As Republican Party chairman Jim Greer's meddling in the contested U.S. Senate primary continues to aggravate party activists, Gov. Charlie Crist passed up a chance to defend Greer on Tuesday.

Asked about Greer's early anointing of Crist despite a challenge from former House Speaker Marco Rubio, Crist said: "Well, the people should decide. It's always up to the people. I agree with Howard Troxler. Did you see his column today?" Troxler's St. Petersburg Times column is here, including a reference to "heavy-handed tactics to get the result you're probably going to get regardless."

Greer was Crist's hand-picked choice to run the state GOP. But Crist does not share Greer's desire to clear the field in the Senate race. "The people should have a choice. There's nothing wrong with that. I think that elections are good. Primaries are good," Crist said. Asked if he shared his views with Greer, Crist said: "I have, yeah."

*