Campaign Crawlers
Marco's Long March
Woefully behind in the money chase, Marco Rubio has time and determination on his side in his Senate primary campaign against Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.
TAMPA -- The race for the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate seat Mel Martinez is not seeking re-election to in 2010 -- which pits liberal Florida Governor Charlie Crist against conservative former Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio -- is not exactly heating up. But it's taking shape. There's good and bad news for the right.
The good news is that Rubio is demonstrating he can excite the conservative base of the Republican Party with his call to "take our country back" with policies that support family values, limited government, and leave stimulating the economy and creating jobs up to entrepreneurs. He did it again last weekend at several campaign stops across the Tampa Bay Area.
Hillsborough County Republican Chairman Deborah Cox-Roush was looking for about 150 to attend Friday night's "Issues and Ideas" dinner featuring Rubio at a hard-to-reach, auto-sclerotic location near the University of South Florida in north Tampa. What she got was 306 diners who cheered lustily when Rubio charged that "the stimulus package hasn't stimulated anything but the national debt." He said promiscuous government spending that goes under the name of the "stimulus," which Crist supports, is "based on short-term thinking that doesn't solve our current problems by spending money we don't have and giving the bill to future generations."
The crowd also liked it when Rubio said the best the proposed carbon cap and trade scheme, which Crist also fancies, could do would be to "make America a clean, third-world country." He calls it "nothing but a revenue source masquerading as an environmental policy that wouldn't do a thing for the environment." They clapped and whistled their agreement to Rubio's noting that "while we need to do a better job in health care, we don't need to turn 18 percent of the economy over to the federal government, as the legislation being considered now would do."
Rubio, whose parents came here from Cuba in 1959, said the way for the Republicans to attract Hispanic voters (as well as any other kind of voter) is not by adopting liberal policies or by having Mariachi bands at rallies, but by pursuing policies that assure future generations of Americans will continue to enjoy freedom, prosperity, and opportunity.
But the bad news for conservatives is that while Rubio has generated enthusiasm at events such as the one Friday night in Tampa, he's not generating much in the way of campaign contributions. Rubio is grotesquely behind Crist in dialing for dollars.
For the three months reporting period ending June 30, Crist set a Florida Senate race fund-raising record by collecting a gaudy $4.3 million, much of it out-of-town money collected by high-powered lobbyists in Washington and Tallahassee. Some of it even comes from swells who attended fund-raising dinners for Crist in the Hamptons (we all know how keen Hamptons swells are on Florida concerns). This haul by Crist was more than 12 times as much as the modest $340,000 the Rubio campaign fetched in over the same period.
Rubio and his campaign officials have tried to put the best possible face on the money disparity, and on the fact that the disappointing cash flow has forced them to cut paid campaign staff. They point out that as a popular sitting governor Crist is in a great position to shake the money tree. He's getting a great deal of help from silk-stocking corporate and legal circles. As for the Hamptons crowd, Florida media report dinner donors for Crist include such Florida enthusiasts as Donald Trump and Johnny Damon (of the New York Yankee Damons).
Rubio maintains that he doesn't have to match Crist's fund-raising, just get enough to get his story out. He's probably right about this. Most polls show Crist leading Rubio in the neighborhood of 20 to 25 points. But a Mason-Dixon poll earlier this month shows the race about even between Republican voters who are familiar with both candidates. Being speaker of the house doesn't lead to nearly as much name recognition as being governor does. So Rubio's challenge is getting known, which, if the Mason-Dixon poll is correct, would lead to a much more competitive race.
If he doesn't have to raise as much as Crist to succeed, Florida is a still huge state with 10 media markets. He'll have to do better than $340K per quarter. He'll have to get folks across the state, like the ones he inspired Friday night in Tampa, to stop clapping long enough to pick up their check books.
Rubio has a long time to do this. The Republican primary isn't until August 24, 2010. Rubio is campaigning full-time while Crist still has to at least appear to be paying attention to his job as governor. Crist has also been spending a fair amount of time in Washington and New York accepting campaign checks. And Crist won't have another quarter like this last one. Many of his contributors are maxed out, and so can't give more. Also, much of the money Crist has collected can't be used until the general election, so isn't available to use in the race against Rubio.
It's rare to see such a clear liberal vs. conservative contest in a Republican primary. The stands Rubio is taking in his campaign and his record during eight years in the Florida House mark him as a clear conservative.
Crist, who has held countless elected offices in Florida, none for very long, is something else again. He likes to be called a populist. (He's particularly fond of the treacly sobriquet, "the people's governor.") The fawning media mostly refer to him as a moderate. What he is is a liberal. This isn't entirely by design. Those who've followed Crist through the years can't detect any core political philosophy in him. It's just that in his desire to be all things to all people he's prone to supporting big, expensive environmental boondoggles.
Crist claims, and to an extent deserves, credit for holding the line on new or increased state taxes in Florida. But any savings Floridians may enjoy from tax increases that didn't take place on Crist's watch (not that his heavily Republican legislature has been eager to increase taxes anyway), are trifling compared to the expense of the mega-government policies Crist has whooped up. These have included pressuring the Florida Legislature to adopt a state carbon cap and trade system and to force Florida utilities to use 20 percent "renewable" fuels to generate electricity, a percentage anyone but a hard-core environmentalist would know is unreasonable. He also pushed for Florida to adopt California's expensive auto emissions standards. Any one of these three would cost Floridians a packet and not improve the environment.
Crist hasn't had a thing positive to say about any conservative social issue. And he recently appointed a liberal to the Florida Supreme Court. With finger to the wind, Crist announced last week that if he were in the Senate now he would likely not vote for Sonia Sotomayor because he says he fears "she would not strictly and objectively construe the Constitution." Rubio called Crist on this one, saying the guy Crist recently appointed to the highest Florida court, Justice James Perry, is more of an activist judge than Sotomayor.
This election will tell us a lot about what Florida Republicans are all about. About what national Republicans are about as well. (Most of the national Republican muftis have lined up behind Crist.) The race has been described in several quarters as "a battle for the soul of the Republican Party." It will also demonstrate whether a slow but relentless retail ground-game with limited media can succeed in a large state against a well-financed candidate the establishment is firmly behind.
If Rubio could pull this off and then get past the Democrat in November of '10, he would become one of the most conservative members of the Senate. And it wouldn't hurt the Republicans' prospects in Florida, and nationwide, to have an energetic, young, conservative Hispanic senator as a face of the party.
About the Author
Larry Thornberry is a writer in Tampa.
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Rocco| 7.27.09 @ 6:51AM
Getting Marco Rubio elected Senator would be the first step in booting the RINOs out of the Repub Party. As a former resident of Florida, I have always held the view that Crist was nothing more than a pretty boy who had no convictions and just got his ticket stamped to move up the political totem pole. He's been living off of Jeb's accomplishments.
Susan Gordon| 7.27.09 @ 6:53AM
Hey Larry - Enjoyed meeting you Friday night and reading your take o the dinner here. Marco has a long road ahead, but I firmly believe that unusual feats are hardly ever accomplished in the usual ways. I am one of the many small donors who will be giving several times leading up to the primary and then on to the general election. Here is my take on the evening. http://www.gordoncafe.com/2009/07/statesman-for-such-time-as-this.html. Hope you will leave a comment.
Saint Petersblog| 7.27.09 @ 7:39AM
Asa exciting as Rubio is, his campaign is on the ropes, he just moved his manager and finance director to volunteer status.
This and other on-the-ground info at:
http://bit.ly/13jwBK
Richard Baker| 7.27.09 @ 7:54AM
Saint Petersblog:
Remember Jesse Ventura. The same things were said about him and his lack of funding and who was inaugurated Governor?
Ryan| 7.27.09 @ 9:03AM
I think that something telling is the poll among informed voters that show the two running neck-and-neck - something that is probably more crucial for a primary vote than an overall poll. People who pay attention and care are more likely to show up at the primary poll.
Robert Rosencrans| 7.27.09 @ 10:09AM
This article brings up an important point about many politicians. They don't have deep convictions but they do have deep pockets.
Franklin Floyd| 7.27.09 @ 10:55AM
It seems that in races like this the big money and Republican elite are always behind the liberal hack like Crist. Why is this?
George| 7.27.09 @ 11:16AM
Rubio spoke at the Pasco Republican Faith and Family Values Club in Hudson to more than 200 people. All were very impressed with him and his conservative values. Many that attended are now committed to his campaign.
More positive surprises on the way in favor of Marco Rubio's Campaign... Stay tuned.
Len| 7.27.09 @ 11:41AM
The powers that be in the Repugnant party illustrate that the GOP is not now, nor ever has been the party of conservatism. I often hear the lament of the party being full of RINO's and the need to restore it to it's roots, but it's roots gave us one of the greatest trashers of liberty and the US constitution ever, Abe Lincoln. Lincoln denied that the US was a confederated republic, and thus states were denied their natural rights as political societies to freely associate according to their own political and governmental philosophy.
That was then though and surely since that time there was a point when conservatism (foundationally the core principle of this political thought is the trio of natural rights, life, liberty, and property/fruit of labor) was at the forefront of the GOP. Really? Sure for a second during "94" GIngrich and crew made some headway, but even then it was still based on the federal government acting as national government legislating in regards to what should be state internal matters.
Reagan, the conservative icon? Sorry, he supported Medicaid, Medicare an Social Security, among others that have no foundation in the US constitution, and certainly are violations of natural rights.
Until the Repugs actually get serious about restoring the federal government to it's legal limitations, and proper role of acting only in regards to matters external to the states, and even then not assuming powers without amendments passed so delegating them(the FCC for example is properly a federal concern, but not through commerce, as that is only in regards to the states, and thus such an agency cannot exist without an amendment granting the authority to act).
For all you folks that line up behind a person or a party, and not your fellow man himself through adamant adherence to natural rights, you are part of the problem. Yes! I mean you Bushies and Reaganites among others. Yes I mean you who are always gung ho about war even when it's not for our common defense(think Gulf War, and who attacked who first as far as Iraq is concerned[Please seperate Iraq from our rightful response to being attacked on 9/11, and our subsequent foray into AFghanistan]).
Please people, become grounded in natural rights and accompany that with much reading of our history, particularly the fedral convention and state ratification debates. Read Jefferson, or even get started with good primers by Kevin Gutzman or Andrew Napolitano.
Red Phillips| 7.27.09 @ 12:19PM
Rubio is far superior to Crist, but the best conservative candidate for Senate in Florida is Marshall DeRosa, the Constitution Party candidate. His conservative credentials are impeccable. Check out his books at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search;-type=ss&index=books&field;-author=Marshall L. Derosa
Robert Martin| 7.27.09 @ 2:04PM
"And it wouldn't hurt the Republicans' prospects in Florida, and nationwide, to have an energetic, young, conservative Hispanic senator as a face of the party. "
If Rubio is exactly what he appears to be, then yes, your statements is right on the money.
Very good article. Thank you!
Becky in North FL| 7.27.09 @ 2:56PM
This conservative in the Panhandle is voting for Rubio!
Ryan| 7.27.09 @ 3:29PM
Len - though I agree with you about the over-emphasized "conservativism" of modern Republicans, we're not going to see any change to the degree you desire outside of successful armed insurrection, which will probably never happen in the US (we're more likely to see a peaceful secession). I also REALLY dislike paleoconservatism, because it ignores certain realities that - at times - preemptive warfare is needed. The idea of pushing Saddam out I believe WAS in our best interests, but it was executed poorly. Stable democracies and friendly governments everywhere - particularly in economically important countries (ie, oil-producing) - are as much a part of our common defense as anything else. The oil money from Iraq needs to be going to us and our friends, not the other direction.
And Red, the Constitution Party is the reserve for racists, bigots, and the paranoid conspiracists, and I'm content to let them stay there. I don't want to be associated with their brand of "conservatism" at all.
Michael L. Hauschild| 7.27.09 @ 4:16PM
It is time to put some of our money where our hearts lie. A very sound and lasting lesson could be taught in the primary. Kind of a "teachable moment."
Len| 7.27.09 @ 5:00PM
Ryan, to equate national interests with common defense is to torture the plain meaning of common defense. You also rely on an unproven assertion that Iraq conquering Kuwait would lead to our not being able to buy oil. Further even if that were so, what right have to intefere in the affairs of another nation? Do they then have a reciprocal right to interfer in our business if they believe it to their benefit. Does one person have a right to tell another how much sleep to get, and what to eat, so that he can benefit?
I also ask, if arbitrary violations of the constitution are allowed only according to the judegment of those in power, then does not the constitution become meaningless and rule of law cease to exist. If such is the case, no longer is there a written constitution and defined government, but merely an oligarchy saying one day this the law, and the next that it is something different.
Sorry I reject imperialism, which relies on moral causes being higher than the rule of law, and what should be the primary moral cause as already defined and self-evident of natural rights. Not only that when vague and undefined national interests are the basis of going to war, then there can be consent from the governed, for how can we know what we are consenting to? To also add to the problem of such a thing as a moral war(just addressing another reason given for unconstitutional war), why then is the reasoning of moral good here at home, such as all the various forms of "wealth redistribution" not legitimate?
Ammo Guy| 7.27.09 @ 5:01PM
While I'm rooting for him, I don't see Rubio pulling this one out against Crist, but I would hope that his campaign is just a warmup for a shot at the other FL senator, Bill Nelson, in 2012. A win there would put FL in the same position as PA was for 12 years when Spector and Santorum were its Senators. Not perfect, but could be worse.
Thomas S Hogan Sr| 7.27.09 @ 5:33PM
It is heartbreaking to see the party power-brokers push so hard for Crist. They, more than anyone else, know he is a political fraud but plays the puppet and patronage game to perfection. I sincerely hope he fails to win the Republican Pimary.
Brother| 7.27.09 @ 9:47PM
With all due respect, Crist's policies have been very right of center on taxes and fees. And Crist had the good sense to veto a bill that would have substantially increase the cost of gun ownership in Florida.
All this whining about Crist is unbecoming of folks on the right - and fellow conservatives. The guy is the most popular Republican governor in the country, and he's not a RINO.
I do agree his position on market based insurance is very troubling, but when you stack him up against a potential Democrat, this isnt a close call.
I like Rubio, but at this point, its not going to be close.
Brian| 7.28.09 @ 6:00AM
I don't mind RINO's if they run as RINO's. The problem is RINO's like Crist run as rock ribbed conservatives and must be stopped!
Ron Parks| 7.28.09 @ 8:05AM
The Republican Club of Lakeland will have Marco Rubio speaking at its meeting Sept. 2nd. The meeting will be held at Cleveland Heights Golf Club, 2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland 33803, from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Program starts at noon. Please help us get the word out that he is coming!
www.lakelandrepublicans.com - www.marcorubio.com
FL. REPUBLICAN VOTER| 7.28.09 @ 8:17AM
OH, "BROTHER" PLEASE! FIRST OF ALL GOV.CRIST HAS RAISED OUR TAXES. ONE WAS THE CIG TAX. SECOUND. CRIST IS POPULAR BECAUSE HE APPEASE'S THE DEMOCRATES.THIRD.CRIST IS JUST A SELLOUT! FORGET (RINO!) HE SUPPORTED OBAMA & HIS FAILED STIMULUS PACKAGE ON TV HUGGING & KISSING! AND CHEERING "YES WE CAN!" CRIST PUT A LIBERAL JUDGE ON THE BENCH THAT IS ANTI GUNS! CRIST IS FOR CAP & TRADE! CRIST SIGHNED A BILL TO ALLOW OVER 600.000 FELONS ALLOW TO VOTE AS SOON AS THEY GET OUT OF JAIL. AND MOST OF THEM WILL VOTE DEMOCRAT! CRIST IS FOR RADICAL CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES!CRIST IS PRO CHOICE, PRO STEM CELL RESEARCH! ECT. ECT! IF GOD FORBID CRIST GET'S IN... HE WILL VOTE OVER 50% OF THE TIME WITH THE DEMOCRATES! AND OUR REPUBLICAN PARTY WILL BECOME A DEOCRATE LITE PARTY AND WE WILL NEVER WIN EITHER POLITICALY OR MORALY! MY VOTE IS WITH THE ONLY CANIDATE THAT CAN BEAT CRIST. AND THAT IS CONSERVATIVE MARCO RUBIO! GO TO WWW.MARCORUBIO.COM AND DONATE THE DEMOCRATES BEST FRIEND "CRIST" OUT!!!! RUBIO 2010!!
Ryan| 7.28.09 @ 8:29AM
I certainly do believe that stable democracies - which do NOT historically attack others - are in the common defense interests of the US.
Iraq was a hostile state to US interests. We had cause to overturn such a dictator as Saddam Hussein. He was a direct threat - WMD or no - to US interests and security. Same with Afghanistan. It's not just about moral imperatives, it's about protecting America, and we cannot do that without pushing out. It's not about imperialism, it's about "making the world safe for democracy" because dictatorships are NOT in the best interests of America and are often more illegitimate than not.
We have the right to interfere in the affairs of another nation when they directly affect the national security of the United States - even preemptively.
Rusty Shackeford| 7.30.09 @ 3:27AM
Rubio will be one of the politicians Palin campaigns for. Watch.
I think it would do wonders for Rubio, too. She could draw a massive crowd for him (which translates to $$$) and it would be a great way for him to demonstrate his charisma and speaking ability on a larger scale. Also you know the media would be all over it, so it would help get him name recognition.