robert_wexler_web_fc.jpgMIAMI (AP) _ Gov. Charlie Crist is getting the backing of a prominent South Florida Democrat in his campaign for the Senate.

Crist's campaign announced Saturday that former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler would endorse the governor on Sunday.

Wexler is a self-proclaimed "fire-breathing liberal'' who left office in January during his seventh congressional term to head a Middle East think tank.

He was hugely popular in the district and is known for his support in South Florida's large Jewish community.

The endorsement was expected to be announced in stops at retirement communities in Boca Raton and Tamarac.

Crist was a Republican before leaving the party in March to become an independent. He faces Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek in November.