CRIST TO GALLAGHER: I'M CALLING YOU OUT NOW!

Lucy Morgan of the St. Petersburg Times reports today that Attorney General Charlie Crist's campaign has challenged his Republican gubernatorial opponent, Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, to a series of 12 debates to be held across the state with the intent of showing Floridians how democracy should work.

Gallagher's campaign manager was a bit surprised at the timing, noting that the race is still in it's infancy and noting that other Republicans could enter the primary.

Brett Doster told Ms. Morgan that while the CFO is comfortable with going one-on-one with Crist, "We will be more than happy to debate after he's done debating himself about whether he's a conservative Republican."

The real reason behind this challenge seems to be found within the letter sent to Gallagher from the AG:

"We are both raising money to mount campaigns...You have fostered a reputation in your 30 years in politics as a formidable fundraiser, and I am sure this race will be no different. My campaign will work to be competitive."

A bit early, but an interesting move to try and trip up your primary opponent. If you can put him out of the race early, that's less money you have to waste and concentrate on the general election. This is gonna be goooooooood!