Gov. Crist deflects criticism, praises SFWMD

SUBURBAN WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Gov. Charlie Crist was in town briefly today to thank the South Florida Water Management district for donating more than $53 million in land near Lake Okeechobee to aid in the Everglades restoration plan.

But Crist couldn't dodge questions about his recently announced bid for the U.S. Senate.

The governor's decision has been criticized by members of his own party.

Some Republicans say it could give Democrats a chance at winning the governor's office in 2010.

And at least one other Republican, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, who plans to challenge Crist in the GOP primary, is already criticizing the governor for not being conservative enough.

When asked about those comments, Crist declined to answer directly.

"Oh listen, we'll have plenty of time for politics later," he said, "I'm focused on being the governor of Florida."

Crist went on to Broward County for a hurricane conference. He also signed a bill designed to give potential foster and adoptive parents more access to records about children they are considering taking into their care.