Political Hay
Marco Gets It
Anti-socialist warrior and Charlie Crist opponent Marco Rubio talks about himself and his Senate campaign.
TAMPA — Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio of Miami is one of the most conservative of the new names seeking U.S. Senate seats in 2010. He’s 38, the son of blue-collar Cuban immigrants, and he compiled a solid conservative record in eight years in the Florida House, the last two as speaker.
Rubio is challenging Florida’s sitting Republican governor Charlie Crist for the nomination to the Senate seat Mel Martinez recently resigned from. But in his campaign speeches his political target is more the Obama administration and its leftward lurch than it is Crist, whom he rarely mentions.
Early in the year Rubio wasn’t given much of a chance. Crist, though of no discernible philosophical stripe and of no accomplishment anyone could point to, was popular, and a money-machine, as governors can be, on the campaign trail. Rubio, by contrast, trailed Crist in most polls by 25 points or so, and wasn’t raising much money. In August, if the race were a fight, the ref would have stopped it.
But then some interesting things started to happen. Rubio has run a vigorous campaign. He’s gotten positive notice from national conservative pundits and publications for his record and his campaign planks. He raised more than a million dollars in the last fund-raising quarter. The latest polls show Crist’s job approval numbers dropping and Rubio has cut the Crist lead in half in two months, even though there are still many Republican Floridians who don’t know Rubio. There’s ten months left before the August primary and Rubio has the mo. This one is now a race.
It’s a race because of the problematic nature of Crist. Crist, at different times has been called a moderate, a populist, a liberal, and a conservative. On many issues of importance, Crist feels very strongly both ways. He’s been all over the political map, one time talking about keeping taxes and government spending and intrusion down, other times whooping up cap and trade and championing our rookie president’s stimulus slush fund. His conservative credentials are further inconvenienced by the fact that he’s recommended Florida adopt California’s expensive auto emissions standards, was enthusiastic about the Kennedy/McCain “We Don’t Need No Stinking Borders Act of 2007,” has recently appointed a liberal justice to the Florida Supreme Court, and is totally absent whenever it’s time to say positive things about conservative social issues.
In Florida’s Senate primary next year, Florida Republicans have about as clear an ideological choice as is ever found in a Republican primary. Before a campaign appearance Friday night in front of a few hundred enthusiasts at a dinner put on by the North Tampa Republican Club, I had a chance to sit down with Rubio. His answers to my questions give a feel for what kind of a conservative he is.
TAS: Why do you think your campaign is increasingly successful, both in collecting money and in better poll numbers?
Rubio: I think it’s because my candidacy offers Floridians the opportunity to decide that we don’t want to be the party of cap and trade, that we don’t want to be the party of stimulus, that in fact we want to send people to Washington who will stand up to the direction this administration is taking our country and offer a clear alternative. We already have a Democratic Party. We don’t need two Democratic parties.
The base is enthusiastic about our candidacy. An authentic center-right message, an authentic limited-government message is where the mainstream of American politics is. The extremists in American politics are the ones who want government to take over our economy. The extremists are the ones who want government to dictate energy policy. The extremists are the ones who want America to become more like the rest of the world and less like the exceptional country that we know and love. Those are the ones who are out of touch with everyday Americans. Those of us who believe government shouldn’t spend money it doesn’t have, who believe the government shouldn’t become so involved in the economy that it becomes impossible to open a business in the spare bedroom of your home, we’re in the mainstream of American thought.
TAS: You’re making a lot of appearances. Your ground game, aka retail campaigning, has been producing results. Will you be sticking with it?
Rubio: When someone meets you, when they hear you speak in person, when someone in their lives that they know refers you to them, when they hear good things about you from a neighbor, a friend, or a loved one, that kind of support is permanent and lasting and meaningful and has roots. When all people know about you is what they’ve seen in a 30-second TV commercial, an alternative 30-second commercial can take them away from you. So I like the way we’re building our name recognition. When we started very few people knew who we were. Now it’s clear that at least half of Florida’s Republicans have come to learn about us, and of that half an overwhelming majority support us. Now we have the other half to reach. They’ll be harder to reach and it will take some money to get there. But we’re going to reach them in a way that is lasting and meaningful. That’s why I’m confident that we’re going to win this election.
TAS: Charlie Crist has run some ads where he claims he’s a conservative because, he alleges, he cut $7 billion from Florida budget this year, while failing to mention that Florida’s constitution requires a balanced budget, the recession diminished Florida’s state revenues, and the Florida Legislature was obliged to cut the budget. Crist really didn’t have much to do with it. What does this tell you?
Rubio: He’s running that ad all over the state and spending a significant amount of money doing it. I think behind that ad is the cynical idea that if you can raise enough money you can fool people. You can get them to forget who you were, and in fact you can re-invent yourself. I don’t think it’s going to work.
Anyone who goes to paid advertising this early in the campaign is scared about something. We’ve heard the ads that Charlie Crist has run on the radio, where for example he claims that the Cato Institute ranks him the nation’s number one conservative governor. Cato now says that was before Charlie raised taxes and fees in Florida by $2 billion, before he embraced cap and trade, before he went on stage and supported Barack Obama’s stimulus package. And we know all the other parts of his record that are troubling. He seems to have this notion that he can raise enough money to confuse people about what he’s about.
My campaign is going to tell people who I am. I have a record in public service that I’m proud of. The things I’m talking about and supporting today are no different than the ones I supported three years ago when everyone was saying we needed to moderate our message. I’m confident about who I am and am prepared to campaign on that.
About the Author
Larry Thornberry is a writer in Tampa.
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drudge ette obama| 10.26.09 @ 6:37AM
Rubio got my $25 this week. Help the guy out. Think how good it will feel when he wins.
cindy | 10.26.09 @ 6:56PM
I am on the REC and a conservative in Florida. Our 9/12teapartycommittee has submited question to Mr. Rubio 3 times and we are still waiting for a response.In his book 100 Ideas for Florida he supports public/private partnerships we would like a clear answer to why? Also does he reject sustainable development policy/ UN Agenda 21 to manage Earths people. He also has not been clear on open borders Jeb Bush supports him and is pushing for Amnesty. Will anyone ask these tough questions?
PCP Smoker| 10.26.09 @ 10:28PM
Cindy
you are a stupid bitch. Quit trashing the one guy who can defeat this cretin Crist. God gave you a brain, use it!
Dan| 10.27.09 @ 6:06AM
Cindy,
As an informed REC member, I too had concerns. However, I have attended his speaches and read his published Flyer. They directly deal with Open Borders, Amnesty, Global Governance and leading under the restrictions limited by Article 1 section 8 of the Constitution. I would suggest attending one of his events. Questionaires are usually written to find 1 thing to disagree with, so where is the advantage in answering them.
RCGOPfan| 10.30.09 @ 10:14AM
cindy
I do not know Mr. Rubio's position on these issues, but I suspect they are probably in line with yours. I do know Senator Bob Smith's positions, especially when it comes to amnesty which is No, No and Hell No! Sen Smith has a 100% voting record against amnesty during his 20 years serving in Washington. All his views and votes are listed on his website. Senator Smith was also I believe the first 9-12 candidate in Florida. His website is www.friendsofsenatorbobsmith.com
Hope this helps.
Pingback| 10.26.09 @ 7:45AM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Marco Gets It [spectator.org] on Top links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Robert Rosencrans| 10.26.09 @ 7:46AM
God Bless Him!
digitalis| 10.26.09 @ 8:27AM
Sent in $50 to Rubio although I have never lived nor care to live in Florida. I think we should be using the internet like the lefties to raise cash from all over the place. When I heard Crist thought he could steamroll another one I also thought it's time someone put the brakes on the RINOS. We have two parties in America now: the Democrats and the Totalitarians on the Left. Conservatives and true Republicans never really have true representation. We have not had a president since Reagan. Bush II and well as his father were hawkish dems. Period. I like the fact that Rubio is Cuban. The Cubans in Florida are an incredible group of people who lived through terror/tyranny and know it when they see it: Obama.
ame| 10.26.09 @ 8:53AM
I also sent Rubio some money. Republicans must take back our Party and our country and we can start that if we fight for those who ARE Republicans and slam RINOS, such as Gingrich, McCain, Graham, Snowe, Collins, Crist - they are just as dangerous as Obama and his Marxist punk Chicago thug ideologues. THROW THE BUMS AND THE BIMBO OUT.
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 10.26.09 @ 10:17AM
I just sent in a $200 donation to MR Rubio too, because I’m very concerned about what’s happening in the “Great” State of Florida.
You see, last year in November, on the way to visit my folks there, I had just crossed over the Stateline and my car started pulling very hard to the “Left”, and I almost crashed. So I figure, this donation is actually more of an investment on my car's next alignment, then it is on the future of Florida, but who knows, maybe it’ll help both.
Vote out the Liberals!! Vote out the Rinos!!
Ken (Old Texican)| 10.26.09 @ 12:12PM
Good for you, guys!
We at Team America are contributing to his campaign, and we are contacting teaparty groups in FL. to see how we can help them as "outside agitators" (smile).
Rubio is one of those key "sail setters" just like Hoffman in New York. If we can put these guys over the top, a lot of good things can start to happen all over the country: Good candidates, good platforms, good solid lessons to wavering Republican incumbents...
Lots of good stuff. http://judgeroy.wordpress.com
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 10.26.09 @ 12:38PM
Ken (OT): I’ve already signed up at your Team America website too, but I’m surprised, that you forgot to mention, that the sign up fee has been waved. http://judgeroy.wordpress.com I’m just looking out for you.
I’m also willing to be an outside agitator too, in the current New York, Virginia, and Florida races. From now on, I’m going to refer to myself as, the I-95 Rabble-Rouser!! But I’ve got an even better idea; I think I’m going to sic my folks on their retirement park in Florida, to get them fired up about the Rubio campaign too. You do not want to want to slam your door in my Mom’s face, because she will keep politely knocking, until you finally listen to her, tell you all about the candidate that she’s supporting (she’s ruthlessly nice!!).
Ken (Old Texican)| 10.26.09 @ 1:57PM
Hi Lulaby's
Please , identify yourself with TEAM AMERICA as you contact local people in these races. Give 'em the judgeroy blog-site as a reference to enter www.myteamusa.org
I promise, you can get to whoever you want, either in a campaign, or in a Republican headquarters.
Often times, local tea partiers are limited in the pressure they can exert...(they gotta' live there.)
Conversely, you...or I... can tear them up with reality. Shoot me an e-mail at kbjudgeroybean06@gmail.com with something interesting and I will follow on with a direct phonecall...and I can get in...you betcha!
Joe | 10.26.09 @ 1:13PM
I agree we need more Reps. That is why I sent $25 already and am sending more in November.
Oldefarte| 10.26.09 @ 2:02PM
My advice to Marco Rubio is to NEVER, EVER CHANGE his philosophy [even if he's defeated] because this country will change due to the current radical-socialist politicians now running our government. I'd advise any/all conservatives in Florida to support and vote for Marco, if they truly want to save our country from this liberal madness in DC. If not in this race, the Rubio's and the Hoffmann's of this country will eventually lead our country back to sanity and greatness!!!!!!
Grace| 10.26.09 @ 2:10PM
I am a supporter of Marco Rubio. I really like what he says. I believe he has the conservative message people want to hear. Crist is a Dem in disguise. Keep you eyes on this young man.
Grace| 10.26.09 @ 2:12PM
We need true conservatives not just candidates with an R behind their names. I'm sick of the RINO's we have on the Hill now.
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The Coalition Of The Swilling » Quote(s) of the Day links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Marco Gets It [spectator.org] on Top links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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IT Corner » Blog Archive » The American Spectator : Marco Gets It links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
TNGOP| 10.26.09 @ 7:05PM
Mr. Rubio is exciting. Mr. Rubio is the real deal and he (like Hoffman in NY-23) deserves support. I not only want him to win--in a state that I visit but would never desire to call home--I want him to be the model for other young, effective, articulate center-right Republicans who can do yeoman's work to rescue this country from the onslaught of Socialism that is upon us. We need "Marco" and his minions who know and respect the constitution to take BACK the America that Mr. Obama is so anxious to take away. I too am sending money!
MIFL Resident| 10.26.09 @ 8:04PM
I spend 6 months in MI and 6 months in FL. All is basically lost in Communist Michigan, the far left Dems have had control for too long. Don't let that happen to FL, support Marco with your dollars and your voice - I am.
FU*K OBAMA| 10.26.09 @ 8:46PM
SCREW the GOP leadership! The Bush's, McCain's, Colin's, Snowe's, Graham's,Steele's and anyother 'moderate'. We are in the fight for the soul of our country and our freedoms and liberty's.
I will never again give the GOP a red cent! I'm giving Marco the money! It's not much, but it is something that will help him stop the RINO from winning!
drudge ette obama| 10.27.09 @ 6:43AM
You are right to pinpoint your support to get the most bang for your buck.
As for the RNC, let them know that not one red cent to them if a penny goes to Snowe or Collins.
The best way to get the kid to eat vegetables is to feed him only vegetables.
REPUBLICAN VOTER| 10.27.09 @ 1:45AM
CINDY, WHY DONT YOU ASK MARCO YOUR SELF WHEN HE GOES TO SPEAK AT ANY OF THESE EVENTS! MARCO IS EVERYWHERE! AND MARCO HAS SAID HE IS AGAINST AMNESTY! FOR GOD SAKE JUST LISTEN! THIS IS THE ONLY MAN THAT COULD BEAT LIBERAL CRIST AND YOU WANT TO BASH HIM! WHY? JUST MAKE AN EFFORT TO SPEAK TO MARCO AT ANY OF HIS THOUSAND EVENTS! MARCO IS A TRUE CONSERVATIVE AND WILL FIGHT FOR US AND THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF OURS! GOD BLESS! GO RUBIO!!
Pingback| 10.27.09 @ 4:24AM
The American Spectator: Marco Gets It | HucksArmy | Grassroots for Gov. Mike Huckabe links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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The American Spectator : Marco Gets It | americantoday links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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Marco Gets It ! « What do I think? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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Rubio to Crist: Jump the fence already, Democrat. | Babalú Blog: an island on the net links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Rick Schwag| 10.27.09 @ 11:15PM
Will someone ask Marco about all the Cuban "refugees" on welfare in Miami?
Tens of thousands of which who have never paid a nickle of taxes here.
Then ask him what he has done about the rampant medicare fraud that's going on in Miami.
Richard Baker| 10.28.09 @ 8:56AM
When Cindy, above, says that she's still waiting for information from Rubio, my response is that with all the sources of information available today, waiting at your mailbox to find out what he believes is childish and petulant. Do come into the 21st Century.
siggie| 10.28.09 @ 4:30PM
I've got a problem: I live in Florida and whole-heartedly support Marco Rubio. I've given him $200 so far and expect to continue giving $100 each month. The problem is that in order to vote in the Republican primary I need to be a registered Republican, but I am not a Republican, I am a Conservative. Unfortunately, these days there seem to be relatively few Republicans who are Conservatives, and I won't be identified as a Republican by registering as one. Any suggestions? For example, could we ask Marco to commit to running as a Conservative ala Hoffman in NY-23 even if he loses the Republican primary to Crist, or would that backfire with many Republicans?
fedupinflorida| 10.28.09 @ 6:27PM
siggie, I've seen other Conservatives, Independents, say they are changing their affiliation to Republican just so they can vote for Marco, and will then switch back. I'm a 35 yr registered Republican who was going to change my affiliation because I'm sick of the RINO's now supposedly representing the Republican party. Once I learned about Marco I decided to hold off on doing that so I can vote for him in 2010. If by then the GOP doesn't come up with someone who represents conservatives for the 2012 race, I'll leave the Republican party.
Pingback| 11.2.09 @ 8:53AM
TampaBLAB » Blog Archive » In the face of declining poll numbers, here’s what Crist c links to this page. Here’s an excerpt: