Cornyn Makes Clear NRSC Won’t Play In Florida Primary

[ccharles000]

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) on Monday all but expressed his regret for getting behind Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) last May in the Sunshine State’s open-seat Senate race.

“I endorsed Gov. Crist early on, really before this became a real contest,” Cornyn said at a press conference at NRSC headquarters. “I’m not going to do anything to change that. I think I’m honor-bound to leave it as it is. It doesn’t mean we’re going to be spending any money in the primary. It doesn’t mean we’re going to be saying anything bad about” his primary challenger, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R).

That seems to be a far cry from how Crist described the primary on May 12, 2009, when he released a statement announcing that he was endorsing Crist.

“Gov. Crist is a dedicated public servant and a dynamic leader, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide our full support to ensure that he is elected the next United States Senator from Florida,” Cornyn said 10 months ago.

Crist entered the Senate primary as the unquestioned favorite, but since that time Rubio’s campaign has caught fire among conservative activists. The governor now finds himself trailing Rubio in several polls and, despite Crist’s massive cash-on-hand advantage, Rubio appears to be in the driver’s seat.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/6534/ssp-daily-digest-38-afternoon-edition

[DFW]

1. "The National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide our full support..."

Their full support is worth about as much as their full contribution to health care reform and budget responsibility.

[Jennicut]

2. If Crist loses the primary, I think he will run as an independent.

He could beat Rubio that way. I don't think Meeks could beat either one right now, unfortunately.

[peekaloo]

3. Can't do that under Florida law.

He would have to change affiliations before the April 30 deadline.

In the meantime let the smearing run rampant. }(


p.s. I know, Republicans following the law........

[Jennicut]

4. Thanks for the info. So he would have to make the decision soon.

I read some articles today, he denies he will make the switch. But I am from CT and saw Lieberman pull it here (although he could do it after the primary). We shall see...

[peekaloo]

5. Charlie will do what's best for Charlie

the career politician. From what the "experts" discern, a three way race would benefit Meeks (who is taking the slow, steady grassroots route). For me Rubio is a Jebthro minion (although Mr. Trademark hasn't publicly endorsed him) so it'll be interesting to see how much mud he slings prior to that deadline or if he's gonna wait it out.

:-)

[Jennicut]

6. If a three way would benefit Meeks, then I hope Crist does it.

Anything to help the Dem!