GOP Senate leader endorses Crist

Posted: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:23 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans, 2010

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro and Harry Enten
Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in his 2010 Senate bid over the more conservative Marco Rubio.

"I am pleased to endorse Governor Charlie Crist and provide my full support for his candidacy for the United States Senate," McConnell said in a statement. "Charlie Crist has been a tireless advocate for the citizens of Florida by fighting to lower taxes, reduce government spending and enhance the quality of life for all Floridians. Decisions are being made every day in Washington that have a direct impact upon the lives of all Americans and we need Charlie Crist in the U.S. Senate to ensure that those decisions will benefit the citizens of Florida."

Crist, for his part, responded again on Twitter: "I would like to thank U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for his endorsement" (12:06 pm.)

Crist also today lined up the endorsement of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which recruited him for the seat.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has yet to weigh in, though he has previously said he would consider withholding RNC funds for candidates who supported the president's stimulus plan. Crist gave the administration cover when he endorsed the plan, and Obama traveled to Florida for an event to promote the plan there.

*** UPDATE *** Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference also endorsed Crist: "The thought of Governor Crist becoming Senator Crist is welcome news. Three years into his first term as Governor, he's the most popular elected official in Florida’s history because of his outstanding career as a no-nonsense attorney general, a progressive education commissioner, and a fiscally conservative chief executive who last year led Florida to its largest property-tax decrease ever. The U.S. Senate needs Charlie Crist, and I'll do all I can to help him get there."

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Comments

The comeback begins.

heather techler fl (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:27 PM)

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has yet to weigh in, though he has previously said he would consider withholding RNC funds for candidates who supported the president's stimulus plan. Crist gave the administration cover when he endorsed the plan, and Obama traveled to Florida for an event to promote the plan there.

As if his opinion matters to them. I wonder when he will realize that is is a token? The National Republican Sentorial Committee endorsed Crist because they need him. Thaey also gave a rubber stamp to the President's stimulas package that Crist endorsed.

Remember the Governors that refused to endorse the the stimulas package and even refuse to take the money that was allocated to their States? Recall how many of them threw a hobo fit abot receiving the money that was ment to help their constituents? Talk about a change of heart. Why wouldn't they stick to their "firm principals"....just saying

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:43 PM)

These guys ARE DESPERATE to Win

The Republicans are determined to run RINO moderates in Senate races, including California, Delaware and Illinois.

It's probably NOT gonna happen for them in California
Barbara Boxer will beat whoever they throw at her

At one time Arnold had dreams of running against Boxer
NO WAY Arnold could win the Republican primary

The Republicans are also opposing Arnold's Proposals in the Special Election

California is going to hell in a hand basket !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:47 PM)

"...Corny Cornyn's worthless recommendation just means the evil elephants are desperate to win any Senate seat..." Eric Salinas

Please remember, they already 'own' this seat, they are desparate to RETAIN it.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:50 PM)

The comeback begins.
heather techler fl (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:27 PM)
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THERE IS NO COMEBACK!!!!!!!!!

Sean Denver (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:51 PM)

Yeah a Romeny/Crist ticket would of gone a alot further than a McPalin ticket...Just what were the repukes thinking...More War, Bank Scandals, POW, air head and female vote getters rule!!!...Pitiful..
BoL to the Repukes in 2012...they won't win..

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:56 PM)

The comeback begins.
heather techler fl (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:27 PM)
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THERE IS NO COMEBACK!!!!!!!!!
Sean Denver (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:51 PM)

Another one in denial.

heather techler fl (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:59 PM)

Oh Heather. Please don't put any money on that bet.

LB, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:04 PM)

Yes they need the seat so badly that they inadvertly endorsed the President's stimulas package without even realizing it when they endorsed Crist.

He is one of the only people they have that is credible in their party that even stand a chance to win the seat.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:06 PM)

California is going to hell in a hand basket !!
MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:47 PM)

What - the most liberal and leftist state in the world?

All who are suprised by this raise your middle finger in salute to California.

I hear that you have some of the best tent cities in the country.

What - allowing unlimited access to all of the government programs to every illegal in the world for free - what could go wrong with that?

Thanks California for showing the rest of us what not to do!

California Fault Line - hurry up and crack (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:07 PM)

But what about the LEADER of the GOP -- Rush Limbaugh -- what does HE say???

dittodruggie (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:08 PM)

Wait until Limbaugh speaks. Then we'll know where the real leader of the GOP stands on Crist's Senate vid.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:13 PM)

Whoopdedoo

Champ, Lumberton, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:18 PM)

One of the LAST people I would want an endorsement from is Mitch McConnell!! Although I am surprised he endorsed Crist over the conservative wingnut Marco Rubio!! After Specter's deflection, Mitch the moronic fixture from Kentucky, stated, Specters deflection was "a threat to the country.” Continuing with his hissy fit, he said, “Americans want a majority to have whatever it wants without restraint, without a check or a balance.” Mitch must have slept through "Comparative Government 101"!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:24 PM)

Repubs may have a real problem walking a very thin line. They have to run moderates to win, but only if they can manage to keep the conservatives within the same tent. If the moderate candidate starts making too many concessions to the far right, then they lose those moderate votes they were out to get in the first place. If they tick off the far right enough to where they stay home or run their own candidate, then they can't pull the numbers to win.
As long as Cheney and Limbaugh keep hitting the airwaves presenting themselves and their viewpoints as the true test of who belongs in the GOP, anyone running as a Republican is going to have a very hard time getting elected anywhere than the very few ultra conservative areas. Maybe Frist should try running as a Democrat.

mike, albany, ny (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:26 PM)

I'm sure fat man Limbaugh is beside himself!! I'm sure he's desperately looking for descriptive adjectives sufficiently course enough to impress his brain dead “Ditto Heads!!”

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:28 PM)

"...Corny Cornyn's worthless recommendation just means the evil elephants are desperate to win any Senate seat
----------------------------------------------------
Yeah, Eric, and Democrats are casual about winning, not really caring one way or the other.

Ashburn (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:30 PM)

The comeback begins.
heather techler fl (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:27 PM)
---------------------------------------------------
THERE IS NO COMEBACK!!!!!!!!!
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Then why does Rasmussen have the Republicans topping Democrats on the generic Congressional ballot for the third straight week?

Red, White, and Screwed (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:32 PM)

Recall how many of them threw a hobo fit

What is a hobo fit, Anita?

Doug Heffernan (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:33 PM)

His endorsement of Crist over Rubio is surprising!! Especially after Crist came out in support of Obama's stimulus package!!

McConnell’s mouth has been on auto pilot for so long he wouldn’t have a clue if a new idea crept up behind him and smacked him upside his empty head. McCain/Palin supporters, after allowing Bush to steal two elections, have their antenna up, but as usual its aimed the wrong way. It’s a miracle that Specter, surrounded by boorish oafs, toughed it out for as long as he did!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:33 PM)

Crist may not win the primary - Rubio will get the cuban vote in South Florida - unless they can get high voter turnout in North Florida - Crist is not a sure thing

LM, Miami, FL (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:03 PM)

Who cares what Mitch says? The key question is: what does Rush say?

The More Important Question (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:05 PM)

As Bunning said last week, losing all those seats under McConnels Leadership, who in their right mind would want his Backing ? I say, keep up the good work Mitch, you're doing a bangup job !

Rick,Ky (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:23 PM)

Could it be? Is there a miracle happening? Is the Republican party finally realizing that they must move more toward the center or perish? Crist over the more conservative Rubio may be just the very early beginnings of the healing, the refermation the sanity returning to the once grand old party. Crist will be harder to beat for a Democrat but still may be beaten.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:23 PM)

I'm glad the Republicans are getting a moderate like Crist. He has sense and will keep our debates in a rational balance which is what we liberals need.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:34 PM)

Crist will be harder to beat for a Democrat but still may be beaten.
eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:23 PM)

While I agree with you a hundred percent, I hope the rethugs keep up with their Christo-fascism!! It will ensure the democrats stay in power for many, many, many decades to come!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:34 PM)

Remember 2006 (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:37 PM)

Pam, San Pedro

Don't like Mitch McConnell?

He probably wouldn't like you either.

Big Nardi (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:40 PM)

I would remind hypocritical liberals that Dems took back the House of Reps in 2006 by running conservative Democrats in more conservative districts. Many of these were pro-life candidates. Yes, pro-life--the stance many of you mock and criticize. BUt that's how Dems won in 2006. So if you're NOW going to criticize the GOP for their strategy, look in the mirror first...
Remember 2006 (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:37 PM)

NO, the democrats won in 2006, and whooped the GOP's behind in 2008, because Bush and Cheney were the most vile, evil, manipulative, dangerous and constitutionally-corrupt people to ever hold those offices!!

That memory will not go away anytime soon, and certainly, not in the next fifty years or so!! Keep dreaming!! Dreams are all the GOP and the wingnuts have left!! LOL!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:51 PM)

Hey - did Crist get married yet? Remember he was on the short-list for vp candidates, but McCain didn't pick him because he wasn't married (that would seem like a good reason to only a tired old man).

Jane P., Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:54 PM)

Don't like Mitch McConnell?
He probably wouldn't like you either.
Big Nardi (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:40 PM)

Well I would hope he would NOT like me!! Tough words, my friend!! Licking your wounds, still LOSER!!?? LOL!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:04 PM)

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