Rubio Calls Crist's Bluff-Debate Me Then!

Marco Rubio wasted no time in "calling-out" Charlie Crist after Crist vowed to fight back against Rubio's successful and accurate attempts to paint him as a RINO.

Rubio's answer to Crist's promise to fight back? DEBATE ME!

Very smart on Rubio's part. Here is the press release issued by the Rubio camp:

“Let the buyer beware of anything Charlie Crist is selling. If Governor Crist can’t be honest about his own record of endorsing the stimulus, he shouldn’t be trusted to talk about other people’s records truthfully and accurately. While his history of running false, misleading and negative campaigns says otherwise, we nonetheless hope this signals a new phase in this campaign where Governor Crist will actually step up and directly engage Marco Rubio in a series of debates. Floridians deserve better than candidates hiding behind ‘anonymous’ websites and lobbyist hatchet men.” ---Alex Burgos

UPDATE!
Rubio campaign sends a letter and direct challenge to Crist to debate the issues.

Eric Eikenberg

Campaign Manager
Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate
P.O. Box 1694
Tallahassee, FL 32302

Dear Eric:
As you are probably aware, on June 22 of this year, Marco Rubio invited Governor Crist to participate in a series of at least 10 U.S. Senate debates, beginning this fall. Organized by GOP organizations in each of Florida’s media markets, these unprecedented debates would cover a full range of state and national issues, while showcasing Florida as a national leader in promoting the very best political discourse the Republican Party has to offer.

At that time, Marco acknowledged the differences that exist between him and Governor Crist on issues like wasteful stimulus spending that has failed to create jobs, cap-and-trade, property tax reform, judicial appointments, property insurance and a struggling Florida economy that has seen unemployment rise to a 34-year high. Marco expressed his belief that several debates would help bring these and other differences to light.

Unfortunately, Governor Crist has shown no interest in debating Marco thus far.

Instead, the media has widely reported on behind-the-scenes maneuvering by your campaign to attack Marco and his record. Today, the National Journal’s On Call reports that, “FL Gov. Charlie Crist will step up his direct engagements with his opponent. … Crist will attack former FL House Speaker Marco Rubio.”

Marco welcomes the challenge and invites Governor Crist to reconsider his reluctance to directly engage in face-to-face debates. In light of Governor Crist’s “governing” commitments, we would be happy to work with you to formalize a debate schedule that will help our campaigns rise above the typical 30-second commercials, slick slogans and bumper stickers that define too many of our country’s political contests.

For example, we hope you will consider the December 17 debate being sponsored by the Biscayne Bay Young Republicans and the FIU College Republicans, which will be moderated by Michael Putney from Miami’s WPLG-TV. There is also a January debate sponsored by the Tampa Republican Club, which will be moderated by the St. Petersburg Times’ political editor Adam Smith.

I look forward to your reply and the contest ahead.
Respectfully,
Pat Shortridge
Senior Advisor
Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate