Gov. Charlie Crist Defeated In Senate Bid
ST. PETERSBURG (CBS4) - After 18 years in public office, Governor Charlie Crist suffered a stinging defeat Tuesday night as voters chose Republican Marco Rubio to fill Florida's open U.S. Senate seat.
At an election night party at the posh Vinoy Hotel in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Crist told supporters? he congratulated Marco Rubio on his victory.
"I called Senator-elect Rubio and I wished him well," Crist said in a concession speech that lasted less than two minutes. "God bless him and his family. I know that he will serve our state well and I congratulate him on his great victory tonight. We all should too."
It was a stunning fall for the perpetually upbeat Governor. In May 2009 when the then-Republican Crist announced his candidacy he appeared to be the presumptive Republican nominee.
However, Rubio, a darling of the Tea Party, went after Crist for his support of President Barack Obama and the stimulus package. Rubio gained significant ground and eventually forced Crist to bolt the Republican Party and begin an Independent run for the Senate seat.
"This has been an interesting race to say the least," he said.
Crist argued during debates and campaign ads that Rubio was an extremist but Crist faced another challenge -- trying to siphon Democratic voters from Congressman Kendrick Meek, the Democratic candidate.
Polls leading up to the election showed Crist running second to Rubio, trailing by double digits.
Meek polled a distant third and in the final days of the campaign reports emerged that Crist and former President Bill Clinton urged Meek to drop out, clearing the path for Crist to go head-to-head with Rubio. Meek, however, refused to bow out.
Crist tried to convince voters that as an Independent he would be beholden to neither political party, instead he would be a voice for all people. He also touted his moderate views on a woman's right to choose, stem cell research and other issues.
But the movement behind Rubio was simply too strong. To the end, Crist remained his upbeat, optimistic self.
Crist will exit public office for the first time in 18 years when his term as Governor ends in January. He seemed reflective Tuesday night.
"It has been the greatest honor of my public life to serve as your governor," Crist said. "A privilege I never thought I would receive. Thank you so much for it."
It is ironic that Crist celebrated his greatest political victory in 2006 at the Vinoy Hotel when he was elected Governor. It was the same ballroom 4 years later where Crist acknowledged his greatest political defeat.
The question of the night - what is next for Crist? He left without speaking to reporters. All he said during his concession speech: "It's a tough night but there's a bright future ahead."
