enters this new phase, I will continue working hard to earn the trust of all Floridians who believe in limited government and recognize that Washington’s spending and intrusion in our lives is out of control. I will continue running on the principles, issues and ideas that have brought us to this point and that I believe to my core are needed in Washington more than ever.”
The Republican Senate leadership previously endorsed Crist last year. Now Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman John Cornyn (R-TX), Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Policy Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) have released a statement lambasting Crist:
“We can no longer support the candidacy of Governor Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate. More than a year ago, Governor Crist asked for our endorsement with a commitment that he would proudly represent Floridians and our party with principled conservative leadership. Quite simply, he did not keep his word.
“The question for Floridians is whether he will keep his word about all of the new promises he makes. Elections are about trust and frankly, it is unclear whether Governor Crist deserves any.
“The Governor said he has been ‘listening to the people.’ We hope he will listen to the thousands of Republican donors who will no doubt ask Governor Crist to return their donations. We will request full refunds ourselves and we plan to put our resources and support behind Marco Rubio.
“Marco is an emerging star who represents limited government, lower taxes, and free markets, and we are confident he will be the next United States Senator from Florida.”
Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele released this statement:
“Now more than ever, Floridians need leadership in Washington. With unemployment at an all-time high in Florida, they want a Senator to exercise strong fiscal discipline and be a catalyst for job creation. Without question, the Republican nominee this fall will offer those qualities. Governor Charlie Crist, however, will not be that candidate. Over the years, he has served this party well, which is why his decision to run as an Independent is so disappointing. To be sure, he left this party. This party did not leave him. His decision will in no way impede our path to victory in Florida. The challenges that Floridians face are many. And this November, we will have a nominee in place that will listen to them and put forth solutions to get Floridians back to work.”
