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Crist's Coyness Hints At Senate Race

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By WILLIAM MARCH and CATHERINE DOLINSKI

wmarch@tampatrib.com cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 2009

TAMPA - Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he's waiting until after Florida's legislative session ends in May to announce whether he will enter the U.S. Senate race, a statement that suggested to several political insiders that he's inclined to run.

Here's their rationale:

By leaving open the possibility that he'll enter the Senate race, Crist is holding back lesser-known Republican candidates who won't get started on their campaigns until they are certain he is not running.

It's doubtful Crist would do that unless inclined to run, said University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson.

"Why would he be potentially damaging other Republican candidates if he weren't seriously considering getting in himself?" said Paulson, a Republican and Crist supporter. "Two or three months ago, I never would have entertained the idea that Crist would run for the Senate. Now there's evidence building that he will."

Asked about the Senate race Tuesday, Crist said, "When the session is over, I'll have a long discussion with my new wife, Carole, and make a decision later."

He said he's not thinking about politics now. "I'm focused on working with the members of the House and the Senate to make sure that this budget stays in balance," he said.

Two Democrats have announced they're running for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Mel Martinez: U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach. Another Democrat, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, has said she's interested but hasn't decided.

No Republicans have announced, and two people considered major contenders, Attorney General Bill McCollum and former Gov. Jeb Bush, have said they won't run.

The prospects of Bush or Crist running have kept other Republicans from getting in the race.

"I'm going to support the governor if that's something he decides he wants to do," said U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, who's interested in the Senate race. "We're seriously considering it, but that will change if he decides to get in."

The end of a legislative session in early May, when state budgeting and lawmaking decisions are finished for a year, is a time many Florida political figures choose to announce future political plans.

Announcing during or before a legislative session can create a political distraction in dealing with legislative issues and weaken a governor in dealing with the Legislature.

If Crist intended simply to run for re-election as governor, he'd have no reason not to go ahead and say so, Paulson said.

Another candidate interested in the Senate race but waiting on Crist to decide is U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV of Fort Myers. He's the son of former Sen. Connie Mack III, Crist's political mentor. The well-known name inherited from his father has made Mack the leader in polls of possible GOP candidates, and the one least harmed by Crist's delay.

Martinez announced Dec. 2 that he'll retire from the Senate next year.

Reporters William March and Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (813) 259-7761 and (850) 222-8382.

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