Crist Not Embracing Palin -- Yet

FL Gov. Charlie Crist (R) -- under fire from conservatives for his famous embrace with Pres. Obama at a Feb. event in support of the stimulus package -- would not embrace ex-AK Gov. Sarah Palin (R) today, noting that Palin hasn't offered her endorsement of his FL SEN bid.

Then again, Crist wouldn't say he would accept her support if offered.

Crist's comments, in a brief interview with Hotline OnCall, are the latest indication that many prominent GOPers view Palin more as a liability than an asset -- even if, like Crist, they are courting the right.

Crist has been under fire from ex-state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R), who has attacked the gov. for his support of the stimulus measure, among other issues. Last week, Rubio earned the support of the Club for Growth, the anti-tax organization.

(FELICIA SONMEZ)

But instead of hitching himself to a rising star in the GOP base, Crist simply noted Palin's apparent lack of interest in the race. Her support "hasn't been offered," he said when asked if he would welcome her backing.

Pressed whether he'd accept the endorsement if Palin offered it, Crist declined to answer, shutting the door of his SUV and driving off.

And unlike some GOPers who have called for Treas. Sec. Tim Geithner to step down for his role in the economic crisis, Crist offered a vague and noncommital response.

The U.S. needs a "better economic policy overall," he said, emphasizing the need to cut back on taxes and spending. "Whatever it takes to get to that place is what we need to do."

Crist would not rule out calling on Geithner to step down in the future.

"I'd have to evaluate it, to be fair," he said.