Crist Hides from Debate with Rival Marco Rubio

Current Gov. and US Senatorial Candidate Charlie Crist has again slithered out of an opportuntiy to debate Marco Rubio. He's TOO Busy!

It seems as though Crist is relying on name recognition alone to propel him to the Senate. He has refused to appear with Rubio regardless of the venue. Rubio has challenged Crist to debate on several occasions.
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From Miami Herald

Top Fla. candidates to debate without "busy" Crist

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
AP Political Writer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida Gov. Charlie Crist once again opted to wear his governor's hat instead of appearing with other Senate candidates Friday to talk about his campaign.

Crist appeared at a breakfast during the Florida Association of Realtors annual convention instead of accepting an invitation to a political forum later in the day.

"They invited me to come speak as governor and I wanted to honor their invitation," Crist told reporters. "I've got other stuff to do tonight. I've got a busy job."

There was no official business on the governor's public schedule after 10 a.m. Friday. The forum was scheduled for 5 p.m. Crist did plan to attend Republican Party of Florida events Friday night and Saturday, also in Orlando.

The other two major candidates seeking the seat Sen. Mel Martinez is giving up - Democrat U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and Republican former House Speaker Marco Rubio - plan to attend the event.

Also appearing are the two major candidates for governor, Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum and Democrat Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. The election will be held next year.

Crist's decision is similar to an event last month. He attended the Florida Society of News Editors/Florida Press Association annual conference to give an award to a staff member, but declined to stay for a Senate candidates forum that immediately followed the awards luncheon.

He did briefly mention his Senate campaign during Friday's breakfast, almost as an aside while saying that he used to work for former Sen. Connie Mack.

"The U.S. Senate, by the way, I happen to be running for it and I would like your help," Crist told the real estate agents. "We need to take that Florida common sense away to Washington D.C. now more than ever."