Update: Crist leaves door open to independent bid

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/04/19/art.cristpurse0419.gi.jpg caption="Gov. Crist said Monday that he is getting advice about running for Senate as an independent."]
(CNN) – Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is appearing increasingly open to the possibility of dropping out of Florida's Republican senatorial primary.

Although Crist has previously said he intends to run as a Republican, he struck a different note in a Monday television interview.

Asked whether he was considering an independent bid, Crist opened the door to the idea.

"I'm getting a lot of advice in that direction," Crist said in an interview with WFTS. "And so, I'm a listener. I'm certainly listening to it."

Earlier in the day, a top Republican campaign official predicted that Crist would not run in the GOP primary.

Related: National Republicans preparing to back Rubio