Crist changes tune on Obama's stimulus

TAMPA - With his eye on a senate seat prize Governor Charlie Crist made an about face this week on his stance on the President's $787 billion federal economic stimulus bill.

Political observers say as Crist runs for a U.S. Senate seat, he's simultaneously running away from President Obama.

Recently opponent Marco Rubio, Crist's conservative challenger for the GOP nomination, launched a website featuring a photograph of the governor appearing with President Obama at a Florida rally.  The caption reads, "Get the Picture? Donate Now To Stand Up For Conservative Principals."

Feeling the heat, the governor said during a recent TV interview he did not endorse the stimulus bill but understood it would pass and would utilize it to benefit fellow Floridians.

But in February Governor Crist stood side by side with President Obama, giving full-fledged support to the stimulus bill.

Political strategist Victor Dimaio says the Governors selective memory is no accident.

"He really is desperately trying to appeal to the Marco Rubio right wing part of the party to make those people happy cause he knows he has a primary to fight," Dimaio explained.