Campaign Crawlers
GOP Soul Check
Though it knows it should, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is not about to withdraw its hasty endorsement of Charlie Crist.
TAMPA — Conservative Marco Rubio enjoyed a good September in his race against popular, liberal Florida Governor Charlie Crist for the 2010 Republican nomination for the Florida U.S. Senate recently vacated by Mel Martinez.
Though he’s trailed Crist by double figures in polls of Florida Republicans, when it comes to the people active in the Florida Party, Rubio, a former speaker of the Florida House, has wowed them with speeches full of values such as fiscal restraint, social conservatism, strength abroad, and opposition to massive government intrusions into the economy such as cap and trade, which Crist fancies. In straw votes among eight county Republican executive committees, Rubio has swamped Crist 358 to 32. In Hernando County, just one county away from Crist’s home county of Pinellas, Rubio pitched a 46-0 shutout.
In other Republican groups Rubio has also done well. He charmed the ladies of the Northwest Orange County (Orlando) Republican Women Federated 49-3, and those of the Republican Women’s Club of Duval County (Jacksonville) 65-4.
The Volusia County (Daytona Beach) executive committee passed a resolution condemning Crist for supporting Obama’s stimulus piñata. A similar censure resolution lost in Palm Beach County on a tie vote.
So the folks who do the day-to-day work of the party, and who follow political developments most closely, like Rubio and have little use for the shallow and opportunistic Crist. In these circles Crist is sometimes referred to as “Wind-sock Charlie” for a history of predicating his political actions on the last focus group report he read. The same polls that show Crist ahead among all Republicans, show that among those familiar with both Crist and Rubio the race is dead even.
Rubio has been getting some help from the national conservative press, where he’s seen as the great right hope in this race. John J. Miller did a profile of Rubio in National Review, calling him a rising star in the Florida GOP with an unambiguously conservative voting record. Rubio’s gotten positive mentions in Human Events, as well as in the Weekly Standard blog. Regular TAS readers know of Rubio and how he stacks up against the pretend conservative Crist. Many Florida newspapers last weekend carried a column by George Will in which Will not only whooped up Rubio’s conservative virtues, and chastised national Republicans for supporting Crist, but flatly predicted a Rubio victory in the primary next August.
One group Rubio continues to do poorly with is D.C. insiders. At a Sarasota event last week, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush praised Rubio’s biography and platforms and criticized the National Republican Senatorial Committee, headed by Texas Senator John Cornyn, for endorsing Crist just hours after Crist announced his candidacy last spring. Rubio had already announced his candidacy.
“I think he (Rubio) should be given a chance,” Bush said. “I think the idea that the national party should pick a winner a year and a half before an election is the wrong way to go.”
But the NRSC is unrepentant. I asked NRSC communications director Brian Walsh if he and Cornyn were familiar with Bush’s invitation for them to butt out of the Florida race. He allowed as how they were, but they’ve declined Jeb’s request that they take a hike.
“We did see that statement,” Walsh told me. “The former governor has certainly more than earned the right to share his thoughts. But the NRSC believes Governor Crist is the best candidate to maintain the checks and balances needed in the Senate.”
It’s truly hard to see how a politician like Crist, who has supported Obama’s stimulus package, who’s enthusiastic about cap and trade and other costly enviro-disasters, and who’s as silent as the tomb about conservative social issues, could in any way be a check on the Obama socialist agenda. He’s more of an enabler. This is probably why a friend of Rubio’s told me he had come up with a great slogan for Crist’s campaign: “Send Charlie to Washington — he’ll fit right in.”
The claimed issue, Cornyn has said and Walsh reiterated in our conversation, is electability. ”Charlie Crist is the candidate with the best chance to win,” Cornyn recently told the New York Times. “This is not to disparage Marco Rubio. He has a bright future.”
Pretty patronizing thing to say about a guy who has a strong conservative record in the Florida Legislature, and has, in stark contrast to Crist, walked the walk of what the Cornyns of the world say are Republican principles.
The notion that Crist has a big electoral edge over Rubio is right peculiar. The most likely Democratic candidate for the Senate seat is Miami Congressman Kendrick Meek, a young, very liberal but not very articulate Obama wannabe, who has little support outside of South Florida and would stand little chance in center-right Florida against either Crist or Rubio.
“Winning Senate seats is our priority,” Walsh told me. “We want to keep the Florida seat in the Republican column. The voters in Florida will be the ones who make the final decision there.”
About the Author
Larry Thornberry is a writer in Tampa.
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Northern Rebel| 9.30.09 @ 7:23AM
This is why liberals control the country. Until the republican party dumps the "moderates" socialism will rule America.
Michael L. Hauschild| 9.30.09 @ 8:17PM
Please stop whatever you are doing and go read the article, The Metamorphosis
By David Kahane over on NRO
Melvin| 9.30.09 @ 7:33AM
Many Americans in Florida have politically awakened to realize that Charlie Crist is a silver haired, fork tongued, spray tanned devil that he is and he nothing more than a opportunistic snake oil salesman.
So what that he is a Republican, so what that it is imperative to keep Florida's Senate seat in the Republican column. Imperative for whom the Republican Party or the people of Florida.
For example that Crist does win the Senate seat. it is a win for the Democrats because Crist is Liberal and he'll vote with the Democrats each and every time with the old tired worn out mantra of John McCain, "Well, I voted with the Democrats in a spirit of bipartisanship."
Horse squeeze, if the voters want a Democrat let them vote for a Democrat and Florida sure as hell doesn't need another silver haired $500.00 haircut and botoxed Senator masquerading around as a Conservative Republican voting with the Democrats.
There's already too many carpetbaggers in Washington D.C.. Florida doesn't need to send another one and besides the Republican Party no longer represents Conservatives it only represents itself, and we when Republican rank and file recognizes this fact they will be better off for it. Because the Republican Party has morphed into a offshoot of the Democrat Party
Bram| 9.30.09 @ 7:38AM
Why the GOP has not seen a penny from me in 7 years.
John M| 9.30.09 @ 7:51AM
This article is spot on. This senate race in Florida illustrates in a nutshell the dilemma that the Republican party faces in the next primary season, and no doubt this will be played out in many other primary battles throughout the country. The great question is whether there will be enough cross-over Democrats and independents to swing the primary election to someone they perceive as more pragmatic whom they think may have a better chance in the general election, but basically is an unprincipled RINO as has happened too many times in the past or whether conservatives can vote as a cohesive block solely on principle to nominate a real conservative. If it is not in their power for conservatives to be unified enough to take control of the Republican party away from the moderate-liberal wing in a situation where conservatives make up the main voting block, there would be little hope of wresting control of the federal government from grip of the socialists (aka Democrats) and their RINO enablers which is a much greater challenge.
martin j smith| 9.30.09 @ 8:08AM
Time for hope and change. As a non Republic and Non Floridian its seems to me there is a real dilemma here. The biggest one being the cross over of parties in primaries. That is a terrible idea. Unless that changes there are two choices for those who hate RINOS: One is to really really get out the conservative vote while making clear to the state Party that there will be no contributions to their RHINO candidate or 2)
commit suicide by note voting and thus punish the RHINO side of the party. There are really two battles one within the party and one with the left opposition. There may be other ideas but there should be an organized voting block with a message to their internal opponents.
One more thing when the Dems have their primaries again in mass figure out who would be the weakest candidate and vote for that person. Remember do unto others etc.
erp| 9.30.09 @ 8:39AM
Crist isn't popular with conservatives.
2Anglico| 9.30.09 @ 8:50AM
Florida is a CLOSED primary. No donkeys can vote RINO. Not yet, anyway. The real choice is in the primary. If Crist wins it will not be worth voting for Senate.
Kurt| 9.30.09 @ 10:04AM
Charlie blows with the wind while pis$ing into it as well. When justice is served this Christ Pis$ will blow all over Cornyn & Walsh. Meanwhile, Rome burns, Nero fiddles, and what was once liberty is now the ashes of tyranny. Thanks GOP, your worse than most liberals for they actually believe they can help.
Tim| 9.30.09 @ 10:07AM
But we NEED a new Specter!
Eric Damon| 9.30.09 @ 10:32AM
You want to understand what is wrong with the GOP? This says it all, "We don't have a litmus test," Walsh said. "We want as many people with R's behind their name in the Senate as we can get."
The national GOP sold its soul a long time ago in order to gain political power, and that is all it wants now. When the idea that anyone with an (R) will do, then the GOP has announced that is is prepared to become the minority party for a long time. Ask the people of California if having the (R) after a name really makes a difference, or if the true political principles held are the tipping point.
LQQY| 9.30.09 @ 10:32AM
Crist is a worthless RINO who has done nothing for Florida, just like Mel (I'm a Cuban refugee) Martinez. While running for the vice-presidential nomination (from whomever was dumb enough to offer it), Crist ran off and got married (I believe rich) to create a better personal image. He is rarely seen with his new bride, for whatever reason. If the RNC forces this thing, my wife and I will not vote for ANY Republican, state or national. We have already withdrawn financial support to the party, small that it may have been, and will continue to withhold financial support. Our next step is to re-register as independents and give them our support. The GOP powers that be in Washington have NO RIGHT to determine or decide what happens in Florida politics.
martin j smith| 9.30.09 @ 10:55AM
So I see a number of people want to commit suicide. How do feel about the Obama administration ? Do you like his economic outlook,his brilliant foreign policy including his grand speech at the UN ? Well if you are willing to accept the consequences--elections have consequences don't you know.. Then I really wonder.
Tim| 9.30.09 @ 11:07AM
"How do (you) feel about the Obama administration ?"
I feel that if Obama decided to be a Republican tomorrow, the NRSC would endorse him and his agenda.
Al Adab| 9.30.09 @ 3:15PM
TIM,
Probably true. Once we put Party above Prnciple we lose. Conservatives take note, the GOP is not our friend, but remains the only viable vehicle for Conservative action.
Thomas| 9.30.09 @ 11:06AM
Christ is the face of what the Republican party has become; McCain, Specter, Snow, et al. It has become liberal light and the only hope of electing "progressive" Republicans to Congress is if President Obama remains in office and he and the liberal Democrats in Congress destroy the economy, foreign relations and the social fabric of this country even more. Of course, if the progressive Republicans take over in 2011, there won't be much difference.
Tim| 9.30.09 @ 11:12AM
That bunch didn't go to all the trouble of getting elected to give back money and refrain from excercising power.
bull-gator| 9.30.09 @ 11:16AM
The GOP needs to develop more conservatives like Marco Rubio. I'm sick and tired ot the "go along with just to get along with" phoney RINO's running the party. McCain, Crist, the Govenator, and the rest of those despicable back stabbing RINO's need to switch party affiliations. As disgusting as Specter is, at least he had the political cojones of self survival to switch to the dark side. Crist is revolting and characterless. Hopefully the Florida GOP will tar and feather him and run him out of the state.
Clint | 9.30.09 @ 11:40AM
Charlie Crist is the main reason that John McCain was the (woeful) GOP nominee. He should be called Arnold Schwarznegger East.
Dave| 9.30.09 @ 12:09PM
At least Florida voters have a choice in their primary.
Here in Missouri, Roy Blunt is GOP choice for senator. He's gonna' get beat by Robin Carnahan because a lot of conservative voters are not going to vote for Blunt, another GOP good ole' boy who had a huge hand in getting us into the mess we're in.
Go Rubio!
Anneke| 9.30.09 @ 12:23PM
"Christ [sic] is the face of what the Republican party has become...."
Thomas: There are a lot of religious conservatives who wish that this were true.
Philip| 9.30.09 @ 1:01PM
Good analysis. NRSC doesn't understand that for many Florida conservatives, Crist is no different than having Bill Nelson. As for me, I simply won't vote for Crist. Ever. And that is because I resent the NRSC being such a cadre of insider kingmakers that I will work to defeat their candidate. I am not like a Democrat who follows the party bosses because that's what a union man does. But I believe we can beat Charlie because angry voters are tired of milk toast for breakfast and want some real substance. And we're getting angrier all the time.
Spicy Joker| 9.30.09 @ 1:12PM
Charlie Crist will fit right in with Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins.
Al Adab| 9.30.09 @ 2:02PM
This issue points out the deep seated problem of the accomodationist GOP. It falls to the Conservatives to re-invigorate the party (their only viable vehicle for success) in order to restore limited, Constitutional government.
We should remember what once was the clarion call to Conservatives, "I am not interested in running government more efficiently, for I intend to reduce its size." (Conscience of a Conservative) With clear goals and a plan of action aimed at achieving them, The Movement can yet restor the Constitution to America. History, perhaps, has given us one last chance. We must not be found wanting.
Lu Dumak| 9.30.09 @ 2:04PM
I am not from Florida and I can not stand Charlie boy. I agree with those that do not give to any Senatoral comittee's or the RNC that support RINO's. I send money to the canditates that I choose even if I can not vote for them. This is the only way to give Conservatives a chance. There are Conservative groups that do support people like Rubio, one is American Future Fund.
Michael L. Hauschild| 9.30.09 @ 5:36PM
I know nothing of the American Future Fund.
But I do know that every time you send money to some “group” you dilute the “effect” of your contribution. No one knows better what I wish to do with my money than me. These groups, some well meaning, some self-promoting, siphon off some of the cash to pay the people that work for them. If you have a candidate you support skip the middleman send the money directly and avoid waste.
mujalan| 9.30.09 @ 2:28PM
As a (former) Cornyn voter I am disgusted with the NRSC's endorsement of Crist. I think that conservative values voters are increasingly going to have to bypass the Washington GOP party hacks and support individual candidates of principle. No more blanket financial support of the NRSC or the RNC. They are not showing themselves institutions worthy of support.
Even with regard to the tea parties they are showing themselves to be followers rather than leaders. They wait to see which direction the wind is blowing and then try to hitch their wagons to it.
Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 9.30.09 @ 3:21PM
RINOs like John Cornyn & the NRSC are the cancer killing the GOP & they deserve the fate that awaits them. Conservatives, the NRSC, RNC, & weasels like John Cornyn are the enemy along with the Left & need to be defeated along with the Left! Start sending checks to Marco Rubio, Pat Toomey & any other proven Conservative running in a Republican primary against a RINO like Crist. When the NRSC or RNC call you for a donation tell them why you won't send them a donation then tell them to prepare for defeat after defeat. It leaves them speechless every time. RINO = Liberal!
Pingback| 9.30.09 @ 4:25PM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : GOP Soul Check [spectator.org] on To links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Kwills11| 9.30.09 @ 4:59PM
John Corny? Kinda describes his early selection of 'which way is the wind blowing' Charlie. I will only vote for Rubio. He hasn't been caught in bed with Obama. I'll write him in on election day. Charlie can count up the votes and then work on his tan in retirement.
jr| 9.30.09 @ 5:22PM
I am a Floridian and Crist will not get my vote and I will not donate to anyone other than one or two specific politicians. None to national or state Republicans because they will toss anyone who may win an election. There are already too many of those. Crist jumped high for the Obama bailout and was on the stump for it. Although he had a line item veto he chose to raise taxes -- in a recession!!!! Can you say and spell "idiot" Crist? What a followup to Mel Martinez, bring on the aliens, open borders, speak spanish. And Jorge Bush made him an honorary Chief.
Michael L. Hauschild| 9.30.09 @ 6:38PM
Anybody catch what Mr. Jindal did today? Sounds like Crist has a VP in mind. Thank the Lord (not the contributor) that I am a libertarian/conservative.
Michael L. Hauschild| 9.30.09 @ 8:18PM
Please stop whatever you are doing and go read the article, The Metamorphosis
By David Kahane over on NRO
John - TMF| 9.30.09 @ 8:48PM
1. Do not confuse the National Republican Senatorial Committee with the RNC. They are not exactly the same.
2. Why is Crist favored over a much better more reliable vote like Rubio? I betcha you'd find out if you followed the money.
Crist has been vetted and auditioned by Club Senate, Republican Cloakroom. His NRSC endorsement was probably bought and paid for with money, access, favors, junkets and the like. I don't have to give specifics because I don't have access to them, but I'd wager most of the NRSC has been to sunny Florida for golf and yachting... all hosted by Crist and associates.
2. Rubio has not paid the requisite tribute. He has not amassed and distributed the appropriate level of cross campaign contributions. He has not been on the scene long enough to have the contacts to arrange for the tony resort digs and golf packages that Sentors so love in the dreary Washington winter months.
So, if someone actually follows the money, the reason why Crist is ready to be piped aboard Club Senate, and Rubio is being told to settle for the back door to the caddy shack would be abundantly clear.
The game is afoot. I am not a Floridian, I know a few, and Rubio is their man. I hope he gets to be their Senator, as well.
BTW - Crist is not a RINO. Crist is a shallow political opportunist who, if it suited his ambitions, would be a Democrat, Libertarian, Green, or Bull Moose. (I would say "Know Nothing" but there are enough Catholics in Florida that Crist would be afraid to lose that potential vote mine.)
Someone who Cornyn might actually listen to, should inform the "honorable" Senator, that there is a list of reasons why there are only 39 Republicans in the Senate... The "C" in that list would be "C" for Crist.
R/The Mighty Fahvaag
Chris Crowley| 9.30.09 @ 9:38PM
Charlie Crist appoints liberal judge's to the bench, supports Obama's massive pork spending, and openly praises ACORN. Crist is a younger and tan version of Arlen Specter. As a Florida voter I will do all I can to elect Marco Rubio. This is a battle for the sould of the Republican Party and to save this nation from country club liberal Republicans like Charlie Crist.
Brian| 9.30.09 @ 9:56PM
Every time Repubs had Dems on the ropes in Florida, Crist came along and threw them a life line. Reed and Pelosi will be able to count on Crist.
philfl63| 9.30.09 @ 11:25PM
Yes, ole Charlie is a slick individual. He gets married to some hot, younger woman to put to bed those rumors of his being a closeted homosexual, and he wants to walk and talk liberalism but claim he is a conservative. He is definitely a RINO. God forbid he get into the Senate.
Motown Mike| 10.1.09 @ 4:38AM
While the RINOs don't know what to do with the Republican Party I suggest conservatives borrow it for awhile. By the way, did you ever notice that the only thing the Republican establishment gets passionate about is fighting conservatives?
Zinger!| 10.4.09 @ 5:59PM
Motown Mike have you got that right! Take note you RINO'S! You will NEVER get your Party back until and unless you all cut it out!
Len| 10.1.09 @ 6:35PM
The RNC is doing the same thing in Illinois, favoring Mark Kirk over Patrick Hughes. The leadership of this party is corrupt and only pays lip service to their platform. They do this to snooker the less informed, that they may garner their vote and maintain a place at the table, and by table I mean the money table, not the legislative table.
Folks the truth is the GOP has never been interested in true federalism and protecting the rights of man. They are the party of Lincoln in act and name. Look at who they give us, McCain, the Bushes, McConnell, etc. Why are men like Ron Paul marginalized? Do these men speak of protecting our rights for which government is formed, or do they use sleight of hand by creating all these enemies in the world, who according to them are at our door, ready to rob the house? Was 9/11 done by a national government or a handful of people who if the GOP fought for immigration policies that worked toward preserving and perpetuating our liberties and prosperity would never have set foot in this country?
Even the great "conservative" icon Reagan supported Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and allowed millions of illegals to become citizens on such a large scale that assimilation was never going to happen. Did Reagan not keep us involved in foreign entanglements, rather than bringing our forces home and building bases on our borders as called for under COMMON DEFENSE, not protecting democracy in the world? I could go on, but let me just end by urging all to stop falling for the big con.
Jerry| 10.1.09 @ 8:12PM
This is why I will not give one penny to the NRSC; they are so blind to what goes on all around them. Backing Crist over Rubeo is like backing Obama over R. Reagan.
It is also why I hope a lot of RINO's get knocked out of office; hopefully by conservatives in the primary who will go on to victory.
Yosemeti Sam| 10.2.09 @ 12:06AM
Should be an intriguing show of strength for a Sarah Palin conservative endorsement come primary time in Florida.
Rubio or Crist.
Joe| 10.2.09 @ 3:47PM
We don't need to keep the "Florida seat in the Republican column", we need to keep the Florida seat in the conservative column.
NJConservative| 10.4.09 @ 6:03PM
In NJ it is probably worse than both Californication and NYC put together. The Repub Party refuse to back any and all good conservatives. We had Bret Schundler, Steve Lonagan, and others in the past. This NJ MOB Party sucks big time. I see other states going the same route. I just hope the peeps are finally sick enough of this Obama Nation to vote the pukes out. But it sure doesn't look good.
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