State GOP to Put Crist Up for Auction on eBay

It's one thing to call a guy the new Benedict Arnold. But things are really crossing the line when you try to sell them on eBay.

The state Republican Party, clearly still upset at Gov. Charlie Crist about the whole independent thinking decision, is reportedly ready to auction off anything related to Crist found in the state headquarters.

That includes a handsome oil painting of the once beloved governor that once greeted visitors when they walked in the door. The $7,500 portrait was paid for by party money and since Crist is a Republican no more, they figured they might as well get some of their money back.

“I don’t need the picture and it was paid for by party money," said Sen. John Thrasher, chairman o fthe state GOP. "He’s no longer a Republican, so it’s logical to me that we try to see if we can get some money for it.”

Crist announced Thursday that he was leaving the GOP to run as an independent in the 2010 U.S. Senate race. He officially filed before the noon deadline on Friday.

Many analysts belive the move takes Republicans out of the driver's seat and into a dead heat against two worthy adversaries in Crist and likely Democrat candidate U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.

The Republican candidate will be Miami-native Marco Rubio, who was destroying Crist heading into the primary.

Meek came out and said he was in a "commanding position" after the Crist announcement, despite a poll that shows him in a close thrid place.

Republican leaders nationwide were angered by Crist's unprecedented decision and vowed never to let him into their clubhouse again. That apparently includes wiping his images from their memories.

It's unclear how much Crist's painting and other trinkets will go for, but as of 4 p.m. on Monday, the current high bid was $770. We could think of a few takers who would want a oil rendering of the governor, including his competition.

Meek could buy it to use during his victory speech because he's already declaring victory thanks to Crist's move.