Actually, he not only pledges to stay in the Republican Party but specifically rules out running for U.S. Senate as an Independent. Oh, and he promises to endorse the eventual winner of the Republican primary. So there’s that…

How often did he deny running as anything other than a Republican? Claims of an Independent candidacy are still listed on his website as “baseless rumors” allegedly spread by political opponents. Quoth:

“To put these rumors to rest once and for all, as we have said countless times before, Governor Crist is running for the United States Senate as a Republican. He will not run as an Independent or as a No Party Affiliation.

“The Governor is proud of his conservative credentials and stands firmly behind the principles of limited government and more personal freedom, the bedrock values of the Republican Party. He is proud to be a member of the Party of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan.

“This should completely and utterly put to rest any of the unfounded rumors coming from the Rubio campaign that Governor Crist would run as anything other than the Republican that he is.”

That entry comes from April 8, 2010. You know, ages ago. As David Freddoso says, the problem with being a liar is you need a good memory and excellent web team.