A new Mason-Dixon poll (link below) has Crist leading conservative republican Marco Rubio by 6 points and liberal democrat Kendrick Meek by 19 points (Crist 38%; Rubio 32%; Meek 19%). By all appearances, Crist is doing well with Independents, non-conservative republicans and non-liberal dems -- precisely the coalition that a viable Independent must build to be successful. For example, the poll reports that Crist is receiving double-digit support from democrats.Crist's early numbers have to drive the republican party absolutely crazy. That's because, if Crist is not in this race, then Rubio likely trounces Meek. As it stands (and yes, I realize these numbers don't mean a whole lot this early), Rubio will still trounce Meek, but unfortunately the victory will go to Crist. Now if we could just see a few more high-profile dems or repubs turn Independent before, during or after the party primaries, we could really have some fun leading up to November! Even if Crist and other such Independent candidates lose, the amount of venemous anger they generate from whichever party they left is well worth the price of admission for this spectator. Not to mention the precedent that such candidacies set for the future.
Posts
