May 20, 2009
Posted: May 20th, 2009 10:40 AM ET

From
 Crist's support was crucial for McCain in the state's Republican presidential primary last year.
Crist's support was crucial for McCain in the state's Republican presidential primary last year.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist endorsed John McCain the weekend before McCain won the state's pivotal Republican primary last year, a victory that may very well have sealed the GOP nomination for the Arizona senator.

On Wednesday, John McCain returned the favor.

"Today I am pleased to endorse Charlie Crist for the United States Senate," McCain said in a statement released by Crist's campaign.

"Now more than ever, we need leaders who are committed to lower taxes, limiting government spending, and fighting for the people are needed in Washington," he said.

McCain is the latest top Republican to endorse Crist's Senate bid as party leaders in Washington look to avoid a difficult primary battle in Florida. Crist is facing an intra-party challenge from former state House speaker Marco Rubio, but according to a new Mason-Dixon poll, Crist leads Rubio by 35 points.

Full statement after the jump

Senator John McCain Endorses Charlie Crist for Senate

Tallahassee-The Charlie Crist for Senate Campaign today announced the endorsement of United States Senator John McCain.

"Today I am pleased to endorse Charlie Crist for the United States Senate," said Senator McCain. "Now more than ever, we need leaders who are committed to lower taxes, limiting government spending, and fighting for the people are needed in Washington."

"As Governor, Charlie Crist has demonstrated his commitment to these fiscally conservative principles by delivering the largest tax cut in Florida history, reducing government spending, and focusing on the issues that are important to Floridians," continued Senator McCain. "I was proud to have had Charlie's support in my campaign, and I am proud to support him in his campaign. I am proud to call him my friend and look forward to calling him my colleague."

Filed under: Charlie Crist • John McCain


herome   May 20th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Can we all just admit that Crist is a homosexual and that our party rejects homosexuals and their deviant behavior?

carol   May 20th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Goodbye, Charlie. McCain endorsement = kiss of death.

Carl   May 20th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

I live in Arizona and I am a Republican,but I haven't and never will vote for JUAN McCAIN. Mr.Crist had better step away from Juan.

Dizzy in PA   May 20th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

When the hard right calls one of their own a RINO, to this independent it means I need to take a second look at him!!

MARTHA COTHAM   May 20th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

Republicians still blind leading the blind. Crist you have been elimated already by McClain.
These Republicians disagree with anything as we need to pull together. You guys already have made other alies loose our trust etc.
McCain retire.

Akins   May 20th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Crist is boarding MaCain loosing wagon. Good luck!

Bev - NYC   May 20th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Governor Crist look really thrilled to have McCain's endorsement. Talk about a picture saying a thousand words.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   May 20th, 2009 11:56 am ET

McCain's cred went out the window when he chose Sugarskirt.

What a sell out.

Claudia in Houson   May 20th, 2009 11:54 am ET

Did McCain do any vetting on Crist, I doubt it.

Biff Biffington   May 20th, 2009 11:54 am ET

Joe..

I call you out as a poser, troll.

You were NEVER a Democrat, or you would realize the policies being put in place are SPECIFICALLY for the middle class.

Biff Biffington   May 20th, 2009 11:52 am ET

These guys (republicans) are in trouble. If Crist loses the primary to the moonbat from the ultra right, the Democrat will will that senate seat easily.

THAT is why the establishment is lining up behind him.

It is so much fun being a Democrat right now, I am giddy !

Biff Hedrickson   May 20th, 2009 11:46 am ET

Gov Crist will be a fine senator.

maf   May 20th, 2009 11:44 am ET

When McCain opens his mouth to spout "lower taxes, smaller government . . .blah, blah, blah," it just goes to show that the GOP continue not to GET IT! Crist, as a Senator, will be lost in the sheep herd, and if he continues to spout the tired Republican rhetoric, his run may be short and sweet.

JOE   May 20th, 2009 11:44 am ET

Well McCains, endoresment will mean the Kiss Of Death for this Rupub..

Voice Of Florida   May 20th, 2009 11:42 am ET

Supporting Nazis is BAD

~~ July ~~   May 20th, 2009 11:38 am ET

McCain returns favor, endorses Crist
__________________________________________

oh man! Crist you just got the kiss of death!

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj   May 20th, 2009 11:35 am ET

well there is the kiss of death........

Jayden,FL   May 20th, 2009 11:35 am ET

I wonder what Limbaugh has to say about this!

bsmith171   May 20th, 2009 11:32 am ET

this is the very best and #1 reason to vote against CRIST.
another liberal RINO.

Crist should run as a Democrat.

Al-NY,NY   May 20th, 2009 11:32 am ET

I thought John McCain wasn't a true conservative and therefore should leave the party? And since Gov Crist endorsed the stimulus package, he is also a RINO. I guess Fat boy doesn't want Florida to have a Republican governer....

Expat American   May 20th, 2009 11:28 am ET

The expression on Crist's face gives the appearance that he's thinking:

"Man, I hope that crazy racist red sweatshirt lady doesn't show up again....that's something I don't need to happen today..."

Joe   May 20th, 2009 11:25 am ET

I was always a Democrat, but I cannot support what these democrats are doing anymore. Obama is not a true democrat. I can't afford him anymore and neither will my kids or grandkids! The middle class is in serious trouble with them controlling everything right now. I never thought I'd say this, but we need a guy like Crist in the Senate.

scott stodden   May 20th, 2009 11:25 am ET

I like Charlie Crist, he is a good man but hasnt done much for the state of Florida, unemployment is at an all time, they have a deficit and so many more problems that he hasnt addressed or taken care of just like Jeb Bush, maybe the state of Florida needs Democratic leadership, then maybe just maybe they'll get out the jam there in. I would not vote for Charlie Crist for Senator

Scott Stodden (Freeport, Il)

Leslie   May 20th, 2009 11:24 am ET

Leave Pelosi alone! Let's go after the true offenders, Bush and Cheney!

SENSIBLE MIKE   May 20th, 2009 11:22 am ET

Baze May 20th, 2009 11:04 am ET

mccain still has credibility?

About as much as Gore and he still doesn't shut up.

SENSIBLE MIKE   May 20th, 2009 11:21 am ET

yellow cake,

that sounds a little racist to me, no? So would you say the same about hard working construction workers that spend their whole day in the sun or only if they're tan caucasian males who disagree with your point of view?

CNN watchdog   May 20th, 2009 11:19 am ET

Hmmm...you allow racial slurs now?......Oh I see....it was against a black Republican.......more shame for aCorNN!

hongli   May 20th, 2009 11:19 am ET

John McCain is the second coming of George Bush.

Independent Voter   May 20th, 2009 11:18 am ET

who cares what mcinsane thinks, says or does...he lost all creditability when he chose the moose as a running mate!!

God Bless President Obama, VP Biden, the First Families and "Bo"

Fort Lauderdale   May 20th, 2009 11:16 am ET

I don't know why Charlie wants to quit the Governorship to be a Senator. The position of Governor has always been a better jumping off point for the Presidency. Running a big state is better prep than doing whatever the party leader demands, which is what happens in the House and Senate. I don't think they have any independence from the leaders at the top of the party and the leaders are misguided in both parties.

Sorry, Charlie. This is a mistake.

Candy West Viriginia   May 20th, 2009 11:15 am ET

Why is it that so many republicans are against gays/lesbians yet they are in the closet?

Ric   May 20th, 2009 11:14 am ET

Even I do not like some republican you at CNN are so biased toward to democrats that is a shame. Look at your headline ' Mc cain returns favor, endorses Crist' . Why you did not put ' Obama returns favor bailout UAW, car industry?

Republicans are the American Taliban   May 20th, 2009 11:14 am ET

HI!! I'm Florida Gov. Charlie Crist , notice how my name is almost spelled like Christ? Well I'm running for the US Senate now. If you elect me I promise to be mean and hateful. I'll say NO to any proposal proffered by those socialist Democrats, even if it harms the citizens who voted me in. My true allegiance of course is to a radio shock jock and not to you idiots. I'll spend my time Twittering and Tweeting and texting my friends, instead of working and earning my salary. McCain here just taught me how. I'll turn down stimulus money, and wear teabags on my head. So vote for me, Charlie!!! If you don't ...you're not a true American...

Kevin in Ohio   May 20th, 2009 11:13 am ET

McCain has the support of the undereducated, so this endorsement might pan out. Although Florida didn't quite come out for Grandma and Grandpa in the last election. Who knows?

flagman from florida   May 20th, 2009 11:12 am ET

Crist is an empty suit. He is a weak leader at best. We do not need him in the senate.

Enlightened Voter   May 20th, 2009 11:08 am ET

One bad strike against Christ. As a staunch PROUD liberal democrat I could and probably would not vote for Christ, still too conservative for my tastes however with john mccain in the picture I would never vote for this man! Mccan went too negative for me and sold his soul to the rethuglicans.

Baze   May 20th, 2009 11:04 am ET

mccain still has credibility?

The black spider   May 20th, 2009 10:59 am ET

Good news for Rush BIMBO or LIMBO or whatever they call the big fat liar cat on radio. His ratings will be up because he has something to attack in his party to further destroy the party.
The republicans have NO NEW IDEAS because president Obama is so smart he has all the good ideas and they are left with nothing but name calling.
I hope the term is unlimited and they would have seen the president die on power.

Dino   May 20th, 2009 10:59 am ET

Michael Steele is an Uncle Tom shoe shiner.

"Yellow Cake In Africa"; "Mission Accomplished"   May 20th, 2009 10:58 am ET

Crist, another white, male Republican whose color is not known in nature. Are he and Boehner from the same womb, but separated at birth ?

McCain: I thought he died.

Did Boss Limbaugh approve of this message ?

leon   May 20th, 2009 10:58 am ET

Crist seems to be a good alternative for Florida in 2010 and for the country in 2012 against a very liberal president that is jeopardizing the future of generations to come. Bey not electing Hillary Clinton as our president the boom we see now in the Democratic Party is going to be its own cancer

Put a stop for the political re-election of President Obama in 2012 we need to find a better alternative within the Democratic Party after all since he is being in power he continue running for re-election

Dutch/Bad Newz,VA   May 20th, 2009 10:55 am ET

I'm not to sure if McCain's support of Gov. Crist is a good thing. McCain is still part of the "no new ideas republican party." Gov. Crist shouldn't want to be seen in that light.

Dina   May 20th, 2009 10:54 am ET

returns favor? Didn't Crist support Obama? Or is that only now that Obama is President that Crist is sucking up to Obama?

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