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.

Again: Rubio Demands a Debate with Crist

Charlie Crist does not deserve a chance to represent Florida in the US senate if he does not debate challenger Marco Rubio.

Crist started the race above 50% in the polls and Rubio started in single digits. Now that the race is tied 43-43 its time for Crist to give Rubio the respect he deserves.

If he doesn't, it proves he has something to hide. Rubio has repeatedly called for debates and Crist is running out of reasons to say no.

Here is the latest release from the Rubio camp on debates:
RUBIO COMMENTS ON CAMPAIGN'S GROWING MOMENTUM

Miami, FL – U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio today issued the following statement regarding the campaign’s growing momentum:

“While our campaign’s growing momentum and progress is encouraging, I recognize we still have a lot of work and a long road ahead as an underdog running against a sitting governor. I’m encouraged that our campaign, which is built around mainstream Republican values and a positive vision for America, is beginning to receive support from so many Floridians. I also believe voters are starting to realize that there are vast differences between me and Charlie Crist on a number of important issues.

“Throughout this campaign, I have asked Governor Crist to join me in a real debate of ideas. I strongly believe this campaign should be a debate about the best way forward for our party, our state and our nation on the issues Floridians care about most. Instead, Governor Crist has mostly chosen to ignore me or attack me. Lately, Governor Crist’s attacks on me have grown increasingly personal and removed from reality. Our campaign’s growing momentum helps explain why.

“Now that this race seems to be tightening, Governor Crist has a decision to make. He can choose to join me on stage to showcase the differing views that exist within the Republican Party, speak honestly about our records, and allow voters to choose between two sincere yet different visions for the future. Or Governor Crist can try to turn this into every other campaign he’s ever run by going negative and dismissing an honest debate in favor of smears, sound bites and slick advertising.

“Politics is at its worst when politicians place all their faith in money and negative advertising, instead of placing faith in the voters. But politics is at its best when individuals argue and debate ideas and let voters make an informed choice. I remain hopeful that Governor Crist will make the correct choice and join me in a positive debate of ideas.”

Here is why Charlie Crist Refuses to Debate Marco Rubio

Once again current Florida Governor Charlie Crist refuses Marco Rubio's invitation for debates.

Crist is obviously afraid to confront either Rubio or the electorate with his positions on key issues?
Why you ask? Because he does not know himself what he believes in. Is THIS who we need as the next senator of the Great State of Florida. I think not...

Check it out for yourself:

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

Marco Rubio Hits Back Twice as Hard

In a letter to supporters, the Marco Rubio campaign sent out this email in response to Charlie Crist's newest attacks against rival Rubio.

The Rubio team does not seem intimidated by the tactics. In fact, they hit back twice as hard asking for Crist to debate the issues.  Crist has continued to hide from any debates.

Here is the letter(with links):
Supporter-


We all knew this day would eventually come. After months of negative headlines about his stewardship of Florida, pretending he is unopposed in the GOP primary and refusing to debate Marco Rubio on the issues affecting Florida’s and America’s future, Charlie Crist has finally acknowledged he has a real fight on his hands and is reverting to his tried and tested approach of smearing whoever stands in his way.

Faced with Marco’s growing momentum and a public growing increasingly sour about his own record of supporting tax increases, the wasteful Obama stimulus package and cap-and-trade, Crist and his allies are lashing out with misleading, negative and personal attacks. As the Miami Herald reports today, “Crist allies are starting to push back at the notion that Rubio is a conservative’s dream candidate.”

Unfortunately for Crist and his allies, they are running up against a wall of respected conservatives who have seen Marco up close and can vouch for his credentials:

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich: “… has pegged Rubio as a rising national political figure and calls 100 Ideas ‘a work of genius.’”

Former Gov. Jeb Bush: “He’s got all the tools. He’s charismatic and has the right principles.”

Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey: “Marco Rubio is a champion of freedom and an inspiring leader for the next generation of the conservative movement. His track record and conservative convictions are a breath of fresh air in a party looking for new leaders to advance the principles of limited government, lower taxes and economic liberty.”

Sen. Jim DeMint: “There is no question Marco Rubio will be a big part of the Republican Party’s future, but I believe if we are to defeat the forces of Big Government now controlling Washington, Marco Rubio needs to be a big part of the Republican Party’s present. He has the skills and ideas we need to rebuild our party, reform our government, and renew our nation.”

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist: Rubio is “the most pro-taxpayer legislative leader in the country.”

Syndicated Columnist George Will: “His preventive medicine includes limited government, tax reform, spending restraint and removal of all impediments to the entrepreneurship that makes America a place ‘where poor people can put billionaires out of business.’”

National Radio Host Laura Ingraham: “He's not the favorite in this race, but he's the best one running. I'm all about supporting true conservatives.”

You see, Marco has the truth on his side and the conservative credentials to back it up. But he needs your help to get the word out and fight the smears, which is why we’re asking you to help today in two ways:

First, help make sure Marco has the resources to set the record straight by donating to his campaign. Your support will help ensure Marco’s message reaches all Floridians.

Second, urge Charlie Crist to accept Marco’s Debate Challenge. As voters, you deserve to see candidates go face-to-face on the issues of greatest concern to you. So far in 2009, Governor Crist has shown more interest in standing on stage with President Obama at a pro-stimulus rally than he has in standing on stage with Marco debating ideas. That’s not the kind of campaign you deserve.

Thanks for your support,
Team Rubio

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.
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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."

Video:Marco Rubio Stands Up for Conservatism

Marco Rubio spells out his conservative philosophy during the question and answer session of the Faith and Family Values Republican Club Meeting. My thanks to John Tracy for providing access to the video recorded by Tony Masella.

I am only posting three of the videos available at the link above because I believe they may best illustrate the values that Marco Rubio holds.

Notice that this is a true "Town Hall Meeting" and no TELEPROMPTER was needed.

Rubio covers many important topics during this event and it is well worth the time to view the videos to learn what his opinion is on many important subjects that are of concern to conservatives.

Marco Rubio Calls for Debates with Crist

Marco Rubio has sent a letter to Florida Governor Charlie Crist asking for 10 debates covering many important issues.



June 22, 2009
The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor of Florida
Charlie Crist for United States Senate
P.O. Box 1694 Tallahassee, FL 32302

Dear Governor Crist:
On August 24, 2010, Floridians will head to the polls to select their parties’ respective candidates for the U.S. Senate general election. Over the next 14 months, you and I will have the privilege of meeting many of these voters and directly making the case for our candidacies.
One of the most important and time-honored ways of engaging voters is through debates about our ideas, principles, policies, records and the direction each of us would lead our state and country. To this end, I am pleased to accept Leadership Florida’s debate invitation. However, I also share your belief, as articulated during the 2006 gubernatorial primary, that one debate is not enough.
Because Florida’s next U.S. Senator will be entrusted with steering our state and country during an era of serious domestic and international challenges, it is imperative that we provide Floridians with numerous opportunities to learn more about the choice before them in this election. As fellow Republicans, you and I have a great deal in common. However, we must also acknowledge the differences between us on issues like stimulus spending, tax reform, judicial appointments, lawsuit reform and global warming. Several debates will help bring these and other differences to light, including the priorities we would fight for, the votes we would cast and the path we would pursue when faced with hard choices.

Accordingly, I invite you to join me in a series of at least ten 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. It is my great hope that these debates will aspire to fulfill the promise of the legendary Lincoln-Douglas debates and the Goldwater-Kennedy debates which were discussed between the candidates but never realized.

As you approach your third decade in elected office, you have fostered a reputation as a formidable fundraiser who has broken many of Florida’s fundraising records. I am sure this campaign will be no different and fully expect that I will have to work twice as hard as you to remain competitive. While we are opponents for the same office, I am also confident we can maintain a cordial and respectful debate 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.
In order to proceed, I respectfully request that you appoint a campaign representative to communicate directly with Brian Seitchik, my campaign manager, and begin formalizing a debate schedule.
I look forward to your reply and the contest ahead, and wish you and your campaign the very best.
Respectfully,
Marco Rubio