Crist denies flip-flopping on stimulus

TAMPA - Governor Charlie Crist stood next to President Obama in February and hailed the economic stimulus plan as beneficial for a state that is reeling from job losses and budget gaps.

"We know that it's important that we pass this stimulus package," Crist said at the time .

But Crist now has joined a chorus of conservatives who are bashing the bill. Crist says he only supported the $787 billion in "concept," and that he did not support the actual bill.

"The concept, I thought and still believe, was important, was necessary, and has helped Florida," the governor said Friday.

During an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer this week, Crist said, "I didn't endorse it; I didn't even have a vote on the darned thing."

Appearing in Tampa, Governor Crist said he did not misspeak during the CNN interview. He stands by his characterization that he did not endorse the specific bill.

"I think the question posed to me was: did you endorse this specific bill," he said. Crist denied he is having it both ways.

Crist, who is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate, is facing swift scrutiny following the CNN interview.

His GOP opponent, Marco Rubio, posted a video on YouTube highlighting the governor's seemingly contradictory statements.

The Club for Growth group, which says it "endorses Republican candidates who support limited government and lower taxes," also produced a video sharply critical of the governor.

"Charlie Crist helped pass Barack Obama's spending program," it says, before citing statistics about rising unemployment and increased debt.

Rubio's video suggests Crist is re-inventing himself for political expediency, attempting to appear more Republican to primary voters who are traditionally a more conservative bunch.

When asked whether he has changed his position for political gain, Crist said, "No."

He again parsed his statement about the stimulus.

"I supported it in concept," he said.

Crist, who usually entertains questions as long as reporters can lob them, called for an aide to end the questions.

Florida will collect $15 billion in stimulus funds over three years, according to Crist's office.