Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker has endorsed Charlie Crist in the city’s mayoral race, praising his leadership and calling for a return to bipartisan, nonpartisan local government. Baker, a Republican, said Crist has the passion and commitment to move St. Petersburg forward despite their political differences. The endorsement follows recent backing from state Sen. Darryl Rouson and City Councilmember Gina Driscoll, adding to Crist’s growing list of high-profile supporters.