Ex-Fla. GOP Gov. Crist to run as Democrat

AP

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Former Florida Republican governor turned Democrat Charlie Crist has filed paperwork to run for his old job with his new party.

The state Division of Elections posted the filing on its website Friday. Crist couldn't be immediately reached for comment, but has an announcement scheduled for Monday morning in St. Petersburg.

Crist has been building up to an announcement for months, talking to Democratic groups and campaigning with Democratic candidates. That includes President Barack Obama last year.

He has already set up a website, and his speeches recently have criticized Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott's political committee has already bought anti-Crist ads to begin airing the day of the announcement and the race is expected to be one of the most expensive, brutal governor's races in the county next year.