Crist cool to Sen. Bush? Yeah right.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist gave his stamp of approval to a possible Senate run for former governor Jeb Bush, who has said he was considering a campaign for the Florida Senate seat Mel Martinez will leave in 2010.

"Gov. Bush would be a great candidate and I hope that he runs,'' said Crist, speaking at Art Basel Miami Beach.

"I would encourage him to run if that's what he wants to do.''

As for the art extravaganza itself, Crist said, "it's just a tremendous thing, especially at this time in our economy.''

   … DOUGLAS HANKS