Crist runs independently

UPDATE: Crist has formally announced that he will run for U.S. Senate independently.

Earlier today:

Gov. Charlie Crist will run for U.S. Senate as an independent candidate, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Crist is expected to formally announce his decision at 5 p.m. today, at an event at Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg. But he has been notifying campaign donors of his decision since yesterday, according to the Times (link).

Polling results from last week suggested Marco Rubio would be a seven-point favorite in a three-way race (link).