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run, Charlie, run

Beach Fanatic
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Our Opinion: Run, Charlie, run | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat
In truth, if ever an elected state governor could rightly claim that the party left him and not the other way around, it is Mr. Crist. The most conservative branch of the party tried to bully the governor into signing a bill it had rammed through the Legislature with almost no public input and without hearing from people within education circles on teacher merit pay.

The governor, as with most reasonable people, said he favored basing teachers' pay on measurable standards that will reward good teachers, including those who take on tough assignments in poorly performing schools and those working with special-needs children.

If both major parties had more members who based their decisions on critical thinking and the welfare of the people who elected them; our country would not be in such a divisive place as it is right now IMO. I don't agree with all Gov Crist's politics by a long shot; but, I do admire him for standing up for what he believes to be the right thing. He is not just pandering to the party's base and the money bags...he understands that once elected, the job is to govern the state for all the people, not just the Republican Party!

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Replies

31
Here4Good avatar
Beach Fanatic
#2
Yes, and frankly, the more out-of-state Republicans who endorse Rubio because we "need a unified Republican front in Washington", the more I am loathe to vote for him.

Hey, Mitt/Sarah/Eric Cantor, et al: go home and take care of your own states, and let us take care of Florida. I am not electing a Senator for the benefit of the GOP, I am electing a Senator for the benefit of FLORIDA.
Bob avatar
SoWal Insider
#3
anyone but rubio
Bob Wells avatar
Beach Fanatic
#4
I believe the Gov. Crist was pandering to those who opposed SB6 to get votes. I believe he should run, I believe he has attracted a ton of attention from the left and right and because there are many who are looking for the middle ground and Gov Crist "appears" to be it. My personal feeling, if elected he will align himself with the R's and not venture across the line to support something in the best interest of Floridians, unless it will garner him many votes and only near election time, when we the voters don't hold politicians accountable for votes they have cast in the past.
Beach FanaticAuthor
#5
you may be right...but, there is enough in his record from when he was in the state legislature through all the other offices he has held, to tell me there is a chance that he will continue to behave as he has behaved...we'll see.


Frankly, I hope Kendrick Meek wins:biggrin:but, I still have some respect for the Governor.
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#6
I really don't feel Crist is capable of making the right decision when the answer involve a hard choice. I was impressed with Rubio in this last interview, both were asked about raising the ss retirement age. Economist generally agree this is something that needs to be done to save social security. Crist pandered to the retirement base, even though they wouldn't be effected, Rubio made the hard choice and agreed it should be raised. I haven't dug into the issues much yet but it's things like that that have me leaning toward Rubio.

I also seriously doubt Meek has what it takes to make those kinds of decisions either, although I admit I know little about her. None of the candidates yet have extensive issues pages on their sites, so it's hard to tell how they would vote.
Beach FanaticAuthor
#7
I really don't feel Crist is capable of making the right decision when the answer involve a hard choice. I was impressed with Rubio in this last interview, both were asked about raising the ss retirement age. Economist generally agree this is something that needs to be done to save social security. Crist pandered to the retirement base, even though they wouldn't be effected, Rubio made the hard choice and agreed it should be raised. I haven't dug into the issues much yet but it's things like that that have me leaning toward Rubio.

I also seriously doubt Meek has what it takes to make those kinds of decisions either, although I admit I know little about her. None of the candidates yet have extensive issues pages on their sites, so it's hard to tell how they would vote.

Kendrick Meek is a man.
Beach Fanatic
#8
I really don't feel Crist is capable of making the right decision when the answer involve a hard choice. I was impressed with Rubio in this last interview, both were asked about raising the ss retirement age. Economist generally agree this is something that needs to be done to save social security. Crist pandered to the retirement base, even though they wouldn't be effected, Rubio made the hard choice and agreed it should be raised. I haven't dug into the issues much yet but it's things like that that have me leaning toward Rubio.

I also seriously doubt Meek has what it takes to make those kinds of decisions either, although I admit I know little about her. None of the candidates yet have extensive issues pages on their sites, so it's hard to tell how they would vote.

Rubio actually said he would look at all options which suprised me.

He specifically said how COLAs are calculated should be adjusted.

I didn't read anything about him wanting to raise the retirement age.

I used to think raising the full retirement age to 70 made sense until I talked to someone my age who is a carpenter. Gradually to 68 is a fair compromise.
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#9
Kendrick Meek is a man.

oops! I got him mixed up with Sink.
Bob avatar
SoWal Insider
#10
I believe the Gov. Crist was pandering to those who opposed SB6 to get votes. I believe he should run, I believe he has attracted a ton of attention from the left and right and because there are many who are looking for the middle ground and Gov Crist "appears" to be it. My personal feeling, if elected he will align himself with the R's and not venture across the line to support something in the best interest of Floridians, unless it will garner him many votes and only near election time, when we the voters don't hold politicians accountable for votes they have cast in the past.
read how sb6 was pushed through the legislature, and perhaps reevaluate your position.
AlphaCrab avatar
Beach Fanatic
#11
I really don't feel Crist is capable of making the right decision when the answer involve a hard choice. I was impressed with Rubio in this last interview, both were asked about raising the ss retirement age. Economist generally agree this is something that needs to be done to save social security. Crist pandered to the retirement base, even though they wouldn't be effected, Rubio made the hard choice and agreed it should be raised. I haven't dug into the issues much yet but it's things like that that have me leaning toward Rubio.

QUOTE]

His hard choice will sink him with seniors in Fla. Go Ruby!
AlphaCrab avatar
Beach Fanatic
#12
This left of center Democrat, and friends, are totally prepared to raise money and support for Crist if he becomes an Independant. Charlie we have your back.
LuciferSam avatar
Banned
#14
Poor Rubio--the IRS is now on his case--oh wait, the IRS :shock:--that will actually EXCITE his Teabagging base in the klan party!



Rubio's Ethics Becoming Issue In Senate Campaign


Pretty strong language. Bernie Goldberg doesn't approve and Sean Hannity wants an apology.
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#15
It took less than five minutes in the Rubio/Crist debate a couple of Sundays ago for me to make up my mind and it wasn't in support of Crist. He immediately started the dirty politics theme and it was unsubstantiated in any way. He has screwed every beachfront property owner by not allowing major insurance companies to increase their hurricane insurance rates at a reasonable level so now we are stuck with Citizens.
If he runs as an independent, he has gone against what he said very vociferiously two weeks ago and puts himself in the same category as Spector and others who change parties only because it serves their interest and does nothing for the voters. Bye, bye Charlie if you choose this path.
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#16
It took less than five minutes in the Rubio/Crist debate a couple of Sundays ago for me to make up my mind and it wasn't in support of Crist. He immediately started the dirty politics theme and it was unsubstantiated in any way. He has screwed every beachfront property owner by not allowing major insurance companies to increase their hurricane insurance rates at a reasonable level so now we are stuck with Citizens.
If he runs as an independent, he has gone against what he said very vociferiously two weeks ago and puts himself in the same category as Spector and others who change parties only because it serves their interest and does nothing for the voters. Bye, bye Charlie if you choose this path.

Yeah, I've always liked the guy, he's upbeat. But he's too wishy washy on the issues.

Currently though even if Crist goes indie, he and Meek still lose according to Rasmussen. So I'm not too worried about loosing the senate seat to the dems (yet). If Crist won as an independent, meh, that'd be ok too. Rubio has his negatives as well from what I've seen.

Election 2010: Florida Senate - Rasmussen Reports™

Meek is a long shot even with a three way race, so things don't look too bad.

In general, for me this race is about taking back the senate from the dems, and I'll vote accordingly.

Edited

Arkiehawg avatar
Beach Fanatic
#17
Yeah, I've always liked the guy, he's upbeat. But he's too wishy washy on the issues.

Currently though even if Crist goes indie, he and Meek still lose according to Rasmussen. So I'm not too worried about loosing the senate seat to the dems (yet). If Crist won as an independent, meh, that'd be ok too. Rubio has his negatives as well from what I've seen.

Election 2010: Florida Senate - Rasmussen Reports?

Meek is a long shot even with a three way race, so things don't look too bad.

In general, for me this race is about taking back the senate from the dems, and I'll vote accordingly.


How does Crist or Rubio winning help you in this cause?
AlphaCrab avatar
Beach Fanatic
#18
Pretty strong language. Bernie Goldberg doesn't approve and Sean Hannity wants an apology.[/QUOTE]

I would like an aplology from his parents.
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#19
How does Crist or Rubio winning help you in this cause?

If Crist won as an independent, he'd still caucus with the reps, just like Lieberman does with the dems. It would put him in a pretty powerful spot considering the senate will likely be a (+/- 1 or 2) 50/50 split after the next election. Rubio obviously isn't an issue.
Arkiehawg avatar
Beach Fanatic
#20
If Crist won as an independent, he'd still caucus with the reps, just like Lieberman does with the dems. It would put him in a pretty powerful spot considering the senate will likely be a (+/- 1 or 2) 50/50 split after the next election. Rubio obviously isn't an issue.


That I understand, but either scenario doesn't provide the reps an advantage for that Senate Seat. If I'm correct, they currently have that seat, because it use to be Mel's.

In other words, it isn't a plus like it would be by taking a current Dem seat.
Bob avatar
SoWal Insider
#21
Marco Rubio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Marco Antonio Rubio (born May 28, 1971) is an American politician and lawyer. Rubio was the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives during the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions. He was first elected to the Florida House as a Republican on January 25, 2000, from the 111th district. He is a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by George LeMieux.



Rubio was born in Miami, Florida, the son of Cuban exiles. A Roman Catholic, he is fluent in Spanish. His father was a bartender and his mother in hotel housekeeping in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rubio lived in Las Vegas from 1979 to 1985, though his family returned to Miami in the summer of 1985. Rubio attended South Miami Senior High School and graduated in 1989. He then attended Tarkio College for one year on a football scholarship from 1989 to 1990 before enrolling at Santa Fe Community College and the University of Florida. He earned his B.S. in political science from the University of Florida in 1993 and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Miami in 1996. While studying law, he interned for Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Rubio is married to Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader (1997) of Colombian descent, and they have four children together: Amanda, Daniella, Anthony, and Dominick. Rubio and his family live in West Miami, Florida.
[edit] Career

Marco Rubio served as a City Commissioner for West Miami before being elected to the House of Representatives for the 111th District in a special election on January 25, 2000 and won repeated re-election.[1] In November 2006, he was elected Speaker of the Florida State House for the 2006-08 term.

He is best known for his book 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future. The book was compiled from Rubio's travels around the state to gather ideas from citizens. This was done through what Rubio calls "Idearaisers". Many of the issues that he pushed for in his first year as speaker came from ideas in this book. During 2007, Marco Rubio championed a major overhaul of the Florida tax system. He argued it would reduce property taxes and decrease the size of government. While his effort stalled, it created enough debate within the Florida Legislature to pass a more modest plan supported by Governor Charles Crist.[citation needed]
Bob avatar
SoWal Insider
#22
lightweight, career politician
wrobert avatar
Beach Fanatic
#23
Yeah, I've always liked the guy, he's upbeat. But he's too wishy washy on the issues.

Currently though even if Crist goes indie, he and Meek still lose according to Rasmussen. So I'm not too worried about loosing the senate seat to the dems (yet). If Crist won as an independent, meh, that'd be ok too. Rubio has his negatives as well from what I've seen.

Election 2010: Florida Senate - Rasmussen Reports?

Meek is a long shot even with a three way race, so things don't look too bad.

In general, for me this race is about taking back the senate from the dems, and I'll vote accordingly.

Charlie will go NPA and stay a Republican. After he gets elected, all will be right with the world. Rubio will be sprinting to the middle in 8 days. The Tea Party will go ballistic because he will stop returning their calls and you will see all of them start to move toward Bob Smith.
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#24
lightweight, career politician

Clearly Bob you hate Cubans because you don't like Rubio. For shame Bob, for shame. :nono1: Step into the modern age, shed your hate.

Edited

wrobert avatar
Beach Fanatic
#25
That I understand, but either scenario doesn't provide the reps an advantage for that Senate Seat. If I'm correct, they currently have that seat, because it use to be Mel's.

In other words, it isn't a plus like it would be by taking a current Dem seat.


The seat is currently held by Republican LeMieux who will be running against Senator Nelson in 2012.
Arkiehawg avatar
Beach Fanatic
#26
Clearly Bob you hate Cubans because you don't like Rubio. For shame Bob, for shame. :nono1:


Oh wise one....isn't he Cuban?:biggrin:

IMO, he is a Castro Spy just trying to infiltrate our Federal Government....;-)

No Fair 30a....you edited the "Mexican" while I was posting.....booooo

Edited

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