The Tea Parties are just one sign of the heated political climate heading into November's elections.

One closely watched Senate race is the Republican primary contest in Florida where Gov. Charlie Crist could soon quit the GOP and run as an Independent.

After holding a big lead in the polls, Crist now trails conservative Marco Rubio, a Tea Party favorite, by more than 20 points.

This week, Crist vetoed an education bill popular with conservatives. Now, a third party challenge may be the only way for him to get to the Senate, which would provoke a bitter and expensive three-way fight in the fall campaign.

Crist has until the end of this month to decide.