McCain and NRA endorse Crist (FL AG)

miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics ^ | August 08, 2006 | NA

[neverdem]

Attorney General Charlie Crist announced two endorsements on Tuesday: U.S. Sen. John McCain, the well-known and outspoken Arizona senator who is expected to be the leading GOP contender for the 2008 presidential race, and the National Rifle Association.

The twin endorsements are notable for two reasons: The McCain endorsement could help Crist win over independent voters after the Sept. 5 primary, while the NRA endorsement helps Crist once again rebuff criticisms that he is not conservative enough for the Republican faithful that will vote in the primary.

"No one has been stronger in support of Second Amendment, self-defense, and anti-crime issues than Charlie Crist and we sincerely appreciate your solid pro-sportsmen, pro-Second Amendment, pro-freedom record," wrote Marion Hammer, NRA past president and Executive Director of Unified Sportsmen of Florida in a letter to Crist informing him of the endorsement.

The McCain endorsement stings a bit since some key supporters of Crist rival Tom Gallagher, such as Rep. David Rivera, a Miami Republican, are staunch backers of McCain.

Yet give credit to Rivera for putting his own spin on the endorsement.

"A McCain endorsement will reinforce among conservative Republicans the impression that Charlie Crist is a moderate,'' said Rivera.

McCain was attacked in the bare-knuckles 2000 presidential primary in South Carolina by religious leader James Dobson for having had an adulterous relationship that ruined a previous marriage.

[neverdem]

BANG!

[looscnnn]

If I lived in FL, I would view this as one endorsement having a neutralizing affect on the other. Making it clear as mud.

[looscnnn]

The only thing worse would be Arlen Specter endorsing him at the same time JPFO did, talk about opposites.

[Joe Brower]

"I would view this as one endorsement having a neutralizing affect on the other"

Yep. Sure is confusing, ain't it! $8-)

Florida Freeper

[NonValueAdded]

NRA ... on the other hand ... McCain. LOL

[RNO1]

I am not sure which lever to pull or button to punch...I am a life member of the NRA. I know that that politics does not really play a role in their endorsement...It is strictly on his gun rights record...On the other hand McCain is another issue with me...I am not liking either choice at this time but will not stand by and let a Dem in office if it can be helped..Which nose to hold...

[JulieRNR21]

HOLD YOUR FIRE.....GUYS.......PATIENCE PLEASE

More will be revealed later!

[Recovering_Democrat]

McCain wants him? That's it: I won't vote for him in the primary.

I respect the NRA--used to be a member--but I've gotta go with Gallagher.

[looscnnn]

Almost ranks right up there with the NRA endorsing Specter.

[davidosborne]

interesting...... i'm for Gallagher in the primary

[floriduh voter]

McCain is not popular in Florida. This may be the beginning of the end for Crist. What's McCain doing endorsing someone thousands of miles away? If Crist was doing great, why McCain? Is MCCAIN FOR PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP? If McCain is, and Crist is for sure, this is to flood the state with cheap labor. Guard your employment, folks. You know, the job that you won't do????

I already knew re: the NRA but, Gallagher is a gun owner. We went through the 2nd amendment stuff in detail last week.

[floriduh voter]

flood the state with illegal aliens. they think we're stupid. LOL

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

Don't know anything at all about Crist. But, McCain is one of my State Senators, and I have nothing further to say...

[floriduh voter]

RNO1, if you would like, maybe davidosborne can ping you to the thread about Tom Gallagher's Second Amendment Views. More than likely, Crist has never fired a weapon but Gallagher has a conceal carry permit.

[RNO1]

I have allot of patience Julie...I have a person who at this time I support...I think you know who it is...I just want to make sure hopefully we get the best person for the job...It is very important to this state...It is now my home and for the along time..I just want us to get it right...

[floriduh voter]

Flood the state with undocumented workers, just like McCain has in his state!

[floriduh voter]

SOCIAL SERVICES THROUGH THE ROOF!

[floriduh voter]

McCain...this is a big misstep and they cannot put the McCain Genie back in the bottle. Who thought that McCain's endorsement was a good idea? Maybe there's a mole in Crist's camp.

This is GOOD FOR GALLAGHER! I'm not panicking. I'm shocked. Arizona is like really far away and nothing like Florida. Where's the commonality except that they both have huge egos.

[tiredoflaundry]

BTTT