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Crist working to be McCain’s super-surrogate |
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By Sam Youngman
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Posted: 02/25/08 01:37 PM [ET] |
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) insisted during an hour-long interview Monday with The Hill that he is not thinking about being Sen. John McCain’s (Ariz.) running mate, even as he rattled off talking points touting the presumptive GOP nominee as if already on the stump.
Crist repeatedly said he is too busy with the affairs of his state to entertain chatter about his potential as a vice presidential candidate, but sometimes struck notes that sounded as if he were auditioning for a vice presidential role.
He highlighted the importance of McCain’s experience in national security matters, defended him from charges contained in a controversial story in The New York Times last week and questioned the bona fides of Democratic Front-runner Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).
With former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee standing as McCain’s only remaining opponent, Crist declined to suggest Huckabee should withdraw. He did, however, say that he thought former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s (R) decision to get out of the race was “statesmanlike.”
“I think it’s very admirable what Gov. Romney has done,” Crist said.
The popular governor’s last-minute endorsement of McCain in Florida’s primary last month was regarded by many as the final push that helped McCain get past Romney, essentially ensuring McCain the nomination.
The endorsement and subsequent McCain victory further stoked speculation that Crist could be a future vice presidential candidate.
On Monday, Crist consistently said he has “a full plate” and is not in a position to offer McCain any advice.
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