Florida's Crist, an Obama stimulus fan, says 'no' to Sotomayor

Beth Reinhard | Miami Herald

Gov. Charlie Crist, whose embrace of President Barack Obama's stimulus plan cost him support among some conservative Republicans, echoed their objections to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor in a statement Tuesday.

Crist had brushed off questions about Sotomayor's nomination for weeks, drawing criticism from his opponents in the U.S. Senate race. Sen. Mel Martinez, the Republican whose retirement in 2010 opened the door for Crist, said last week that he supports Sotomayor.

Without warning, Crist took a stand on her nomination on a day when he had no public appearances scheduled. "I have strong concerns that Judge Sotomayor would not strictly and objectively construe the Constitution and lacks respect for the fundamental right to keep and bear arms," Crist said.

Read the full story on MiamiHerald.com

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