Facing primary, Crist won’t support Sotomayor

Take this as a sign that Florida Gov. Charlie Crist isn’t taking former state House Speaker Marco Rubio lightly in Florida’s GOP Senate primary.

Crist has just issued a statement opposing the Supreme Court nomination of Sonia Sotomayor.

This is all the more interesting given that fellow centrist and former U.S. attorney Chris Christie (R) came out in favor of Sotomayor in advance of this year’s New Jersey governor’s race. While Christie must come to the center, Crist is covering his right flank.

Here’s Crist’s statement:

“While I have not had the opportunity to meet personally with Judge Sotomayor — a crucial step in the selection process — I have reviewed and reflected upon her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and come to the conclusion that I cannot support her appointment to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor is worthy of respect for her many accomplishments and her remarkable story of success. However, 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. For these reasons, I cannot support her appointment to the highest court in the land.”