Where’s Johnny?

One of those Republicans is Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who knows better than anyone that without Crist’s endorsement on the eve of the Florida primary in 2008 that sealed the path to the nomination, McCain may never have been his party’s nominee.

Crist and McCain, who once prided himself on being a maverick but now rejects the label, were kindred Republicans back then. Crist is a lifelong member of the NAACP and fundraising campaign chairman of the United Negro College Fund who has sided with Sunshine State Democrats numerous times, and with President Barack Obama on the stimulus package. Everyone knows McCain’s maverick record. Like Crist, whose approval in Florida used to be sky-high, McCain finds himself fighting the conservative forces now controlling the Republican Party. In his primary against former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), McCain has moved to the right and remained noticeably silent on Crist. The best thing for him to do would be to endorse Rubio, but how can he ?

Today the news is that the National Republican Senatorial Committee is moving to block an Independent bid by Crist and, though it endorsed him, back Rubio.

As the walls close in around Gov. Crist, McCain said this weekend that he hopes Crist will remain a Republican. Doing so will surely mean defeat.

IS THE GOP BLOCKING REGULATORY REFORM? Ask A.B. returns Tuesday, April 20. Please join my weekly video Q&A by sending your questions and comments to askab@digital-staging.thehill.com. Thank you.