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).

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.

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 Schedule of Events Updated 4-29-11

I am going to update it as needed.
If you are in the area of a Marco Rubio event, please show up and support Florida's only conservative candidate for US Senate. Don't forget to bring your wallet or purse. :)


Below is an updated list of upcoming opportunities for you to come see Marco Rubio in person.

Don't come alone though! Pack your car with family and friends and invite even more of them to come along to meet Marco.


Below is the current schedule of stops, with additional details forthcoming:

Sunday, May 1, 2011
7:00 p.m. EDT (Service begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Senator Marco Rubio speaks at the Yom HaShoah Observance and Israel Solidarity Service
1933-45 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

Senator Rubio will also appear on Meet the Press this Sunday May, 1 2011

Update: 11-15-09: Marco Rubio Wins 14th Straw Poll in a Row

Last night Marco Rubio succeeded in winning his 14th straw poll in a row against Charlie Crist. Rubio has not lost a straw poll yet and has won all of them by impressive margins.

Some political aficionados are trying to downplay the significance of the Rubio wins but it is clear that there is an underlying current of true conservative enthusiasm within the conservative base.

Former Governor Jeb Bush practically endorsed Marco Rubio during an interview.

Bush said national party leaders should not be trying to push Crist as aggressively as they have. He said Rubio deserved a fair shot against Crist in a primary.

"I think he should be given a chance. I think that the idea that the national party would pick a winner a year and a half before an election is the wrong way to go."

If Jeb Bush is right and my instincts are correct I think that Charlie Crist may not be as confident in 2010 as he seems to be now. Money can buy you air time but it can not buy you character. That is a lesson that Charlie Crist could learn From Marco Rubio.

Here is the running total of straw polls held to date.

Marion County GOP: Rubio 40, Crist 8, abstain 4

Hernando County GOP: Rubio 46, Crist 0

Gilchrist County GOP: Rubio 11, Crist 1

Republican Women's Club of Duval Federated: Rubio 65, Crist 4

Northwest Orange Republican Women Federated: Rubio 49, Crist 3

Jefferson County GOP: Rubio 30, Crist 6

Highlands County GOP: Rubio 75, Crist 1

Pasco County GOP: Rubio 73, Crist 9

Lee County GOP: Rubio 60, Crist 9

Florida Federation of College Republicans: Rubio 19, Crist 6.

Bay County GOP: Rubio 23, Crist 2

Palm Beach County: Rubio 90, Crist 17  (10-14-09)

Okaloosa County: Rubio 86, Crist 4 (11-08-09)

Orange County : Rubio 211, Crist 27 (11-13-09)

Marco Rubio Press Release on Crist Economy

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Marco Rubio issued the following press release on the Charle Crist Economy:

But Crist's primary challenger, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, released his own view of the figure in a taunting press release called the "Crist Economic Report," which promises to keep loyal readers up to date on "the latest economic damage being inflicted on Florida's workers, taxpayers, consumers, families, entrepreneurs and farmers, among others."


Read the "report" below:
Good afternoon.
If you live in Florida or at least stay up to speed on what's going on here, barely a day goes by in which you don't wake up to news reports highlighting the latest area of the state's economy that is struggling. In a nutshell, this is what it's like to live in "The Charlie Crist Economy."

In our effort to ensure you stay abreast of the latest economic developments in Florida, today we initiate "The Crist Economic Report" - a regular email containing the latest economic damage being inflicted on Florida's workers, taxpayers, consumers, families, entrepreneurs and farmers, among others.

Some of these reports will highlight how Crist-backed policies are burdening Floridians - for instance, through higher drivers' license fees he signed into law or his modest tax reforms that have not made property taxes "drop like a rock." Other reports will highlight why things could be even worse if Charlie Crist had his way on other issues - for instance, through higher utility bills for consumers had he succeeded in imposing cap-and-trade on Florida. Or if he eventually decides to support a tax based on how many miles people drive.

With today's release of the August unemployment report, we explore Florida's unemployment rate under Charlie Crist:

Marco Rubio 49.Charlie Crist 0. Hernando County Straw Poll

It's obvious that there is "something" going on within the Florida GOP. There is an undercurrent of conservative thirst to elect a true conservative to the US Senate in 2010.


Regardless of the fundraising prowess of current Governor Charlie Crist and the support he has received from the elites of the party, Crist has not shown the ability to reign in the conservative base. This becomes overwhelmingly obvious when you look at the results the straw polls being held throughout the state. Crist has not prevailed in a single one and is being annihilated by Former House Speaker Marco Rubio.

Marco Rubio is running a grassroots campaign based on prinicples, values, and true conservative beliefs which reflect the hunger of those seeking fiscal responsibility and overall limited government.

Rubio may not be winning the fundraising battle (Yet) but he has tapped in to the very heart those seeking new representation in Washington. A US senate seat.

Here is a list of the county straw polls that have been held so far that illustrate the extraordinary margins received by Marco Rubio against Crist. It is hard to ignore and may be giving Crist a reason to be worried.

Marion County GOP: Rubio 40, Crist 8, abstain 4

Hernando County GOP: Rubio 46, Crist 0
Gilchrist County GOP: Rubio 11, Crist 1
Republican Women's Club of Duval Federated: Rubio 65, Crist 4
Northwest Orange Republican Women Federated: Rubio 49, Crist 3
Jefferson County GOP: Rubio 30, Crist 6
Highlands County GOP: Rubio 75, Crist 1
Pasco County GOP: Rubio 73, Crist 9
Lee County GOP: Rubio 60, Crist 9
Florida Federation of College Republicans: Rubio 19, Crist 6.
Bay County GOP: Rubio 23, Crist 2
Without a doubt. Rubio has a chance to win in 2010.

Marco Rubio Wins Gilchrist Straw Poll-Hernando Straw poll Thursday

Marco Rubio claims another victory in Florida county straw polls being held throughout the state. Rubio has not lost a single vote and continues to trounce current Governor Charlie Crist. Crist supporters are discouraging the straw polls! I wonder why....

Rubio defeated Crist 11-1 in the small county of Gilchrist. A larger straw poll is expected on today Thurday Sept,17 in Hernando County.

Here are my pervious posts on the straw polls for other counties:
First Straw Polls

Second post of straw polls.



Here is a link to the full story from TBO.com

Excerpts:

Hernando, with 48,966, will be among the larger counties where local party organizations have held straw votes. County Chairman Blaise Ingoglia wouldn’t predict how the vote will go, but said, “People in this area tend to be a little bit more conservative.” He wouldn’t say who moved for the vote.

Party organizations in about half a dozen counties have held straw votes in the primary, in all cases voting for Rubio. Rubio is pitching his campaign at the conservative side of the party spectrum; his backers have been seeking to hold straw polls in county organizations, and Crist supporters oppose them.

Marco Rubio asks Charlie Crist to Investigate ACORN

From Tampabay.com

Does this explain the state GOP's silence over ACORN?

Huffington Post: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, for example, partnered with ACORN in March 2008 for a "Homeownership Promotes The Economy" taskforce. More recently, Crist declared that -- contrary to GOP outrage -- he was not upset with the group's voter registration efforts in his state. The New York Times reported that ACORN supported a law signed by Governor Crist, which "changed the rules last year to restore the voting rights of about 112,000 former convicts."

The Buzz: "Breaking with the talking points of his fellow Republicans in Washington, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said he does not think voter fraud and the vote-registration group ACORN are a major problem in the Sunshine State. ''I think that there's probably less [fraud] than is being discussed. As we're coming into the closing days of any campaign, there are some who enjoy chaos,'' Crist told reporters. Crist made his comments as the Republican National Committee hosted a conference call with reporters to tie Democrat Barack Obama to suspicious voter-registration cards submitted by ACORN across the nation and in four Florida counties, including Broward. (photo from Acorn Web site)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also,I found this. Marco Rubio sent a letter to Governor Crist asking him to investigate ACORN Florida. Rubio did not hold back. Here is the letter:

Florida's Newest Senator George LeMieux is Crist Clone

Florida's newest Senator (a Crist appointee) has already started to side with Democrats. With his first opportunity to support Conservatives he failed miserably.

LeMieux supported the censure of representative Joe Wilson. Wilson is now famous for yelling "You lie!" during President Obama's help care speech during a joint session of congress.

From AP:
LeMieux: Censure Joe 'You Lie' Wilson
AP: "That was embarrassing and shameful," said LeMieux, who watched the address from the House visitors' gallery. "Everybody in the chamber just gasped. He should be censured."

UPDATE: LeMieux has the nerve to send out this letter to his Florida voters:
..."I thank Senator Mel Martinez for his service and his assistance during this transition; he is a great example of the fulfillment of the American Dream. I look forward to continuing the Florida tradition of working together with my colleague, Senator Bill Nelson to ensure that Florida's interests are well protected in the United States Senate." (Of course Nelson is a Democrat.)

He went on to say..."There are tremendous issues facing this nation, and although my time in Washington will be brief, I intend to work hard every day to address these critical challenges and serve the people of this unique, diverse and wonderful state."
Except when it makes Democrats mad....

Marco Rubio: "Crist is a Fair Weather Republican"

From Politco.com

Marco Rubio does not hold back when he explains the tactics that Charlie Crist will use to try for a win in the 2010 Florida Senate race.

Rubio has been consistent in his values and policies while Crist has based his decisions on the latest poll results. Crist tries to use popular sentiment as a guide to HIS future and totally disregards those with true principles that disagree with him.

..."At the same time, Crist’s support for the stimulus continues to embolden conservatives such as Rubio to attack the governor as a fair-weather Republican — a complaint he has lodged repeatedly in their primary battle. Rubio’s campaign press releases now refer to the issue as the “Charlie Crist-backed-stimulus-bill.”


“I have no doubt that Charlie Crist is willing to go to Washington and oppose the Obama administration if it’s popular,” Rubio said in an interview. “If it’s popular to be with the Obama administration, he’ll be with them — that’s what he proved last February.”

Video: Marco Rubio Speaks about Health Care

On the day of Obama's health care speech before a joint session of congress, Marco Rubio has released the following statements.

Over the next few weeks, the Obama Administration and this congressional leadership will attempt to pass one of the most radical public policy agendas in America's history. They call it health care reform, but it is really just the architecture for what will one day become a single payer system in America.

Please watch this video in which I share my thoughts with you about health care and why it's so important that we send people to Washington, D.C. that will stand up against this radical agenda and offer a clear alternative.

Marco Rubio Runs New Campaign Ad against Crist

Here is the latest campaign ad by the Rubio campaign against Charlie Crist. It speaks for itself.

Rubio for Senate - "Fundamentals"


UPDATE from the campaign:
Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate campaign today released the following video highlighting the growing disconnect between Florida's grim economic reality and Governor Charlie Crist's carefree attitude about its severity.

As Floridians suffer double-digit unemployment, billions in new taxes, plummeting home values, rising property taxes and the first population decline since World War II, we deserve leaders with the ideas and focus to get Florida's economy moving again.

Marco Rubio says ,"The People will Decide"

Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio speaks to The Ledger.com in this 10 minute interview.

Rubio covers many important subjects including the war on terror, budget, Charlie Crist, and how the "people" will decide the winner of the race for Florida's US senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez.

Rubio is very passionate about saying, "We will Win". He has been gaining huge grass roots support and feels that Conservatives will help him beat current Gov Crist in the primary battle. He stresses that the "establishment" will not decide this election.

Rubio has virtually annihilated Crist in half a dozen straw polls during the past couple of months. Many of those polls were held in large counties throughout Florida.

Michelle Malkin Calls Charlie Crist a Loser

According to Paul Bedard of US News, Michelle Malkin thinks Charlie Crist is a "loser"

In Washington Whispers, Bedard quotes Michelle Malkin as calling Crist, ..."old guard" and "a loser."

Marco Rubio is gaining support from several high profile conservatives. Jim DeMint, Mike Huckabee, Dick Army, etc.

It's just a matter of time before conservatives are able to turn the tide by getting behind Marco Rubio and telling old Washington that things are about to change.

Rubio Castigates Crist's pick of LeMieux

From NRO:

Rubio: It's fair to ask questions about Crist pick [NRO Staff]

Florida Republican and U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio spoke to NRO about Gov. Charlie Crist’s pick of attorney George LeMieux to serve the remainder of retiring senator Mel Martinez’s term:

George LeMieux is a very successful political operative, as well as a successful and effective lobbyist. Plus, he’s the governor’s best friend, but that’s not the criteria we’re looking for in the next U.S. Senator from Florida. What Republicans want is someone to go to Washington and stand up to the most radical agenda proposed in a long time.

There were some people in consideration that fit the bill in terms of conservative principles, but they weren’t picked. When you’re running for U.S. Senate, like Governor Crist, and you’ve got to pick the U.S. Senator, your choice says a lot about who you are, and what kind of senator you would be.

LeMieux has never been an elected official. He’s a lobbyist and was the governor’s closest advisor when he was deciding on issues like cap-and-trade and the stimulus.

Dan Webster, a Florida House veteran, should have been picked. He understands the legislative process and is consistent and courageous. We would have known where he stands from day number one. There would have been no doubts in anyone’s mind. So, I ask the governor, why George LeMieux over Dan Webster?

I think it’s fair to ask for questions about our new U.S. Senator, about the client list at his firm to where he stands on every issue. It should all be brought into the public record.

Marco Rubio Compares Policies with Crist

This is a Herald/Times video of an interview with Florida Senatorial candidate Marco Rubio. Rubio seems to flummox the reporter to the point where he (the reporter) wonders if he will keep his job.

Rubio seems very determined and I am encouraged by his steadfast commitment to his values and the fact that he believes that he is gaining more support every day.

Rubio Continues to Stomp Crist in State Straw Polls

Marco Rubio has scored yet another victory in a county straw poll. Rubio destroyed Gov Charle Crist 23 to 2 in the Bay County REC straw poll.

Rubio has not lost a straw poll yet that I have seen. Some party officals in certain counties are even afraid to conduct a straw poll for fear of the results.

It is unlikely that the committee, with about 300 members, will actually hold a poll vote Monday night. The more likely scenario: Some activists will push to set a date to hold such a vote and others will attempt to quash that -- at least for now.

Results from other straw polls are included in my earlier post here. Rubio won all of them in a big way..

UPDATE: No GOP Straw Vote in Broward County. Click here for the full story.

Video: Marco Rubio says, "Being Like them doesn't work."

Here is video from a "Drive the Discussion" appearance by US Senatorial candidate Marco Rubio.

Part One:


Part Two:


The last few minutes of the video above (part two)defines Rubio's campaign in a lot of ways.

Rubio:

The American people are as great as they have ever been.Now what they need is leader that is worthy of them. What the American people need are leaders worthy of the greatness of our people.

I close by saying this. It is not inevitable that our political process be degraded in this way. It is not inevitable that the scourge of modern politics be leaders that will do or say anything to get elected and manipulate public opinion. That is a choice that we will make or not make. It is not inevitable that America will be permanently diminished. That is a choice that we must make or not make and that is what my campaign will be about. About giving you one of what I hope will be many choices for a new direction for our party and our country...

Crist Hides from Debate with Rival Marco Rubio

Current Gov. and US Senatorial Candidate Charlie Crist has again slithered out of an opportuntiy to debate Marco Rubio. He's TOO Busy!

It seems as though Crist is relying on name recognition alone to propel him to the Senate. He has refused to appear with Rubio regardless of the venue. Rubio has challenged Crist to debate on several occasions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
From Miami Herald

Top Fla. candidates to debate without "busy" Crist

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
AP Political Writer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida Gov. Charlie Crist once again opted to wear his governor's hat instead of appearing with other Senate candidates Friday to talk about his campaign.

Crist appeared at a breakfast during the Florida Association of Realtors annual convention instead of accepting an invitation to a political forum later in the day.

"They invited me to come speak as governor and I wanted to honor their invitation," Crist told reporters. "I've got other stuff to do tonight. I've got a busy job."

There was no official business on the governor's public schedule after 10 a.m. Friday. The forum was scheduled for 5 p.m. Crist did plan to attend Republican Party of Florida events Friday night and Saturday, also in Orlando.

The other two major candidates seeking the seat Sen. Mel Martinez is giving up - Democrat U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and Republican former House Speaker Marco Rubio - plan to attend the event.

Also appearing are the two major candidates for governor, Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum and Democrat Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. The election will be held next year.

Crist's decision is similar to an event last month. He attended the Florida Society of News Editors/Florida Press Association annual conference to give an award to a staff member, but declined to stay for a Senate candidates forum that immediately followed the awards luncheon.

He did briefly mention his Senate campaign during Friday's breakfast, almost as an aside while saying that he used to work for former Sen. Connie Mack.

"The U.S. Senate, by the way, I happen to be running for it and I would like your help," Crist told the real estate agents. "We need to take that Florida common sense away to Washington D.C. now more than ever."