McCain: I won't support Crist if he runs as an Independent candidate

By Molly K. Hooper - 04/20/10 08:48 AM ET

Crist, who helped McCain win Florida in the 2008 presidential GOP primary, has recently indicated he is mulling an Independent bid. McCain has backed
Crist, but made it clear Tuesday that his endorsement will not stand if Crist is not the Republican candidate.

Asked if he will support Crist as an Independent, McCain told The Hill, “No.”


Pressed further, McCain said, “I support Republicans.”



McCain, who is facing a GOP primary challenge this year, added that Crist is “a dear friend. I like him, admire him and respect him, but I’m also a Republican.”


Polls show that GOP candidate Marco Rubio has a significant lead over Crist. However, polls also indicate that as an Independent, Crist has a small lead over Rubio and likely Democratic candidate Rep. Kendrick Meek (Fla.).



Crist has until April 30 to decide whether he wants to run as an Independent. While Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) had to collect signatures to run as an Independent in 2006, Crist merely has to pay a filing fee.

Excerpt: Read More at The Hill