The far right creationist wing of the Republican Party is a step closer to taking control of the party in Florida tonight: Florida GOP Chairman Resigns.

The resignation of Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer today — a decision that came after weeks of calls for his head from conservatives — raises the question of whether Gov. Charlie Crist’s already embattled Senate candidacy has sustained a blow from which it cannot recover.

Greer’s status as one of Crist’s closest allies — and a leading voice for the moderate wing of the party — was the main reason for his ouster although his foes cited spending decisions and what they termed as disappointing fundraising as the impetus for the coup.

In a conference call this afternoon announcing his decision, Greer accused his opponents of attempting to destroy him at the expense of the party. “While some are more interested in tearing and shredding the fabric of the Republican Party to pieces, I will not be a participant in this destructive behavior,” Greer said.

Crist moved quickly to get beyond the Greer controversy, releasing a statement praising his ally for a “selfless dedication” to the party” before quickly adding: “I call on Florida Republicans to unite behind our common values of less government and more personal freedom and sincerely hope that we can move forward together to ensure statewide Republican victories in 2010.”

Privately, Crist allies noted that the Greer controversy had become a considerable distraction to the governor’s campaign and that its end — even though it cost a friend and ally his job — ultimately will be a good thing for Crist’s candidacy.

A source close to former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, whose primary challenge to Crist has picked up considerable momentum in the past few months, said that the implications for the governor are far more wide-ranging — and negative.

“Jim Greer’s resignation represents the total collapse of an entire wing of the Charlie Crist house of cards,” said the Rubio source. “There’s blood in the water and Charlie Crist now finds himself on a smaller boat.”

And the right wing continues its plunge into the abyss.