Fla. Republicans blast Crist and Democrats

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Republicans are blasting former Gov. Charlie Crist and Democrats at a big fundraising dinner.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry kicked off the Friday night event at Walt Disney World by calling Florida Democrats a "laughing stock."

He cited several recent events, including the party's decision to back a candidate for chief financial officer who wound up pulling out of the race after it was revealed he had filed for bankruptcy.

Curry also questioned if Democrats were going to go ahead with an "arranged marriage" with Crist.

Crist, who once was a Republican, is expected to soon announce he will challenge Gov. Rick Scott in 2014.

Scott was supposed to attend the event, but he cancelled his plans due to the potential threat of Tropical Storm Karen.

WFTV