Tampabay.com
OCTOBER 22, 2007

The elusive Charlie Crist

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In an interview after the Republican presidential debate, Fox News' Carl Cameron tried to pin down Gov. Charlie Crist on a few things: Who won; will he endorse Rudy Giuliani; and will he seek a VP spot?

Crist, smiling at a national TV audience, dodged all three.

Q: Who won?
A: Florida won. It was a great night for the Sunshine state.
Q: Of the Republican candidates on the stage debating for president, who won?
A: I thought they all did very well. I really do, Carl. It's a great debate. It's a great opportunity for people to see these people respond to questions that are important not only to the future of my state here in Florida, but also the future of our country. I was very impressed. I was very proud to be a Republican.

Q: Everybody thinks you are going to endorse Rudy Giuliani -- the deal's done. Is the deal done?

A: No. No. I'm focused on cutting property taxes in our state, making sure that property insurance gets lowered, we fight hard for better education for our students and pay our teachers more. That's what I'm focused on right now.

Q: Do you pledge to stay as governor throughout and not go and be somebody's vice president?
A: I'm doing everything I can to work as hard as I can every single day for the people of Florida and it's an honor and a privilege to do so.
Q: And not answer that question. (laughing) Thank you very much governor, appreciate it.

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