With Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's (R) expected announcement today that he'll run for the U.S. Senate, Florida will be led "by a bunch of lame ducks" for the next 18 months, observes the Miami Herald.
"Virtually every statewide leader in Tallahassee, beginning with Crist, is expected to be seeking higher office. Crist's anticipated announcement... will trigger one of the most chaotic and wide open election seasons ever in Florida."
The Washington Post notes the decision also has national implications "and says a great deal about the current political landscape, from Republicans rebuilding efforts to the treacherous political position for governors heading into 2010."
The New York Times notes Crist could win the seat in Washington, "even as he contributed to widespread Republican losses at the state level."