Crist Says He Won't Run As Independent for Senate

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is dispelling rumors that he's going to run as an independent candidate for Senate.

That was the speculation for several weeks as Crist fell behind former House Speaker Marco Rubio in polls leading up to August's Republican primary.

But on Thursday, the Crist campaign put out a statement saying he is running as a Republican and nothing else.

Crist campaign manager Eric Eikenberg said the rumors were being generated by the Rubio campaign.

Crist had until April 30 to file as an independent.

Rubio and Crist are seeking the seat once held by Mel Martinez, who resigned last year. Crist appointed his former chief of staff George LeMieux to finish the last 16 months of Martinez's term.