Losing Hometown Straw Poll a Blow for Gov. Crist (maybe he should switch sides?)

[Perky]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Gov. Charlie Crist's has lost a straw poll in his home county and some observers say it shows signs of weakness in his Senate campaign.

Pinellas County Republicans voted 106-54 Monday night to back former House Speaker Marco Rubio.

That's the same GOP committee that unanimously endorsed Crist for governor during a 2005 meeting.

Political scientist Darryl Paulson says the turnaround is potentially devastating for Crist, who has a large money advantage over Rubio.

Crist is dismissing recent straw polls, saying they reflect a small number of voters. Still, Crist worked phones trying to win support before the meeting.

While the vote doesn't count in the primary, it is seen as symbolic of Rubio's rising support with the party's conservative base.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/12/us/politics/AP-US-Florida-Senate-Straw-Poll.html


Maybe Chuck Schumer and the VP should give him a call.

[monmouth]

1. Rubio is Jeb Bush's boy. Crist may do better state-wide....n/t

[mgcgulfcoast]

2. 106-54?

that doesnt sound like many people even care. i see this as an easy pick up for us.

[Orangepeel]

4. This is a local republican committee. 2 reps per precinct in the county.

If Rubio wins the primary, we have a shot. I like Meek (the likely Dem candidate), but he won't beat Crist in the general.

[TheKentuckian]

3. Fuck Crist. We need another corporatist like a new hole in the head.

[Perky]

5. Every Moderatete Republican who joins the Dems is another nail in the coffin of the GOP

This one would change the political dynamic in Florida for a Decade.

[Colobo]

6. Absolutely. Crist is not that bad. He seems like a reasonable man.