State Senate Democratic leader endorses Crist for U.S. Senate

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: September 02, 2010

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TALLAHASSEE --

Florida Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson has snubbed his party's nominee, Kendrick Meek, and endorsed Gov. Charlie Crist in the U.S. Senate race.

Crist, who left the Republican Party to run as an independent, announced the endorsement today. Lawson, of Tallahassee, joins three other Democratic state lawmakers supporting Crist.

Lawson said Florida needs an independent senator who fights for jobs, economic opportunity, education and Social Security "regardless of what the political party bosses want."

He may be a party boss himself, but this isn't the first time Lawson has gone rogue. This year he voted with Republicans on at least three major pieces of legislation opposed by nearly all other Democrats.