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GOP scramble in Florida begins

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 10 (UPI) -- The scramble among Florida Republicans to replace Gov. Jeb Bush has begun with an announcement by Attorney General Charlie Crist that he is a candidate.

Crist is expected to be joined by at least two fellow Republicans -- Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.

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Also up for grabs next year is the nomination to run against Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who will be seeking a second term. Jennings is considered a possibility to peel off and run in that race.

Among Democrats running for governor already are Rep. Jim Davis, D-Fla., and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, Fla. Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox is also expected to run.

Crist announced his candidacy as he filed the necessary paperwork at the state Capitol in Tallahassee.

He was accompanied by America's Most Wanted television host John Walsh, who emphasized Crist's tough-on-crime background.

Crist's announcement came three days after the end of the legislative session, which marks the unofficial beginning of the campaign season.

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