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Republicans Wary Of Potential Fmr. Gov. Crist Race Against Gov. Scott

ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) — If former Gov. Charlie Crist challenges Gov. Rick Scott in 2014, some Florida Republicans appear to be very wary about the election.

Republicans gathering in central Florida this weekend are urging their rank-and-file members to remain united and focused.

Crist switched political parties and is currently considered Democrat.

Republican Party of Florida chairman Lenny Curry pointed out how the state party is already getting help from the national party to ramp up for next year.

Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, who was Crist's campaign manager in 2006 but now backs Scott, acknowledges that Crist will be a "formidable challenger."

Scott, who narrowly won in 2010, has had poor poll ratings since taking office.

But Republicans contend that Floridians will back Scott because he has turned around the state's economy. Republicans also say they'll benefit from Democrats' organizational woes.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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