It's ripe, it's tempting, it's just out of reach.

One of the biggest Republican prizes in the wide-open race for the presidential nomination is the endorsement of Gov. Charlie Crist, who remains frustratingly aloof.

The rumor mill will be humming furiously again today when Crist meets with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and steps out to talk with reporters at 2:25 p.m..

According to Crist's schedule, the two will discuss, "issues important to Floridians including establishing a national catastrophe fund, Everglades restoration, and property tax cuts."

The timing could be perfect for Giuliani. His momentum has slowed to crawl after ignoring early primary states to concentrate on winning Florida.

A ride on Crist's coattails, while the relentlessly polite governor still has stellar approval ratings, could be invigorating for the Giuliani campaign.

When asked about his presidential choice by different reporters on different occasions, Crist has given the same deadpan reply:

"Who do you think I should endorse?"