LeMieux on Rubio: 'It's easy to throw rocks'

Gov. Charlie Crist issued a two-sentence statement, voicing disappointment with House Speaker Marco Rubio's decision to challenge the Seminole gambling compact -- and to ask the Supreme Court to decide whether lawmakers should ratify it. Crist's chief of staff, George LeMieux, wasn't so restrained.

"It's easy to be a critic," LeMieux said Monday, as he plopped a copy of Rubio's court petition on his desk. "It's disappointing because the governor is trying to show leadership, and it's not an easy situation ... We were put in a situation with the federal government where the governor felt like he didn't have a choice." LeMieux said Crist negotiated the best deal he could with the state, including a guarantee of at least $100-million a year in revenue to the state.

Whether Crist had a choice is vigorously debated. What is clear is that the gloves now appear to have been pulled completely off in the long-simmering tensions between the two Republicans in the House speaker's office and the governor's office.

"Often times, it's easier to throw rocks than to be a leader," LeMieux said. 

Comments

Where's our property taxes dropping like a rock?

Where's our homeowner's insurance reduction.

Charlie get to work!

Of course Charlie knows nothing about throwing rocks or being a leader.

He couldn't lead the way to the bathroom with $20 bucks in hand.

He is an AWFUL leader!!!

It's easy to say you are a leader when you stand for NOTHING and have NO principles!!!

Charlie thinks he's the Queen of Florida. He forgot he's only the governor.

George Lemieux can't even show enough leadership in his own office and fire Arlene, yet he has the gall to question anyone else's leadership?

Memo to George: doing whatever Barry Richard and the Seminoles tell you to do is not 'leadership.'

Stop whining and put your big boy pants on.

Will you girls please take it outside!

what the over/under on the number of posters so far that work in Marco's office.

Seriously Janice and crew, you're wasting time and money that is supposed to go towards building up the party, not tearing it down. Please stop acting like the 1980s/1990s Democrats for a few minutes and do something that helps our party.

George, its also very easy to throw rocks at others as you're accusing them of throwing rocks at you, isn't it?

You really have been a disappointment...

The only people who could possibly be disappointed with George Lemeieux are people who were hoping the governor and his staff would fail. Sorry you're so bitter loser.

[Wonky Tonk Woman]

The problem is with the statement that the governor is "trying to show leadership". Leaders don't have to TRY to show leadership...they just lead.

finally, the rubbers are off. this confrontation has been cooking for a long time. yet, marco should wait before loading for bear. this gambling issue will not get him the trophy he seeks--it's just target practice. wait a little longer until the target gets closer.

The compact is good for the Seminole Tribe. It guarantees money to the state. But, the untold part of the story is the damage it will truly do to the budget.

The compact puts jobs at risk in Florida by creating an unlevel playing field that puts existing parimutuels at a competitive disadvantage. By using this agreement to encourage business at the Seminole Casinos that are primarily in South Florida, the compact will likely lead to job losses across the state and lower tax collections from threatened parimutuel facilities.

Jeb Bush showed leadership.

“Jeb Bush showed leadership.”

Yeah… at the buffet table.

Maybe if Charlie is going to beat Rubio at the namecalling war, he is going to have to pay his cronies to blog the way some people do. Maybe if Charlie could hire away Christian, Alina, Esther and Ricky, there would be more positive quotes about him.

Rubio will eventually learn what every speaker before him has learned: being speaker doesn't mean squat outside Tallahassee. Unfortunately, because he seems to be listening to the exact same people it looks like he'll learn it exactly how Johnnie Byrd did. You would think after the Byrd debacle that all his advisers would be radioactive, or at least Rubio would remember what they did to Byrd but they're all right back where they can whisper in his ear just like they did before. Sad.

George, is a leader! He and Charlie will soon find that Arlene is their leak and deal with it. The State is in a budget crisis, Charlie is stepping up. They did the best they could do with Barry.

How about get rid of all poker & slots in Florida including parimutuels?

On another note, the Seminoles are a sovereign nation.

Arlene is leaking?… ewwwwwwww.. Someone get a towel before Charlie gets here for his photo op for “Deadbeat Dad, and Don’t Care” Magazine!

IF Arlene is the leak, they won't have to worry about that anymore. She hasn't been in the office since the Brazil. Maybe they have wised up.

I want to know who George Lemieux thinks he is. The Speaker is not perfect but he is a elected leader in this State and for a staffer of the governor to bad mouth him to the press is inexcusable. I think Lemieux should resign for this deplorable act

Lemieux is already on his way out--hes quitting to make some real $ and have a life----god help us all if arlene takes the reigns---the gov needs someone with some intelectual gravatas---arlene has none

George is leaving? Where is he going. Hope he is right on this issue because they have made manty enemies over this.

The Governor's Chief of Staff did overstep his authority in his comments about Speaker Rubio.

Take away the politics of this and get down to the nuts and bolts. A legislative leader believes a compact that will forever change Florida requires legislative approval. The Supreme Court is the referee in this dispute. It's a constitutional separation of powers issues. Of course, the reports and bloggers want it to be about Crist v. Rubio. While there is some truth to that, this is a serious constitutional issue which requires a resolution.

George and Arlene are both in way over their heads.

Arlene is known in Tallahassee circles as one of the worst human beings ever to walk the face of the earth.

When is George leaving? Probably realizes that the person he works for changes his mind faster than the women he dates. Must be tough always cleaning up.

Marco can't throw rocks because he doesn't have any stones

arlene is great get off it loser. did she fire you or just make you cry because you are worthless. she is in power and you are out of work so stop the bitching everyone knows who you are, dont we?

20 years from now I will be proud to have worked for Crist and LeMieux. 2 years from now Rubio staffers will not even put it on their resume and will instead lie about the time they spent working for Rubio. Advice: Just list it as "Management Training, Baby Gap" - that will be less embarassing for you.

[Charlie Brown]

George

Its not "leadership" for the Governor to exercise authority he doesn't have, its tyranny. We elected a Governor not a dictator. Read the Constitution.

Arlene rocks!!!

the oven in which arlene will be cooked is almost pre-heated. all that's left is to truss her up a bit before putting her on the rack for thanksgiving.

7:55
Arlene get off the blogs and get back to waxing Erin lip

Team Rubio, aka Team Gallagher...let's see the last time they lost by 30 points...betting this time it's worse

Don't sell Rubio short - I bet he gets twice what Byrd got - like 12 percent at least.

You all sure do FEAR Rubio!!!!

Crist is the nail and Rubio is about to be the hammer that buries him deep into the wood.

I point out for irony the fact that Rubio is now actually concerned about the Constitution and preservation of powers assigned by that document. He and all of the other legislators need to read the Constitution as it relates to school board authority and responsibility. The Florida Schools of Excellence is an unconsitutional board which was given powers assigned by the Constitution to school boards. The irony is that they don't really care about the Constitution unless it is their toes that are being stepped upon.

I don't know if the Governor has the authority to negotiate a compact with the Seminoles without a vote by the Legislature, but I know that the only question is whether the state gets anything or nothing from the tribe as they will get the full gambling they seek from the federal government if our state government cannot get a contract signed with them.

5:41 is right. Take away the politics, the issue of gambling, the rhetoric and everything else and it all boils down to separation of powers.

If you read the petition, the House makes a great case.

Hmmmm, anyone heard from the Senate?

To the very first poster in the series, I have to ask how many of the things you want for Charlie to deliver that he actually has the Constitutional authority or responsibility to accomplish. All of the changes you want would require legislative action and some would even require a 60% vote by the citizens to change the constitution.

It is funny to attack Charlie because he has overstepped his Constitutional authority and then attack him for not accomplishing things that he does not have the authority to complete.

During the campaign, he did promise to drop insurance rates "like a rock." What we got was what the legisalture was willing to pass.

He promised to double the homestead exemption. The legislature put this on the ballot for January.

He promised to make SOH portable. The legislature put that on the ballot for January.

Exactly what is it that Charlie didn't do?

does this governor have a rock garden? rock throwing and rock dropping - geez, everyone just better wear hard hats round the capitol from now on

Again, let's just take the rest of their land, then there can't be any casinos.

looks like the insurance lobbying group is bloging their heart out. Still trying to discredit Charlie for doing his job and stoping them from overcharging Florida citizens. My insurance went down and now I qualify for funds to harden my home. Sore loosers!!!! You guys are really scum.

Funny, my insurance doubled this year.

You all have to put yourself in poor Goerge's position. The man has realized that he is responsible for giving Florida its most inept and incompetent Governor ever.

[terminator]

Frenchy's leaving? Where's he going? Back to God's land?
Does that mean Wilton Manors (where he ran an aborted campaign for state rep)? With about a 100% gay population, it's about the worst example of God's land I can think of.
Oh yeah, I heard he'll be running Steve Geller's campaign for Broward County Commission.
Get serious guys, Frenchy and the kiddy crew won one (I repeat ONE campaign).
While Gallagher was intellectually superior and far more experienced than Crist, he had some personal credibility issues that impacted his campaign.
The state of Florida is getting what it asked for (screwed).
Charlie hasn't solved the insurance crisis, he hasn't cut property taxes, he hasn't improved public education, he's lied and backtracked on a number of campaign promises (including expansion of gambling).
Also, my understanding is the compact does not require the state to spend the money on public education.
Sound like the lottery?
Face the facts, Charlie's a loser. His poll numbers are dropping as we speak.
The guy never should have been Gov and may be lucky to get re-elected.
Maybe this will force him to start doing something for the constituency that put him in office.

7:31 - Wow, big statement from a team that just arrived in Tallahassee. Yeah, I'm sure Bob Ward and all of Speaker Rubio's advisors will be at the WalMart greeting your children and you with all of your money that just ain't there. I wish all the former Crist (10 months of work) advisors all the best cause the spoils ain't gonna be there for you.
10:05, i think he knew this a long time ago and genuinely has a heart of gold for the clown he clothed, painted and mentored.

A non-gallagher, johnnie byrd, insurance, nor Rubio loving Floridian.

If the Feds said it's OK for Las Vegas style prostitution to take place on the Indian reservations and the State could sign a compact to get some tax receipts, would Crist sign it? Yes he would because the man has not moral integrity. I've never been a Rubio fan, but win or lose on the court case, he's a winner with me now.

To the State House Reps and Speaker Rubio:

Thank you for doing the right thing.

[zenator]

In 6 months, it will be: "Marco, who?"

4:40 spare me the b/s

just how many "jobs" do those parimutuels really provide? certainly not ones that pay enough to afford to live in this state

Hey the people want casino gaming..The state need sthe money.Of course this is a GOP blog lets stop the damn hipocracy..That the thing about a right wing gop party.The will of the Dems and independants is ignored for percieved political gain.No one is the state will ever remember Rubio after his term..except back in w Miami.So my central Florida hypocrites..getta life Casinos were in S Florida till 1950 they will be here again..

[Omega83]

funny how the people applaud Jeb Bush's "leadership" are the same ones on here decrying Crist's actions as "unconstitutional" and usurpation of the balance of powers.

The utter hypocrisy of the Bush/Gallagher/Rubio crowd in Tallahassee KNOWS NO BOUNDS

[enzo the baker]

821-

I think the Stan's are just now starting to feel like their intelligence is being insulted. In part, the Governor has delivered on specific promises of minor import (SOH, double homestead), while grossly overselling both his ability to deliver on the greater problem, as well as the meaningfulness of the result. And that's what's pissing Stan off. The Governor is feeding us toast with ketchup and melted Superbrand cheese. He's calling it Momo's Pizza.

He chooses to play the "leadership" game, which for him consists of either (1) proclaiming a crisis and creating exhorbitant expectations, then hanging back on major policy efforts to see what the rest of the gang does, and finally issue a catchy proclamation hailing the result as the greatest pizza ever, or (2) going wholly off the reservation on his own, damn the constitution, and create a situation that is politically impossible to recalibrate within the law, after which he can play the scorned chef who has to work with inferior ingredients.

The common thread to either of his approaches is that the bill for these little pies comes due well after the Governor has moved on.

Enjoy your little slice.

[terminator]

Zenator:
you're far too smart to believe that!
Marco will have a bright future in politics. I wouldn't be surprised to see him challenge Mel Martinez but think he will most likely opt for a safe senate seat of a termed out legislator.
He is a rising star in Florida GOP politics.

Omega:
I'm not so concerned about the constitutionality aspect (executive vs legislative) but more with no guarentees in the compact that REQUIRE the money be spent on education and REQUIRE the money be utilized for enhancement, not just supplant existing revenue.
Remember the lottery?

The true test is coming. Special session will be called in January to deal with a $700 million dollar additional budget shortfall. Blood will flow in the streets of Tallahassee as jobs are eliminated. Rebellion will swell as Democrats start insisting on a tax increase to stop the cutting. Will Republicans stand their ground to get this economy back on track?

CC violates law when giving $300K to Anderson family. Rubio says nothing. Why now? All of the leaders need to be schooled on the Constitution as well as Statutes they are suppose to abide by when making decisions.

BANG-O-RANG, 8:13!

[Wiseguy]

I thinks the legislators want to see this as replacement cash like the lotto. A 100 mil is small change but could do some good in some areas. But if they buy pork and it does nothing to reduce real taxes then FORGETABOUTIT!!

[zenatress]

"all bad precedents began as justifiable measures"

While I support our Governor and believe his team sought the best deal for the state, decisions like this are a slippery slope. Separation of powers is critical to our stability - and it's the law.

And while the roadside is littered with presiding officers certain they have a chance at higher office, sometimes the right thing can be done for all the wrong reasons.

[zenator]

Termie:

Thanks, but I really do not believe that Marco has a "bright future." It is very difficult for a House Speaker to gain sufficient voter recognition in Florida so as to remain a player after his tenure comes to an end. Since term limits kicked in, there have been a number of Speakers. How many went on to have bright political futures?

Marco is much like Wiley E. Coyote in the Road Runner cartoon. On the one hand, you have got to admire him for trying. On the other hand, he always manages to screw it up...

I heard George is being forced out, because he just can't support Crist anymore. At the end who will be standing with our Governor?, Kottkamp, Greer, ????. This time next year things will look pretty bad.

[terminator]

Zenator:
while I agree with your underlying premise regarding the ability of past house speakers to get elected statewide, I believe Marco will break that tradition based on a number of factors:
a. he's young
b. he's smart
c. he's ambitious
d. he's a good looking guy with charisma
e. he speaks well
f. he is able to identify and seize on the issues important to the conservative base
g. he will enjoy the backing of the Bush family machine in future elections
h. he is well known to most Floridians (at least those who read a newspaper every so often)
i. Florida's growing Hispanic population will endorse him as their standard bearer and most likely could become the first Cuban born Governor of Florida.

I predict, he'll run for a safe senate seat in Miami-Dade in 2008, meanwhile preparing for a statewide run in 2010(Gov if Charlie continues down the same path the next year or so, or CFO if Alex Sink becomes the Democratic gubernatorial candidate and assuming Charlie begins to shift back to the right in anticipation of the 2010 election).

The guy's like a young GOP John F. Kennedy. He's got what it takes and plays to the media well.

Call me crazy but.......

Somobody recruit Allan Bense for Governor. Please!

10:38 you may be on to something. Bense just might be able to pull it off. But would he take the pay cut?

[McCollum]

Charlie and George are both flaming liberals (well--only one is flaming--yuk yuk). I on the other hand am the true conservative and I'm am ramping up the AGO to be just like Spitzers. I got Trish Conner--and excellent Anti-Trust and free market interloper--to take care of business and get more money without taxes!!!

[terminator]

Bense while a good guy and good leader is past his prime.
His shelf life expired about two years ago!

terminator -

agreed on the promises to education spending. As in the private sector, when you hamstring revenues to a specific purpose, you inevitably get a blowback on other fiscal issues throughout the organization.

the fact that this revenue "guarantee" is tied to an industry that, economically speaking, fluxuates in collections, is even scarier - but then again, this state primarily relies on a consumption tax anyway, which is about as volatile as it can get - i.e., the present economy.

"The first rule of economics is scarcity. There is never enough of a particular supply for all those who demand it. The first rule of politics is to completely disregard the first rule of economics."

You all sure do FEAR Rubio!!!!

Charie, run another poll! You can not continue to flip flop on every issue; it finally catches up to you. Your a Dem. and you know it. You will say and do whatever it takes to get elected. The only problem is, everyone is beginning to see the real you. The support that you received in your election will not be their in your re-election, you will see. What's that saying; "You can fool some of the people some of time but, you can't fool all of the people all of the time".

Having served under Jeb and now under Charlie, I can tell you that Jeb at least did what he believed in. I might not have agreed with him even as a Republican member but, I respected him. Charlie, on the other hand has not only lost my respect, he lost my vote. In life you have to walk your talk and do what you promise. A man without his word is nothing.

If Lemieux is really on his way out, he is going home to Broward County to either:
- run for Bogdanoff's State House Seat since she terms out in '10;
- run for Clay Shaw's Congrssional seat which is now occupied by an irrelevant D rookie and the GOP are only offering token opposition;
- run for Broward County Commission against Ken Keechl - a rookie who took Scott's district when Scott became to good to deal with his contituents.

11:36 - people fear Rubio like they fear Bob Allen

Terminator: While he is young, smart and good looking, he may be too ambitious. His ambitions have led him to come across as an overly aggresive troublemaker & this has not played well with the media. They have called him on it & made him look like a fool.

People fear Crist like they do Bob Allen and that's a fact Jack!!!

[Little Napoleon]

Little George is setting up shop in Tally to be a very high paid lobbyist. Isn't the what they all do.

Is George REALLY leaving? And when? Are we talking a week form now- or next year?

[one face of eve]

to all of those that track i.d.'s on this - will someone please tell us who terminator is so the next time I see him in Tally I can tell him face to face how ridiculous he is instead of doing it ad nauseum on the blog.

[terminator]

Eve,
you'll find me over at Clyde's after session drinking with the FEA boys!
Later stop by Paradise or Cafe Cabernet.
Are you hot?
I like women with ample assets.
See you in January!

Zenator is always right, and, sorry termie, you've been wrong too many times. A speaker simply does not get enough press, or have a high enough profile, (even for those who do read papers), to matter outside capital circle. He can try to keep his name in the headlines, but people still go marco what? Certainly no match for Charlie's mass appeal.

[Florida Citizen]

Someone asked earlier if we had heard from the Senate in all of this - I haven't. Seems the Senate leader is - as usual - not leading. Just as he ignored things leading up to August, he doesn't seem to know what to do here. So he stays quiet instead of leading. The Governor is trying his best to do what is right for the entire State - not just one district.

Anyone else notice that George is speaking more to the press lately than the governor's press shop?

George on his last day speaking to the staff, Well it's been fun, well let's say interesting. Arlene please treat people better, the world's not out to get you, Meredith stop using the Governors name all the time to get what you want and stop being a Drama queen, Governor sir , please stop talking about Wexler all the time, remember we might just need the Republican party someday again. Greer get some balls and tell the Governor to start acting like a Republican before the Party turns completely on him and you, oh and by the way, eveyone DON'T CALL ME , I'll CALL YOU.