Fla.'s Crist tries to distance himself from Obama

[Freddie Stubbs]

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
The Associated Press
Tuesday, October 19, 2010; 10:10 PM

DAVIE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist tried to distance himself from President Barack Obama in a debate Tuesday after months of reaching out to Democrats in his independent bid for Senate, and Republican Marco Rubio made a case against the extremist tag his opponents are giving him.

Crist, as he has in the last two Senate debates, attacked Rubio as far right because of the Republican's position against abortion rights and his support for a tough Arizona immigration law. Rubio has in past debates hammered at the point that Crist - a lifelong Republican until going independent in April - is a political opportunist. He toned it down in the fourth clash to instead try to debunk the extremist label.

"The things I believe in are pretty simple to understand," Rubio said. "I believe that the economy doesn't grow because of politicians, it grows because of people that start businesses or expand existing businesses. I believe our government cannot continue to spend more money than it takes in. And I believe the world is a safer and better place when America is the strongest country in the world."

Exchanges were more heated between Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek and Crist, who are struggling to make up ground against Rubio with voters. Crist was running as a Republican until he fell far behind Rubio in the polls. He filed as an independent candidate just before the deadline to make the ballot and later changed his voter registration so he had ties to neither major party.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/19/AR2010101907718.html

[flpoljunkie]

1. Odds are very slim Crist can beat Rubio making it easier for Dems to vote for the Dem Kendrick Meek.

I would have to hold my nose very tightly to vote for Crist. His loathsome performance last night would make it even harder. Nate Silver gives Crist about a 6% chance to win. Why not go down fighting with the Democratic candidate for Senate?

Bill Clinton will again be campaigning for Meek today in Orlando. Details below.

Rally for Kendrick with President Bill Clinton (Official Events)
Join President Bill Clinton and Kendrick at a Rally in Orlando.

Time Wednesday, October 20, 2010 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM EDT
Host Meek Campaign
Location
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ~ THE VENUE (Orlando, FL)
BLDG. 50 N. GEMINI BLVD.
Orlando, FL 32816