and on capitol hill, newly elected massachusetts senator scott brown was sworn in today, a full week earlier than expected. >>> and a moderate magnitude 5.9 earthquake rattled the northwestern coast of california. this there are no reports of any serious damage or injuries. >>> and a brutal selloff on wall street today. the dow plunging more than 268 points, dropping below 10,000. now back to "hardball." >>> well, if i'm a rhino, so is ronald reagan. i mean, i'm a less taxing, less spending, more freedom kind of guy. i just take a pragmatic, common-sense approach to government. and if that's not what the people want, they'll let me know. i'm confident. >> welcome back to "hardball." that was charlie crist, fighting a big fight on the right out in florida.