PRIMARY NEWS – AT 8:43 A.M. ET:  Florida's Republican Governor Charlie Crist has confirmed publicly what everyone knew, that he's weighing an independent bid for the U.S. Senate, now that his primary campaign against Marco Rubio is sinking.  From AP:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Gov. Charlie Crist said Monday he is considering an independent Florida Senate bid despite growing pressure from top Republicans to drop out of the race if he thinks he can't win a GOP primary.

Mr. Crist told the Associated Press in a phone interview that he wants to listen to Florida residents as he makes up his mind whether to stay in a Republican primary against Marco Rubio or run without party affiliation.

"I want to be very, very thoughtful and deliberate," Mr. Crist said. "I want to listen to the people and do what I think is in the best interest of Florida."

His comments came after the executive director of a national group that helps Republicans get elected to the Senate e-mailed consultants and said he thought there was "zero chance" Mr. Crist would stay in the GOP primary.

Major Republicans are jumping ship on Crist.  Mitt Romney endorsed Rubio yesterday, as if anyone cares at this late date.  Once again Romney looks like the guy who waits until the water is 75 degrees to jump in. 

But a word of caution:  Charlie Crist is the sitting Republican governor.  By most accounts, he's done a credible job.  A year ago he was considered a shoo-in for the Senate nomination.  This is a time for his opponents within the GOP to be magnanimous.  If the Republicans want to start eating their own, the way Democrats tried to eat Joe Lieberman in Connecticut, they could wind up with an independent Senator Crist. 

Treat Crist with respect, while urging him to stand aside and wait for a better day.  He still has many supporters among Florida Republicans.  Turning him into an enemy with demeaning or insulting remarks makes no sense.

April 20, 2010