Charlie Crist Independent Candidacy Faces Uphill Climb

Gov. Charlie Crist would lose county-level volunteers but gain other intangibles, says USF Professor Susan MacManus.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is telling his supporters he will run for the U.S. Senate as an independent, according to several media reports.

Crist is scheduled to make his announcement Thursday evening.

As early as one month ago, Crist was ruling out an independent run. But several polls of Florida Republicans show he’s far behind former House Speaker Marco Rubio.

Crist won’t have to leave the GOP to run as an independent. And, he probably won’t have to return the millions he’s raised.

But University of South Florida professor Susan MacManus says Crist will lose important grassroots support.

USF distinguished professor of political science Susan MacManus says she's not surprised at Crist's independent turn.

"He will have disdained and turned his back on a lot of party activists who will be essential in getting out of the vote in November," she said.

Still, she says Crist retains one powerful asset -- the bully-pulpit of the governor’s office.

Click here to listen to Susan MacManus talk about Crist's odds as an independent.