After a brutal gubernatorial race in 2014, Charlie Crist is undaunted and pondering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2016,
CNN reports.
The former Florida governor, who has changed party affiliations from Republican to independent to Democrat, earning both respect and ire, is pondering yet another political comeback after losing a previous Senate bid to Marco Rubio in 2010 and a squeaker of a governor's election to Rick Scott in November.
"It's very early, but he's being encouraged to seriously consider bringing the people's voice to the U.S. Senate," said Crist adviser Kevin Cate in a Wednesday interview with CNN.
"And he always listens closely to Floridians," Cate said.
Not everyone thinks it is a positive step. Wrote the
Washington Post's political columnist Chris Cillizza: "This is a terrible idea. And someone close to Crist needs to tell him that. Soon."
In his favor, Crist has intense name recognition, a statewide history dating back to his days working for the well-liked former Florida Sen. Connie Mack, as well as the ability to raise money on a national scale.
He is also a charismatic campaigner. Crist fell just short of beating Scott, the Republican incumbent governor, in 2014 with 47 percent of the vote to Scott's 48 percent — exposing deep divisions within the Sunshine State,
Politico reported.
Other Florida Democrats likely to consider the Senate race in 2016 are Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic National Committee chairwoman; Patrick Murphy; Alan Grayson; Kathy Castor; and Gwen Graham, CNN reported.
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