On K Street, where Crist raised thousands on his way to staking out a commanding lead in early polls and fundraising, few were willing to follow the governor down the third-party path.
Charlie Black, a longtime GOP strategist and lobbyist who was a senior adviser on McCain’s presidential bid, was a co-host last June for a $1,000-per-person Washington reception for Crist’s campaign. But he said his loyalty is with the party and that he hadn’t talked with the governor in months.
“If he ceases to be a Republican, I’ll be for Mr. Rubio,” Black said, adding, “I’ve spent my entire adult life as a Republican professional, and I’ve always supported the Republican ticket. I’m sure he has some Republicans that would stick with him in Florida, but I tend to think that those of us outside of Florida who are loyal Republicans would support the Republican ticket.”
Wayne Berman, another GOP powerhouse lobbyist who also co-hosted the event last year, exemplified Crist’s challenge.
“I support my friend Charlie’s campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate,” Berman wrote in an e-mail. “He’ll still be my friend if he runs as an independent, but I won’t support that effort and wish he would support the Republican nominee.”
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