Marco Rubio Delivers Inspiring Victory Speech in Florida Senate Race

Need I say more than:

      CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR  RUBIO!!!

Video:Marco Rubio's Closing Argument. A Generational Choice

I guess this may be one of the last posts I produce on this site. It has been an honor and a pleasure to provide updates and information to those who support Florida senatorial candidate Marco Rubio. I hope I have helped you in deciding to vote for him.

I first heard of Rubio in early 2009 and was fortunate enough to be attending a conference in June of 2009 where Rubio spoke to a large crowd of attendees about his vision for Florida and for the entire nation. He was basically a newly minted candidate and was way behind in the polls. He overcame the opposition with fresh ideas, principles, integrity, and the message that America is an exceptional nation that deserves the kind of leader that will preserve it's greatness.

Please take the time to listen to Rubio's closing arguments. My next post will be to announce his Victory in the 2010 Florida race. Then I will move on to 2012.

Thanks for visiting.

Marco Rubio releases statement upon the death of his Father

Last night Marco Rubio released a statement regarding the death of his Father.
Mario Rubio was 83:

“My father knew hard work and struggle from very early in his life. His mother died when he was only 9 years old. The day after his mother was buried he went to work with his father and did not stop working until he was 78 years old.

“He was by far the most unselfish person I have ever known, always focused on others, and never on his own well being. He was especially determined to provide his children opportunities he himself never had.
“My dad worked as a street vendor, security guard, apartment building manager and crossing guard. But for most of his life he was a bartender, and by all accounts a great one. But his greatest success came from the two most important jobs he ever had: husband and father.

“He was very proud of my public service. And over the last 18 months he became an expert channel surfer, constantly searching for my next television interview.
“I was blessed to be raised by a world class father. And I thank God for allowing my father to live long and healthy enough to see that the sacrifices he made for us were not in vain.”

I remember this video of Marco Rubio recalling the relationship between himself and his Father and it reminded me very much of the one between my Father and myself.
All politics aside, I hope you will listen to the portion of the video that includes the story told by Marco about himself and his Father:

Video: Marco Rubio's Innovative Idea to Decrease the Debt

From Marco Rubio Campaign

RUBIO: “The second idea that we had is allowing and empowering individual every day Americans and businesses to specifically go after the debt themselves through their own tax returns.

“What does that mean? It’s pretty simple. You put a check-off box at the top of everyone’s tax returns. If you check that box off, you can designate that up to 10 percent of your tax dollars – the money you’re paying that year in taxes – go directly to debt retirement.

“Two things would happen. Number one: that money you’re designating is now protected from spending. In essence, politicians in Washington are not going to be able to get a hold of that money and use it to grow government. It must be used to pay down debt.

“But the second thing it will do is send a very powerful and clear signal. Imagine what would happen if millions and millions of Americans checked that box off. I can guarantee you that congressmen and senators are going to check out how many people from their state checked that box.

Marco Rubio Shatters Fundraising Record

Florida senatorial candidate Marco Rubio announced today that his campaign has received more than $4.5 million dollars in campaign contributions for the 2nd Quarter.

This is a new national record for a senatorial candidate.

I just left a Blogger conference call held by the Rubio campaign in which they covered several important issues and confirmed to Hotair's Ed Morrissey that the fundraising totals were indeed correct.

Over 75,000 donors have contributed to Rubio's campaign.
99% of the donors have not maxed out their ability to contribute.
The average contribution is $85.50.
Pretty impressive stuff.

Among the other issues discussed were the Deep Water Horizon oil spill and it's affect on Florida.

Rubio was asked whether he thought that Florida's Governor Charlie Crist was leveraging his office for political gain in regard to the oil spill. Rubio said , "It's indisputable." He went on say, "We can not use Northwest Florida as a prop."

Rubio said that he would soon release  major proposals focusing on the economy. The proposals will include those designed to grow the economy, create new jobs, and promote new industries.

Rubio Campaign Exposes Crist as a Media Hog

Charlie Crist has continued to use the disaster of the Gulf oil spill as a vehicle to further his political ambitions.

The Marco Rubio campaign has put together a clever and ACCURATE assessment of the tactics being used by Crist to bolster his political career.

Crist's fundraising numbers have plummeted so he is using every means possible to gain FREE media attention in order to promote his democrat agenda.

From the Rubio Campaign:

Miami, FL – By the numbers, Charlie Crist’s call for a special session to ban something that is already banned in Florida is nothing more than another Washington-style political gimmick meant to distract from the real issues confronting the Gulf Coast:

0 oil spills will be prevented by Charlie Crist’s constitutional amendment.

0 real world impact of Charlie Crist’s constitutional amendment banning something already banned in state law.

0 tourists will re-book their travel to Florida because of Charlie Crist’s constitutional amendment.

0 skimmers will be freed-up because of Charlie Crist’s political photo-op.

0 fishermen in the Panhandle would be helped because of Charlie Crist’s constitutional amendment.

0 claims will be sped up to impacted Florida Gulf Coast residents and businesses because of Charlie Crist’s constitutional amendment.

0 small businesses will be able to keep their doors open because of a constitutional amendment.

2 complete flip-flops Charlie Crist has done on offshore drilling.

2 points down in the polls is where Crist discovered he was in the U.S. Senate race when he decided to call for a special session.

4 hours between the release of a bad poll for Crist and his call for a political sideshow special session.

$120,000 will be spent by taxpayers for Charlie Crist’s political photo-op special session.

Fox News' Megyn Kelly holds court on Turncoat candidate Charlie Crist

Fox News' Megyn Kelly discusses Florida Governor Charlie Crist's refusal to return the campaign donations made to him during his run for US senate as a republican.

Crist continued to accept donations late in to his primary campaign by claiming that he would NOT switch parties.

Crist strongly expressed his determination to remain a republican in his now infamous appearance on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace. Here is the video of Crist lying to voters.


Crist was being stomped by his rival, former Florida house speaker, republican Marco Rubio.

Crist was more than 20 points down in the polls when he decided that he was no longer a "Reagan Republican" and would run as an Independent. That was just weeks after his appearance on Fox News Sunday. He then decided it was OK to keep the cash of those that believed his lies. Crist, I'm gonna KEEP IT!

Here is the video of "Kelly's Court" :

Charlie Crist: The oil spill is just a Nuisance

Florida's Governor Charlie Crist conducted an interview with CBS News' anchor Harry Smith on Pensacola Beach on Monday.

During the interview, Smith asks Crist if he is concerned that the Gulf oil spill may be making the water toxic.

Crist's response?

"It's much more of a nuisance than it is anything else right now."

Crist goes on to say that the spill itself was a catastrophe.

However, if you recall, I recently posted a quote from Charlie Crist stating that the oil spill wasn't as if "the sky is falling"

It seems that Crist has developed the same attitude as the Obama administration when it come to dealing the oil spill.

The nuisance quote comes in about the 30 second mark of the video:

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Video: Marco Rubio interview on Cavuto 6-28-10

Marco Rubio goes after the current administration on fiscal policy and blasts their response to the Gulf oil spill during an interview with Stuart Varney on Fox News "Your World".

"My focus is to shrink the debt and grow the economy..."

The bottom line is that we need to create jobs in America..."

On health care and Kagen: "The role of a justice is not to be a political operative..."

"Don't call them "the rich" call them "job creators"

Charlie Crist: Oil Spill? "It's not like the sky is falling.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Reuters has reported that Florida Governor Charlie Crist does not seem too concerned about the Gulf Oil spill.

"We don't want to take the 'sky is falling' attitude about this," Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said on Wednesday, standing on a white sand beach in Pensacola marred by tar balls.

"We want to see it, we want to address it, we want to clean it up and stay after it," Crist said.

Crist needs to tell that to the thousands of families in Northwest Florida who's lives have been affected the spill.

Crist is happy to take advantage of a photo op with Obama (with whom he seems to agree). He talks about tourism and the fishing industry in Florida. Yet he seems to want to deal with the oil later. Perhaps it is disrupting his campaign and he thinks he has milked it for every penny he can.

"We want to see it...?"

What the hell does that mean!?

Instead of DEMANDING more skimmers to prevent the oil from reaching Florida's beaches, Crist is taking it as political opportunity to suck up to Obama in hopes of generating support for his senate campaign.

I thought Crist had scraped the bottom in contemptible behavior!
I was wrong.

Charlie Crist Claims "Hundreds of Thousands" of Jobs SAVED in Florida

Florida Governor Charlie Crist will say ANYTHING to get himself elected as Florida's next US senator.

Often within weeks of positing a position on issue "A" he reverses himself and chooses position "B" on the same issue.

This habit is well documented even in the "Main Stream Media".

Changing a position for political expediency is one thing. But to just flat out lie by making up the facts as you go along seems somewhat pathological.

Charlie Crist has done just that.

His official website claims that the Obama stimulus saved 80 thousand Florida jobs. Crist was the only Republican Governor to endorse Obama's plan.

"Governor Crist wisely utilized stimulus funding, making sure federal taxes paid by Floridians returned home to the Sunshine State. Because of Governor Crist’s leadership, over 20,000 teachers’ positions and 60,000 additional jobs throughout our state were saved, while important infrastructure projects were started."

Yet during his recent interview with Time, Crist clearly states that the stimulus saved "Hundreds of Thousands" of Florida jobs.

Crist: "Hundreds of thousands of people continue to have employment because of the stimulus..."

Forward to the 3:55 mark of the Time interview video to hear Crist in his own words.

Charlie Crist Wins Gold in Flip-Flop-Flip Drilling Debate

Crist Points to his position on Drilling

It's really enough to make your head spin:

Winning the Gold in the Flip-Flop competition is nothing new for Florida's Governor Charlie Crist these days. He has more "positions" than a Master Yoga instructor when it comes to whether to drill for oil off the coast of Florida.

Here is the latest in a bizarre transformation designed exclusively for the purpose of political expediency!

He takes the Gold Medal with a FLIP-FLOP-FLIP!! Spectacular...

Charlie Crist On Drilling November 2005:

"I don't think it's [Drilling] good for Florida," Crist said. "I have enormous, enormous respect for the governor [Jeb Bush], as you know. But we just disagree on this issue."

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Florida's once-solid bipartisan opposition to drilling in the Gulf of Mexico shattered Tuesday when Gov. Charlie Crist reversed course and said the state may have to allow drilling to help lower gasoline prices.

Crist was among the Republicans expressing support for Sen. John McCain's call for lifting the federal moratorium along the Outer Continental Shelf and giving states a share of petroleum revenues as an incentive for them to allow oil and gas drilling off their coasts.

Crist continued his support until he decided to run as an Independent.


As a  Republican senatorial candidate Crist said on his official website 2010:

Florida should have the ability to explore natural resources off our coastline...

Then Crist decided to run as an Independent. Without knowing what his own core principles were, he changed his mind again after the Deep Water Horizon spill and decided that banning drilling was a good thing.

From Crist's official "Independent" senatorial website 2010:

...Charlie Crist advocates for a BAN on the issuance of offshore oil leases...

So in less than five years Charlie Crist has made up , or changed, his mind three times.
Is that the kind of leadership that Florida needs to send to Washington?

Video: Marco Rubio Speaks to Republican Jewish Coalition

This is the video of a major speech by Marco Rubio at the Republican Jewish Coalition on June 10th in Delray Beach Florida.

Rubio stresses the need to stand with Israel without equivocation or hesitation.

It's a very powerful presentation and typifies Rubio's belief in a strong National defense and America's history of support towards Israel.

Rubio deliberately and justifiably defends Israel's right to exit and offers his unwavering commitment  to those that support it.

Video: Marco Rubio Discusses Gulf Oil Spill with Larry Kudlow

Florida senatorial candidate Marco Rubio explains his position on "oil drilling" off the coast of Florida.

It's obvious that Rubio is concerned about what caused the disaster. He is more concerned about stopping the leak.

He is taking a pragmatic approach in the sense that he is saying --First we have to stop the leak!--Then determine what caused it!-Then decide about the future of offshore drilling in Florida.

Rubio stresses that he is in favor of drilling.

Tapping the resources available to the United States should be our priority. We must avoid being dependent on foreign oil until "alternative energy" is proven, affordable, and available on a mass scale. Otherwise we could damage an economic system that already seems to be on life support.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Marco Rubio: It's the worst whitehouse for Israel since Jimmy Carter

Marco Rubio blasts the Obama administration over their position on Israel.

In a radio interview with radio talk show host Lars Larson, Florida senatorial candidate Marco Rubio blasts the current administration's posture on Israel.

The interview continues with Rubio's strongly worded criticism of the Obama regime and Rubio gives his views and positions on "Card Check" and the Gulf oil spill.



Finally a leader with "Cajones"

Proof that Charlie Crist will say Anything to get Elected

Florida senatorial candidate Charlie Crist seems to change his mind along with his socks. (If he wears any).

With the disaster of the BP Gulf oil spill, Crist has again taken an opportunity to become politically expedient on an issue that not only faces Florida but the entire nation.

I was curious about Crist's position on off shore drilling so I visited his senatorial election campaign website.

This is where I captured a "screen shot" of his position on drilling off of the coast of Florida. It was in the "drop down" menu under the heading "Energy" which has now been removed.  Here it is:

But now that the spill has occurred, Charlie is suddenly calling for a BAN on offshore drilling. The screen capture above was available less than a day ago.

When I went to the site today, I was surprised to find that it had disappeared along with many other positions that Charlie Crist once held. There is plenty of time to get to those later.

Under a "NEW" heading in the "Issues" menu you will find "Charlie Crist on Offshore Drilling". It is a complete 180 from his previous position and is what Floridians have come to expect from a Flip-Flopping pandering Governor that will say or do anything to get elected. Here is his new position:

Charlie Crist has no principles. If you believe Michael Putney he also has "no judgement or cajones".

Charlie Crist said on his senatorial website:

"This dependency(on foreign oil)  results in over $700 Billion being sent overseas to countries that hate America and kill our men and women in uniform."

Now he cant decide for HIMSELF whether this is true or not... 

In other words. When Charlie Crist reversed his opinion on drilling (twice), he decided that the troops were no longer an issue that he was concerned about. Get it? It's all about Charlie.

Breaking News! Charlie Crist Knew about Jim Greers "Diversion of Funds"

Charlie Crist

Money? What Money?

Jim Greer is the recently arrested former head of the Florida Republican Party. Greer was arrested at his home last week by Federal officials and charged on six counts of theft.

Current Florida Governor and (former republican) Charlie Crist is now running as an Independent for the Florida senate against republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek.

Greer's lawyer has just implicated Charlie Crist by saying that he (Charlie Crist) was aware of the "arrangement".

This story just "got legs"!

By Beth Reinhard and Tampabay.com

Jim Greer's lawyer says Gov. Crist okayed diversion of GOP funds

Gov. Charlie Crist personally signed off on his former Republican party chairman's confidential fundraising role with the state party – according to Jim Greer's attorney, whose allegation contradicts the governor's statement that he "didn't know anything'' about the deal now part of a criminal investigation...

..."You guys work hard. You deserve it,'' Chase said Greer was told by the governor as they played pool in February 2009 at a Palm Beach golf tournament.

Crist, an independent candidate for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, said Saturday that he didn't know about Victory Strategies until after Greer resigned in January. He said he knew Greer wanted to replace O'Rourke with Johnson, but was unaware that they set up a separate company and that Greer had a stake in it...

Click the Tampbay.com link above for the full story.

Marco Rubio will discuss Card Check Monday 06-07 in Ft Lauderdale

Miami, FL – In light of his opponents’ either sounding open to or openly supporting “card check” and the elimination of secret ballot union elections, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio will hold an event with the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter on Monday, June 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Ft. Lauderdale to talk about “card check” and its impact on workers, businesses and our economy. The following event is open to the media:

Monday, June 7, 2010:
3:30 p.m. EDT
Facchina Construction Of Florida
6600 N. Andrews Ave.
Suite 200
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Rubio is on record as apposing "Card Check'.

“I oppose card check and any efforts like the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) to tip labor law in favor of unions through binding federal arbitration. I am concerned by labor unions’ unrelenting campaign for card check, which would eliminate workers’ right to a secret ballot in unionization elections. I believe workers’ rights should be protected and that a card check system would open the door to pressure and intimidation that would disrupt the workplace and threaten businesses’ livelihoods. I also oppose EFCA’s arbitration provision, which would give labor and management just months to reach a labor agreement before a contract is imposed by a federal arbitrator.”

Video: Neil Cavuto interviews Marco Rubio 6-1-10

Fox News' Neil Cavuto interviews Florida republican senate candidate Marco Rubio about a variety of subjects.

It's obvious that our wonderful Florida heat and humidity are here for the summer but Rubio stays on message despite it's intensity.

Marco Rubio Stands Tough against Washington Establishment

Florida republican senatorial candidate Marco Rubio has penned a tough editorial against the "Washington Establishment" at Townhall.com today.

In the article entitled "An Idea-Based Conservative Future". Rubio rails against the business as usual attitude prevailing in the nations capital. He blasts the uncontrolled spending as he offers solutions to a system that seems to be out of control.

America’s proud legacy of limited government, free enterprise and personal responsibility is under assault in Washington in the form of Obamacare, the so-called stimulus and cap and trade. Washington is broken, and there’s a fundamental question voters must ask themselves this election year: Who do you trust to fix it?... 

So what do we do to avoid their fate? Here are some commonsense ideas that will help reverse the trend we are on and put us back on the right track:

First, we should freeze non-defense and non-veteran discretionary spending at pre-Obama levels. Though it’s a relatively small part of the budget, non-defense and non-veteran discretionary spending has ballooned in recent years and must be brought under control. We should cancel the unspent stimulus funds, repeal a TARP program that has evolved into a revolving bailout and slush fund, and sunset discretionary spending programs every 10 years after the Census. This will force our political leaders to evaluate the success and cost effectiveness of each and every government program on a regular basis. Lastly, we must also rein in the size and compensation of federal government workers. We need a freeze on civilian employment and adjust their pay and benefits, which are now some 70% higher than their private sector counterparts...

To read the entire two page article please click the link provided above.

Video: Rubio Weighs in on Crist's Decision to Keep the Cash

Rubio:

This is not about some principled person who left the republican party because the party was going in a direction he didn't like. This is about someone who unfortunately, with all due respect, is looking to extend his political career and figured out he could not do that through the republican party.

Jeb Bush Endorses Marco Rubio for Florida Senate

From AP :

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is endorsing Marco Rubio's campaign for U.S. Senate.

Bush, still popular and influential with Florida Republicans, has long been rumored to be a Rubio backer, but his endorsement comes less than a week after Gov. Charlie crist decided to run as an independent rather than face Rubio in the GOP primary.

Bush says Rubio is a passionate, principled leader who wouldn't change his views when political winds shift.

The Rubio campaign released the following soon after the announcement:

Miami, FL – Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush today endorsed Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate. The two will campaign together for the first time this Friday night at the Pasco County Reagan Day Dinner.

“Washington is broken, and Marco Rubio is the only candidate in this race that I trust to help fix it,” said Bush. “He is a bright, passionate and principled leader who approaches public service with a servant’s heart and a reformer’s detail for policy. Reforming Washington will not be easy and will require leaders who stay true to their principles even when the odds are stacked against them. The last thing the Senate needs is another politician who has to take a poll to make a decision.

Charlie Crist Under Investigation by the FBI

Apparently the FBI and IRS are interested in the campaign affairs of current Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Crist, who is in the battle of his political life, is currently running against conservative republican Marco Rubio for the US senate seat vacated by former senator Mel Martinez.

According to recent reports, the FBI AND the IRS are interested in finding out if Crist is guilty of co-mingling state GOP funds with personal expenditures.

The Hill Blog reports:

Federal investigators are probing the Senate campaign of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) to see if it improperly co-mingled state GOP funds with personal expenditures, according to a report Thursday.

The FBI, IRS and U.S. Attorney's office have opened a preliminary investigation into the Republican Party of Florida to see if credit cards it issued to staffers and officials were used for improper personal expenses.

The Hills story is just the latest in the seemingly inivisble thread of possible wrongdoing by Charlie Crist and his hand picked Chairman Jim Greer. (Greer was forced to resign).

Charlie Crist to Run as NPA in Florida

This story is from 10Connects.com in Tampa Florida

Reporter Mike Deeson reports that Crist will Run as an NPA (No Party Affiliation) and that Crist's new ads will begin in a couple of days.

Marco Rubio Announces Details of "TAKE A STAND" BUS TOUR

The Marco Rubio campaign has released details the of his statewide four day bus tour. More than a dozen stops.
Marco’s statement on changes to the “Take A Stand” bus tour .
Miami, FL – Today, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio issued the following statement regarding the rescheduling of some bus tour events:
“Unfortunately, my father Mario Rubio has been diagnosed with a recurrence of lung cancer. This will require me to return to South Florida.
“We are in the process of rescheduling some of the coming days’ events and look forward to continuing our conversation with voters in these communities in the near future.”

Below is a revised schedule of remaining stops, which are all open to the media. All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time.
TUESDAY, APRIL 13
4:40 – 5:20 p.m.
Meet & Greet w/ team leaders, local leadership, volunteers
Market Square at Lake Sumter Landing
1000 Lake Sumter Landing
The Villages, FL

6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Taped TV Interview on FOX’s “Hannity”
The Villages, FL
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Bus Tour Send-Off
Market Square at Lake Sumter Landing
1000 Lake Sumter Landing
The Villages, FL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Hometown Rally
City Hall
5343 Southeast Abshier Blvd.
Belleview, FL 34420

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Speaking Engagement
Ring Power – Caterpillar Dealership
500 World Commerce Pkwy.
St. Augustine, FL 32092
Rest of Wednesday’s events to be rescheduled
THURSDAY, APRIL 15
(Events To Be Rescheduled)
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010
(Events To Be Rescheduled)

Charlie Crist's Pathetic Campaign Stunt Backfires

In an obvious attempt to circumvent the "announced" and scheduled arrival of Marco Rubio at an event at "The Villages, Gov Charlie Crist shows up unexpectedly with reporters in tow.


Unfortunately for Charlie, his visit was not well received. Most of the Villagers interviewed supported Marco Rubio. Rubio's appearance has been scheduled for weeks and will coincide with his four day bus tour throughout the state. Rubio will be joining talk show radio host and FOX news celebrity Sean Hannity for the event on April 13th.

This is such a desperate and pathetic move by Crist that one wonders what his campaign advisors hoped to achieve. It is pointed out several times by the Villagers that they had no idea Crist was going to be there. Charlie tried to hijack an existing crowd in a popular Square at the Villages and started handing out stickers. One resident voiced her opinion of Crist:
 

But not everyone at The Villages was convinced that Crist was the stronger Republican candidate. Villages resident Jo Tripaldi, 63, an independent, said she believed Rubio was more of a conservative candidate fit for the Republican Party.
 
"I believe he's not as conservative. I think what Charlie is doing is he is flip-flopping," Tripaldi said about Crist after she met him and placed a Crist sticker on her shirt. "He was very friendly. I had no idea he was going to be here. He's going to have such a terrific crowd and it had nothing to do with him."

 I would of thought that 10 million dollars in campaign contributions could have provided a better platform than that. The problem with Charlie is that he has NO message and can't decide where he stands on any issues except that he is glad he endorsed Obama's stimulus bill. (Oh wait, he waffled on that too). So I guess I was right the first time.
Here is some of the news footage of Charlie's unannounced visit to the "The Villages" of Florida.



Then Charlie "tweets" today" "Had a great day at The Villages & Seaplane/BBQ Fest in Tavares, FL - thanks for the great turnout!"

Really? Check the video Charlie and read the story.

Marco Rubio: Charlie Crist Caused His Own Downfall

WHICH WAY WILL CHARLIE GO?

Marco Rubio sends out a scathing press release aimed at senate primary rival Charlie Crist.

The PR hightlights the reasons that so many pundits are speculating about the possiblity of Crist running as an Independent in the 2010 Florida senate race.

RUBIO CAMPAIGN COMMENTS ON CRIST'S FUTURE IN THE GOP

Miami, FL – The Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate campaign today released the following statement from Communications Director Alex Burgos regarding Charlie Crist’s future in the Republican Party:

“The Crist campaign has no one to blame but Charlie Crist for the uncertainty he has caused regarding his future in the Republican Party. Whether it’s Charlie Crist’s well documented history of breaking promises or his abandonment of Republican principles on key issues, it should come as no surprise that so many people are no longer willing to take him at his word. Floridians know they can’t rely on what Governor Crist says anymore, but have to watch what he actually does.

Marco Rubio Raises a Stunning $3.6 Million 1rst Qtr

From The Rubio Campaign:
MARCO RUBIO RAISES OVER $3.6 MILLION IN 1ST QUARTER OF 2010

Miami, FL – Demonstrating his continuing momentum, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio (R-FL) today announced that his campaign raised over $3.6 million during the first quarter of 2010, with virtually all of it designated for the primary election.
Following today’s announcement to supporters via text message, Rubio released the following statement:

“Supporter by supporter and idea by idea, our campaign is proving that ideas and principles still matter most in our democracy. I continue to be humbled and energized by the outpouring of support we’re receiving from voters who deserve leaders willing to defend the principles that have made America an exceptional nation.

“Above all, we’re encouraged by the strength of our limited government message and its ability to rally people around our cause. Today’s announcement is a product of grassroots supporters that are stepping up to ensure we have the resources needed to promote this message throughout Florida.”

BY THE NUMBERS: RUBIO’S FUNDRAISING
• Raised in Q1: $3.6 million
• Total donors to date: Over 51,000
• Donors not maxed out: 99 percent
• Average contribution in Q1: $98.37
•Raised online to date: $1 million
• Overall raised for primary: Over 95 percent
• Overall raised to date: Nearly $7 million

Marco Rubio to make Major Campaign Announcement Wednesday

UPDATE: See post above: Marco Rubio Raises a Stunning $3.6 Million 1rst QTR.
From the Rubio Campaign:

Text Marco to MyGOP (69467) for major campaign announcement


Be the first to know! Sign up to get an exclusive text tomorrow at 9 am with a major campaign announcement. To join text Marco to MyGop (69467).
You are the heart and soul of this campaign and you will be the first to get this special update from the campaign.

Rules of Engagement-There are none! Rubio vs Crist Debate 3-28-10

On Sunday March 28th, Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist will sit side-by-side on the set of the popular Sunday talk show Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace. There are no rules and the event  may consume the entire hour of the program.

Recent polls show Rubio with a double digit lead over sitting Governor Charlie Crist in his  bid to become Florida's next US senator. That is the complete opposite from the way the polls looked as early as last summer.

Rubio spokesman Alex Burgos told me:

Format is Sunday Show-talk style. The debate will take place in FOX's DC Bureau, where the FOX News Sunday set is located. There will be no audience, and it is expected to last most if not all of the show (with some commercial breaks).

It will be the first time that the two candidates have met head-to-head to exchange their opinions about the future of the state and their role in Washington. It is MUST SEE TV if you are in to politics. It should be a "spicy" debate with each candidate attempting to further his views about the state of the nation and the state of Florida.

Marco Rubio WOWS Huge crowd in Jacksonville Beach

I attended the Marco Rubio event in Jacksonville Beach yesterday and was happy to see hundreds of people coming out to support Marco.  (photos below)

There were more than 300 people there. I know because I counted seats. (And all the standing people AND the people literally standing outside the door.

NewsJacksonville.com has  a great article about the event. Here are some excerpts and you can read the entire story by clicking on the link.

A cheering crowd. A massive, nearly identical lead in two polls over as many days. Marco Rubio walked into a Beaches community hall Wednesday seeming anything but the underdog he was just months ago...

To the crowd of about 300 packed wall-to-wall, Rubio said he couldn’t concentrate on popularity statistics. He had to stop, to sometimes-standing applause, as he reaffirmed his position against government-run health care, accused Washington of dismantling the free market system and said Americans are within plain sight of losing everything that makes the nation great.

The NewsJacksonville.com link also has a link to a dozen or more photos which are better than mine. Time to get a real camera for me. :)

Rubio: Congratulations to Charlie Crist for Standing O by Democrats

The Rubio campaign wasted little time in panning rival Charlie Crist for his State of the State address in Florida today. Crist was given a standing ovation by Democrats for his support of Obama's 787 billion dollar stimulus plan. Republicans actually BOOed him.

It really sounded like Crist was touting democrat policies with more and more spending. No mention of where he would find the money to pay for everything he proposed.

Rubio campaign:

CRIST DEFENDS STIMULUS AS THE "RESPONSIBLE THING TO DO,” DEMOCRATS RESPOND WITH A STANDING “O”


Miami, FL – In a rousing speech that brought Democrats to their feet, Governor Charlie Crist tonight delivered his final State of the State remarks, highlighting his support for the stimulus.

“Tonight, Charlie Crist tried to reinvent himself as someone who had no choice but to help President Obama pass the failed stimulus a year ago,” said Rubio for Senate spokesman Alex Burgos. “But Floridians know it was Charlie Crist who helped force the failed government stimulus down their throats instead of working towards a fiscally responsible alternative to stimulate the true job creators in the private sector.

“Charlie Crist's claim that he acted merely to get Floridians their fair share is not only untrue, it is offensive. Floridians' fair share was squandered years ago by out-of-control Washington spending, and the money Charlie Crist is using to fund his campaign year spending spree is actually being stolen from future generations of Floridians.”

"The Conservative Comeback Begins" Demint and Rubio Launch New Website

The Comeback Begins

Americans, regardless of party, are looking for common sense ideas and principled leadership that will stop an out-of-control Washington and put America and our families back on the path to a safer, more prosperous future.

The U.S. Senate is in desperate need of fundamental reform, and we are traveling across South Carolina to raise support for that effort.

On March 15th, join us to talk about this Conservative Comeback in the Senate. Be a part of this critical, exciting moment in America’s history by registering below. We look forward to seeing you on March 15th!

- Jim DeMint & Marco Rubio

View the entire site at Demintrubio.com

Marco Rubio BLASTS Charlie Crist for his Support of Stimulus Bill

Leading US senate candidate for the Florida Senate Marco Rubio has penned a scathing piece in NRO  blasting current Governor Charlie Crist for his participation in the passing of Barack Obama's stimulus bill last year.

Crist’s Stimulus Support ‘Unforgivable’ and Reckless [Marco Rubio]

I continue to be disappointed by Charlie Crist’s unwillingness to acknowledge how his support for massive, unrestrained, and reckless federal spending is inflicting long-lasting damage on our economy.

Last year, Republicans and Democrats debated the best course of action for re-igniting America’s economy. While Republicans were advocating for targeted efforts based on broad-based tax relief and spending reforms, Charlie Crist ignored those efforts, instead siding with Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats in favor of the largest spending bill in American history. That bill added more than one trillion dollars to our national debt and raised the debt ceiling. This is a debt our children and grandchildren will inherit.

Our nation’s debt has exploded so rapidly that it is threatening our standing in the world, while significantly diminishing the options policymakers have to address the looming over-leveraging crisis facing our country.

In many ways, the stimulus is emblematic of Washington at its worst and underscores the differences between me and my opponent. Charlie Crist remains a leading voice in support of a stimulus that was falsely sold to the American people as a job creator, was rushed through the legislative process with little chance for review or revision, and was loaded with special-interest pork that will do nothing to help the 1.1 million Floridians who are without work.

Now, after a year in which independent analysis has proven its failure to meet the objectives under which it was sold, those in Washington and around the country who committed America to this failed policy continue to place their political careers above the best interests of our country.

The differences between my opponent and me on the stimulus and on the virtues of limited government versus a heavy-handed, big-spending government represent the defining issues of this campaign. Although Charlie Crist’s support for big government policies has diminished his standing with Floridians who believe in the free enterprise system, I hope it won’t continue driving him to the desperate measures we’ve seen from him lately in a vain attempt to change the subject.

Floridians deserve a serious debate on the major issues and challenges of our time, and I hope Governor Crist will engage in this kind of campaign moving forward.

Update:
Campaign spokeman Alex Burgos adds the following:

Two polls released this week show Charlie Crist trailing Marco Rubio by 18 points. Two of his top campaign advisors have jumped ship. And former Governor Jeb Bush is now saying what more and more Floridians are thinking – that Charlie Crist’s support of the stimulus was “unforgivable.”


So what does Crist do? Focus on governing? He hasn’t been doing much of that for three years, so why start now. Will he make his own compelling case for bigger government and more spending, and let the chips fall where they may? Nope, he still insists on calling himself a “Reagan Republican.” So instead, he has opted to lash out with his most false, negative and personal attack on Marco Rubio to date.

“These desperate attacks aren’t the work of a 'happy warrior' being civil, but they are clear signs Charlie Crist is giving up on a real debate on the issues in favor of bitter character attacks.”... 

Crist takes "DeBait" Finally Crist v Rubio debate will be on Fox

Governor Charlie Crist has refused to debate his senate primary rival Marco Rubio for months.

FINALLY, now that he is losing in the polls , he has decided to debate Rubio during Cris Wallace's Fox News Sunday.

RUBIO FOR SENATE COMMENTS ON UPCOMING DEBATES

Miami, FL – Marco Rubio for Senate today released the following statement following Governor Charlie Crist’s decision to finally accept Rubio’s call for debates.

“After eight months of waiting, Marco Rubio is pleased Charlie Crist has finally accepted our long-standing invitation to have a real debate on the issues affecting Florida's and our nation's future,” said Rubio for Senate spokesman Alex Burgos. “For nearly a year, Charlie Crist has avoided a serious policy debate or an honest discussion of his record. Instead, he has relied on the broken politics of shrill name-calling, cynical reinvention and petty attacks.

“Only now, when his campaign is increasingly desperate and willing to say and do anything to turn the tide, has he apparently realized the importance of a substantive debate on the issues.

“FOX Network has shown serious interest in this primary campaign since day one and was the first national news organization to extend an invitation for a debate. Marco Rubio gladly accepted immediately and will be happy to debate Charlie Crist on Meet the Press or anywhere else after he has kept his commitment to have the first debate on FOX on March 28. No national news organization has shown greater interest in covering this race than FOX. It’s unfortunate that Charlie Crist doesn’t understand this."

It's about time!! I have chronicled Rubio's repeated requests for debate and Crist's seemingly endless quest to refuse them.

Here are some of those stories starting in JUNE of 2009:

Marco Rubio Calls for Debates with Crist (June 22, 09)
Video: Marco Rubio Ad-Let the Debate Begin  (July 7, 09)
Crist Hides from Debate with Rival Marco Rubio (August 21, 09)
Rubio Calls Crist's Bluff-Debate Me Then!  (November 17, 09)
Video: Here is why Charlie Crist Refuses to Debate Marco Rubio (November 18 2009)
Again: Rubio Demands a Debate with Crist  (December 16, 09)
Marco Rubio: Charlie Crist Will Not Debate Me (February 6, 10

Fasten your seatbelts and make the popcorn. This is going to be fun!!!

Charlie Crist Booed at CPAC10 while Rubio Receives Standing O

Current Florida Governor ,US Senatorial candidate, and moderate Charlie Crist was booed at the 2010 CPAC conference in Washington DC yesterday.

The boos occurred during the introduction of Crist's rival, conservative republican Marco Rubio.When DeMint happended to mention Crist's name, the BOOS began. DeMint proceeded to introduce Rubio as the Keynote Speaker for the first day of the event.

Being booed at CPAC is not new for Crist. Crist was also booed at last years CPAC event as well. Something tells me that conservatives do not have warm fuzzy feelings for Crist.

(From CPAC 09)"Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who publicly supported President Obama's economic stimulus plan, finished last with 1 percent. Crist, who did not attend the conference, was booed by attendees, and pollster Tony Fabrizio, in announcing the results, called him "Barack Obama's favorite Republican."

The boos THIS year came just before the 1:00 mark of this video as Senator Jim DeMint introduces Maroc Rubio to the crowd.







After DeMints eloquent introduction, Rubio went on to receive several standing ovations during an inspiring and insightful 30 minute speech. Click here to watch to speech.

Marco Rubio Invites Supporters to Watch CPAC Speech Live

Direct from the Marco Rubio Campaign:

This week we're looking forward to Marco's appearance at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, where he will be delivering the opening keynote speech. Below are some additional details on this Thursday's event, including information on how you can organize a watch party with fellow supporters. In his latest video, Marco talks about why this event and speaking opportunity is so important. Watch here:




Marco will be speaking on Thursday, February 18th at 10a.m. EST at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. More information about the conference is available here. You will be able to watch his speech live online at C-SPAN's website.

In celebration of this occasion, supporters all around the state of Florida will also be hosting evening house parties where they can view the speech together. If you are interested in watching his speech with some of your relatives and friends on Thursday evening, please just email Luis@MarcoRubio.com so we can get you set up with the private webpage information.

Thanks for all of your support! This opportunity has been made possible by the support and encouragement of people like you who have stood with Marco. We hope you'll share in this important event.
Sincerely,

Team Rubio

Rubio Campaign responds to the Crist Valentines Day Email attack

The Rubio campaign wasted no time in responding to Charlie Crist's Valentines campaign email to his subscribers.

The Orlando Sentinel probably had that best line of the day though.

“Another fuzzy position from Charlie Crist.”

They said someone like me (a Rubio supporter) might use the line above and they were right! I just did.

The Rubio campaign sent out a recap of the week email to supporters which included the following.

CHARLIE AND THE DESPERATION FACTORY

Crist attacks Rubio's character to mask his deep love of bigger government, more spending

Miami, FL – Desperate Charlie Crist is at it again. At a time when his poll numbers are lagging and he sees Marco Rubio raise $860,000 in ten days while continuing to attract support from respected conservatives Mike Pence and Grover Norquist, Crist is launching yet another false, negative and personal attack on Rubio under the cover of a sweet Valentine’s Day treat.

“Charlie Crist’s love of higher spending and taxes will get him nowhere with Floridians this Valentine’s Day and certainly not in August,” said Rubio for Senate spokesman Alex Burgos. “These desperate attacks aren’t the work of a 'happy warrior' being 'civil,' but they are clear signs Charlie Crist is giving up on a real debate on the issues in favor of bitter character attacks.

"Given his long track record of dirty campaigning, we have long expected Charlie Crist would go this route of negative attacks. Charlie Crist has chosen this path because he can't win on the issues, but Marco Rubio remains committed to campaigning on a limited government and free enterprise platform to get Florida and our nation back on track."

Marco Rubio Raises over 800K in 10 Days

The Rubio campaign just announced a stunning total for the Marco Rubio Stimulus Bomb.

Here is the PR:

Thursday, February 11, 2010 Contact:

RUBIO FOR SENATE RAISES OVER $800,000 IN TEN DAYS
Miami, FL – Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate today announced that it received more than $860,000 in campaign contributions during the past ten days through its www.StimulusBomb.com campaign and from Sen. Jim DeMint’s Senate Conservatives Fund. The ten day total is nearly half of what the campaign raised during the entire fourth quarter of 2009.

“I’m encouraged by the support we’ve received this month from people who believe a return to limited government is what will keep America free and prosperous,” said Rubio. “We are pleased with our progress, but also realize we have a long way to go to compete with one of the most prolific fundraisers in political history."

This effort marked Rubio for Senate’s best fundraising week since the campaign first launched last year. The money raised was more than double what Rubio raised in the second quarter of 2009, and nearly matched the $1 million he raised in the third quarter of 2009. More than 11,000 contributors donated to both the Rubio and Senate Conservatives Fund stimulus campaigns, with donors registering an average contribution of approximately $75.

“Today’s encouraging news would not be possible without Marco’s positive, issues-based message and the growing support of people who support his vision for limited government principles,” said Rubio for Senate spokesman Alex Burgos. “Unfortunately, we are going to need every single penny raised to refute the increasingly desperate and dishonest attacks Charlie Crist has been launching at Marco Rubio on a daily basis.”

Marco Rubio invites conservatives to Ft Myers Rally February 10th

If you live in or near Ft. Myers Florida you should plan to attend the rally being held by senatorial candidate Marco Rubio on Wednesday Febuary 10th.


The Rubio campaign issued the following information last Friday.

MARCO RUBIO TO MARK FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF CRIST-OBAMA STIMULUS RALLY

February 10 event in Ft. Myers to be held at same venue as 2009 Crist-Obama rally
Miami, FL – To mark the first anniversary of the Ft. Myers Crist-Obama stimulus rally, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio today announced he will join Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey at a FreedomWorks PAC event next Wednesday, February 10. The event will also mark the culmination of Rubio’s Stimulus Fundraising Bomb effort (http://www.stimulusbomb.com/), which was launched on February 1 with the goal of raising $1000 for every $1 billion wasted on the stimulus – $787,000 in total.

Next Wednesday’s event is precisely one year to the day that Governor Charlie Crist joined President Barack Obama at a pro-stimulus rally at the Harborside Event Center in Ft. Myers. Just a week later, the President signed the $787 billion stimulus bill into law.

“Every day, I am encouraged by the growing support I see for limited government principles throughout Florida and our nation,” said Rubio. “February 10 marks the first anniversary of Governor Crist’s embrace of a failed stimulus policy that has neither stimulated our economy, nor prevented the dramatic job losses that have taken a toll on over 1 million Floridians and families.

“Although Governor Crist may want Floridians to forget he ever endorsed this wasteful policy, this will be an opportunity to remind everyone about his pivotal role in putting our country down a path of reckless spending and bigger government. Through Wednesday’s event and http://www.stimulusbomb.com/, I invite limited government conservatives throughout Florida and the country to send a message to Governor Crist that our government shouldn’t spend money it doesn’t have and that a return to limited government is what will make America exceptional and prosperous.”

The following event is open to the media:
Wednesday, February 10
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
Rubio speaks at a FreedomWorks PAC event marking the first anniversary of the Crist-Obama stimulus rally.
Harborside Event Center
1375 Monroe Street
Ft. Myers, FL
NOTE: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. EST

Ouch! Mark Levin Blasts Charlie Crist and Praises Marco Rubio as "Reagan-like"

Conservative author and talk radio host Mark Levin "goes off" on current Florida Governor Charlie Crist for comparing himself to Ronald Reagan.

Moderate republican Charlie Crist is running for the Florida US senate seat vacated by Mel Martinez. He is running against the more conservative former House Speaker Marco Rubio in the republican primary.

Recently, Marco Rubio moved out to a 12 point lead.

Crist has recently started moving towards the center and often trying to compare himself to former President Ronald Reagan. Apparently this does not sit well Mark Levin.

Levin worked in the Reagan administration so I assume he knows of what he speaks. Levin believes that Crist is better compared to Arlen Spector and goes on to say that Marco Rubio IS Reagan-like.

Here is the audio:

Marco Rubio: Charlie Crist Will Not Debate Me

From Myfoxorlando

...Marco Rubio talked to Fox 35 about his close race against Crist; his thoughts on unemployment; healthcare reform; illegal immigration and several other issues...

What caught MY attention is something that that I have posted on several times. Rubio has been calling for debates for months and months. Rubio has asked for debates again and again! Why is a seasoned politician and sitting Governor afraid to debate a former House Speaker? Maybe he can't decide what he believes in or even knows.

Here is the FOX video along with a short transcript:

Reporter: How will you draw a contrast between you and Charlie Crist?

Rubio: Well that is why I want to debate him. He won't agree to debate me but that's why I want to debate him so that those contrasts become clear.

Marco Rubio to Launch a Major New E-Campaign Project

Marco Rubio announced plans for a major new e-campaign project during a conference call with bloggers this morning. He is lauching what spokesman Alex Burgos calls a Stimulus Money Bomb. The Goal? 787 Thousand dollars by Feb 10th. The site will be launched sometime today. It is a huge goal but they feel it can be reached. This campaign is separate from the "money bomb" currently being run by the Senate Conservatives Fund.

The Rubio campaign is confident that they reach this goal by Febuary 10th.

Rubio's current "footprint" on the internet includes his participation in several social networking sites. Here is  a current list:
Facebook 15,968 followers
Twitter 8,542 followers
Ning Network hundreds of followers and growing dailey.

Here is the link to Marco Rubio's "Stimulus Money Bomb" site.

And CONGRADULATIONS to Marco Rubio for taking a 12 point lead over Charlie Crist in the Florida senate race primary.

Update: Here is the video from Marco Rubio in regard to the "Stimulus Bomb"


Here is press release just sent out by the Rubio campaign:
Miami, FL – In the run-up to the first anniversary of the February 10 Crist-Obama stimulus rally, Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate today launched a Stimulus Fundraising Bomb with the goal of raising $787,000 in ten days.


With an appeal powered by principle and technology, www.stimulusbomb.com is a vivid call to action for Floridians and others around the country to voice their support for limited government principles and against the failed Crist-Obama stimulus.

“Every day, I am encouraged by the growing support I see for limited government principles throughout Florida and our nation,” said Rubio. “America cannot continue on the current administration’s and Congress’ path of reckless spending and government expansion that began with the $787 billion stimulus. That initial step has only served to embolden Washington Democrats to pursue even more costly and intrusive policies on issues like health care and cap-and-trade.

“Governor Crist was wrong to support this wasteful and failed stimulus policy and has repeatedly put his faith in more spending and bigger government to create jobs. Through this fundraising effort, limited government conservatives throughout Florida and the country can help send a message that our government shouldn’t spend money it doesn’t have and that limited government is what’s made America great and prosperous.”