FL Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who is the establishments pick to fill Sen. Mel Martinez’s seat, issued a fundraising request wrapped around this weekend’s July 4th celebration.

In the email request Crist reminds voters that it’s he, not Marco Rubio, the other Republican in the running to become the next Florida Senator, who has the support of national Republicans:

“I am honored to have the support of Republican leaders such as U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, Mel Martinez, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and my friend and mentor former U.S. Senator Connie Mack.”

The full letter is available below.

Dear Friends, As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence, I am reminded of the very reason I first heard the call to public service. I strongly believe there is nothing we cannot accomplish as Americans if we work together in a principled way to create for our children a nation stronger than the one we inherited.

When my friend Senator Mel Martinez announced his plans to retire from the United States Senate, I had to ask myself how I could best continue to serve the people of this state I love. After much thought and prayer, Carole and I have determined that while serving as your Governor has been the privilege of a lifetime, I must take my fight for the people of Florida to the United States Senate.

Our country is facing the most profound public policy questions of my lifetime – questions relating to the economy, taxes, the role and size of government, healthcare, and national security. How these questions are answered will have a lasting impact on the nation we love.

My common sense conservative approach to government has provided real results for the people of Florida, and I believe can help right the ship in Washington. You have trusted me to fight for the people of Florida for nearly two decades. As a State Senator, as Education Commissioner, Attorney General and most recently as your Governor, I have worked to protect the quality of life for families and businesses here in the Sunshine State.

Throughout my career, protecting Floridians has been my top priority. I have fought to keep criminals off the streets and away from our children.

In the State Senate, I fought for legislation that requires criminals to serve 85 percent of their sentences, as Attorney General I led the fight against criminals who prey upon our children establishing Florida’s cybercrime unit, and then in my first months as Governor, signed legislation that requires brutal felony offenders who violate probation to go back to jail where they belong.

Education has also been a top priority for me. We’ve seen Florida’s excellence in education continue to increase with Florida earning a top-ten ranking in education last year. We’ve also fought to strengthen Florida’s families and as a result, we have seen a record increase in adoptions in Florida. And I’ve continued to support your Second Amendment rights, including signing a bill to protect your right to safely take your gun to work.

Finally, we’ve cut taxes in an historic way, standing on conservative values of keeping taxes low for families and business by passing the largest tax cut in our state’s history. 

I am honored to have the support of Republican leaders such as U.S.
Senators Lamar Alexander, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, Mel Martinez, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and my friend and mentor former U.S. Senator Connie Mack.

I hope you will join our campaign, as you have so many times before.

Visit online today at http://www.CharlieCrist.com to join as a volunteer and contributor to our cause. Your contribution of any amount will help us continue our fight for less taxes, less spending, less government and more freedom, and your contribution made today will count toward the important first quarter of fundraising.

Thank you for your support! God bless you, the great state of Florida, and the United States of America.