MIAMI (AP) — Former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist is the favorite to win the Democratic nomination for his old job with his new party.
But the margin of victory Tuesday will be a sign of whether Democratic voters have accepted his political conversion.
Should Crist win in a landslide, it bodes well for him in November. But if former Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich earns a considerable percentage of the vote, it could mean Democrats aren't enthusiastic about Crist and will leave questions about whether he can energize them in November.
If Rich pulls off an upset, it will be a stunning defeat and the end of Crist's political comeback. It would also force Republican Gov. Rick Scott to rethink his strategy.
Scott has spent millions attacking Crist assuming he'll win the primary.
