First Peek at What an Independent Charlie Crist Looks Like

Charlie Crist hasn't officially declared he'll run as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate. But in the video above, from Saturday, it's clear that he's laying the groundwork for exactly that. Crist's veto of Senate Bill 6 -- the teacher merit pay bill -- makes a perfect springboard for an independent run. Then his relatively strong language in critiquing Florida Republicans gives Crist some of that "maverick" magic that an independent candidate needs.

As if on cue, Delray Beach House Majority Leader Adam Hasner scolded Crist for comparing the Republican Legislature to an "asylum." Florida Republicans are so sure that Crist is going rogue that they've already issued a directive that no member of the party is to endorse his independent candidacy.