(CNN) - Former Vice President Dick Cheney became the latest prominent Republican to line up behind Marco Rubio's Senate campaign in Florida, issuing a strongly-wording statement Thursday casting Rubio's GOP primary rival, Gov. Charlie Crist, as an unprincipled opportunist who can't be "trusted" to stand up to President Obama.
"Washington is broken and Congress is already overflowing with politicians who need pollsters to tell them what to think," Cheney said of Crist. "It certainly doesn't need another one. Now more than ever America needs leaders with the strength of conviction."
Cheney called Rubio "a strong conservative leader." He urged Crist to either remain in the Republican primary, which he would almost certainly lose, or drop out of the race completely.
"The only winners from an independent bid by Crist would be Barack Obama and Harry Reid," Cheney said of the president and Senate Democratic Leader from Nevada.
Along with being an outspoken critic of Obama, Cheney hasn't shied away from picking sides in contested Republican primaries. His record so far in 2010, however, is a losing one. Last November, Cheney endorsed Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in her ultimately unsuccessful primary fight for the Texas gubernatorial nomination. She was soundly defeated by Gov. Rick Perry.
In March, he endorsed Secretary of State Trey Grayson over Rand Paul in Kentucky's GOP Senate primary, scheduled for May 18.
The endorsement could nab Rubio some positive headlines after it was reported Tuesday that the former House speaker and other Florida GOP players are being investigated by the IRS over their use of state party-issued credit cards.
UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist reacted to the Cheney endorsement on Thursday, downplaying the effect it will have on the primary race.
"Just another Washington politician telling Florida what to do," Crist said. "I don't think Floridians appreciate it."
And when asked by local reporters if he was upset by the endorsement, Crist retorted, "Do I look upset?"
- CNN's Charles Riley contributed to this report
From CNN Politics
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Well seems to me that when Cheney endorses, I hope the citizens of Florida takes notice. The Republicans just does not comprehend that the Republican Party got us into this mess. They have no solutions, nor did they ever. The only thing the Republican Party knows and knows well is to start wars, and bankrupt our country. Ronald Reagan grew the federal government more than any president in the history of our country. Bill Clinton balanced the budget and left surpluses, then look what happened. Yea vote for the Republicans and will become the next Russia, its already started and happening.
Cheney, wrong as usual. He accuses Washington of being "broken" but he was in charge for 8 years and helped "break" it. His administration had not regard for politicians or experience or common sense or scientific data or world or American opinion. He cared only for unswerving adherence to the neoconservative agenda even when it was failing and even though it has failed.
It's funny that "dirty" Dick would say Washington is broken because it most certainly is, and it was he and "W" that broke it into the pieces that now President Obama is attempting to put back together. Dick Cheney is a greedy sadist that seeks fortune through war, and his lust for power will one day be highlighted for what it is. If the best the Republican party can do is dirty "Dick Cheney" then they are in serious trouble. His time has come and gone; enough is enough please remove his pace maker and let him go the way of his predecesors the DINOSARS.
"The only winners from an independent bid by Crist would be Barack Obama and Harry Reid" Cheney said
I got news for "Darth", Obama and Ried are not running for senate. Gotta kind of wornder about good old "Darth's" motivations.
one crook endorsing another....who cares-
Former Vice President Dick Cheney became the latest prominent Republican to line up behind Marco Rubio's Senate campaign in Florida.
That would be a good reason NOT to vote for Rubio !!!!!
Whoa !! Now I have all the more reason to vote for Crist
Thanks Cheney, when lowlifes like you support a candidate,
we know to run the other way
This is the kiss of death for any voter who wants to avoid another Repugnican knee-jerk neo-con.
An endorsement from Dick Cheney...a good reason NOT to vote for Rubio!!!
Seriously? Washington is broken??? From the consummate insider who helped nearly bankrupt our nation with horrible policies.
The Kiss of slow Death !
Maybe Dick will take Rubio dove hunting.
Next Rubio will be endorsed by Donald Rumsfeld !
How much did the war in Iraq cost ?
Darn It! I was hoping Cheney was going to announce that he was going to pack up his family as well as Rush Limbug, Sean Scamity, Glenn (Hiel) Beck and Fox New and Co. and head on over to the Haliburton Home Offices in the Middle East. Futhermore, that by doing so he would let America implode and the new perfect conservitave race would be born and would return to the wasteland of the USA at a later date. Shucks!
Rubio, your doomed. Will this man ever go away.
If I was Rubio, the last thing I'd want is an endorsement from Dick Cheney. He is a reminder of everything that is terrible about the Republican party.
How disappointing CNN when I read the headline "Chaney's big announcement" I was so hoping he was going to jail.
Maybe someday soon.
Dick Cheney saying "Washington is broken" is like Tila Tequila saying "reality TV is trashy." You should know, Dick–you were instrumental in breaking it.
Aw schucks, thought he was finally going to confess and turn him self in.................................
Cheney wouldn't know the truth if he fell over it.
I wouldn't vote for anyone he endorsed.
The Republicans are a dying, desperate party.
Cheney should take his own advice, and drop off the planet completely
Hey – who cares what this war criminal thinks!!!!!!!
Cheney has a big announcement. I thought he was going to say that he was going to be the first person to be sent to mars. Dang! Well, Rubio we now have confirmation that you are a crook. People if Cheney endorses this man that should tell you that Rubio does not deserve your vote.
Why would Dick Cheney not want Rubio to support the president? I see hate all over this man. I would not want him (Cheney) to support me if I was running for a position (for all the people in FL) God Speed Rubio I hope you get every thing you be worthy of and some. You can not love God and the Devil too; you must be for one so since you are in the bed with Cheney I guess we all know who you are in love with.
Cheney has a losing record?...Gee, who would have ever thought......
an endorsement from darth cheney. . . rubio is now fully embraced by the dark side of the force.
rubo should treat darth cheney to a $4500 lunch. on the titanium rnc amex of course.
Ahh, the evil troll comes out of hiding. Go away, LIAR.