Meek Welcomes 3-Way Senate Race

Political Experts Say Gov. Crist Run As Independent

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Congressman Kendrick Meek believes Gov. Charlie Crist's expected party switch may benefit his campaign.

Political experts said they expect Crist will run for Senate as an independent, rather than a Republican.

Crist is currently lagging behind his party rival, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, by more than 20 percent in some political polls. Other surveys show Crist doing better if he runs as an independent.

Crist's run as an independent may be bad news for Rubio, but the Democratic hopeful, Meek, said a three-way race could only help his chances with voters.

"I think a lot of people are turned off about discourse going on in the primary," Meek said. "(If) the governor makes a decision he is going to run as an independent, automatically I become a factor in this race."

Meek said Crist's expected change will help to bolster his exposure in the campaign.

"There will no longer be debates with just the two of them. I will be invited as another major candidate in the race," said Meek.

Crist has until next Friday to make a final decision on whether to run as an independent.