GOP Gov.'s Call for Early Voting Extension in Florida Works Best for Obama

The Obama campaign is, not surprisingly, ecstatic with the decision by Florida's Republican Gov. Charlie Crist to extend early voting hours in his state -- a decision that most every political observer predicts will help the Democratic nominee in this mega-swing state.

"We applaud Gov. Crist for responding to the overwhelming enthusiasm shown by Florida voters during this election season. To this point, an estimated 2 million Floridians have already cast a ballot over the last eight days," reads a statement from Florida Obama-Biden State Director Steven Schale. "It is critical that everyone who is eligible and eager to vote be able to participate and have their voice heard. And now with the extended hours, thousands more will have that opportunity."

Democrats were pining for Crist to make the move for days, reasoning that the limited amount of time for Floridians to cast early ballots would effectively limit the vote totals that were trending Obama's way. Indeed, the peculiarity of Crist's decision is why he -- a McCain ally -- made it in the first place. A Republican strategist in the state told Politico that, "He just blew Florida for John McCain."