Reporter's notebook: Rubio vs. Crist

It's been pitched as both a battle for the soul of the Republican Party and a desperate attempt by a state lawmaker to stay relevant. Whatever the case, the rift between House Speaker Marco Rubio and Gov. Charlie Crist is the talk of Tallahassee. Here are more thoughts:

"Our conservative compass seems to be lost," said Rep. Frank Attkisson, R-Kissimmee, who supported Tom Gallagher in the GOP primary. "I think (Rubio) has treaded water as long as he can. I think you see him saying 'Where in the world is the conservative? Is there an empty suit in the governor's office.?' "

"The volume has been turned up but I'm not sure it really has had any impact," said Rep. Jack Seiler, D-Wilton Manors. "I think (Rubio) is trying to position himself as the heir-apparent to Jeb Bush but I don't know if that's a recipe for success right now. ... The governor is popular and remains popular."

"Marco may think he's running for governor now. I doubt two months after he leaves the speakership he will," said Sen. Steve Geller, D-Cooper City. "He is trying to lead the party to the right. That's bad public policy but it is better for Democrats. The more extreme he makes the party, the more he cedes the center to us."

"He's a talented young conservative and obviously has a bright future," said former Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon. "I'm sure he's using this to communicate his political ideology. But I don't believe it's contrived. These are his core principles."

Aubrey Jewett, UCF political science professor: "It's possible Crist could get a challenge from the right in a primary. Right now I wouldn't bet on it. If I were him, I'd be a little concerned but he's got plenty of time to mend fences."

Dario Moreno, FIU professor and friend of Rubio: "Usually House speakers are not that well known. They tend to operate in obscurity. Marco Rubio has really flexed the muscle of the speakership. ... I don't think there's a chance in hell Marco will run against Crist. But I do think he's trying to define himself as a conservative against a background of Crist's moderation. Politics is about defining yourself."

Comments

I disagree with the last statement by Marco's friend that politics is about defining yourself. Politics is about getting things done for the people who elected you. Charlie is the Governor. He runs the agencies and he vetos bills he doesn't like. Marco controls one-half of the bill passing branch of government. How has he done with passing bills?
Lowered property taxes (pretty good actually even though he calls HIMSELF a failure in this regard);
property insurance (not so good);
PIP (not so good right now but ok after January); and,
state budget (not so good and getting worse by the day).

Charlie should not be held responsible by the Legislature for THEIR inability to pass bills. If Charlie had vetoed bills that helped with the items listed above, such an action would be his fault, but passing bills falls in the domain of the Legislature. Rubio is the Speaker of the House. These "failings" are his and his compatriots in the Legislature.

Hello - Marco? I represent the investors in a couple hundred thousand empty condos in Miami. How much will it cost me to communicate with your core principles?

[ert]

The only thing Marco's antics will do is cause Cristi to pretend to be a conservative for a few months before the next gubernatorial election. Like I said, pretend.

Buzz readers take note: Crist's biggest allies in Tallahassee are Jack Seiler and Steve Geller.

[nonee moose]

12:47,

"Politics is about getting things done for the people who elected you."

Really?

It is amazing the two people who defended Crist most openly are Steve Geller, the DEMOCRAT leader in the Senate, and Jack Seiler, a DEMOCRAT leader in the house (albeit - Seiler is a great guy). Actually, I can't believe I am saying this as a Republican, but I actually lose faith in Seiler every time he stands up for this empty suit, populist Governor. Jack, you have more substance, and care more passionately about important issues than to put your own credibility on the line for a Governor you know is a disaster. The fact is, Crist gives you his recognition, and he's even a nice guy. And you are responding to that rather than recognizing the truth about his lack of leadership. I will never vote for Crist again. Fact is, as a base Republican voter, rest assured I will be sitting this one out. You guys that think we lost the last cycle because we were too conservative are wrong. We lost the last cycle because our party became corrupt. Jeb Bush left office, as a staunch conservative, with 65% approval. Crist, if you are reading into the political environment that the ticket to your success is the DEMOCRATS, you really are sadly mistaken. When people like me stay home, and you have no base of loyal, staunch supporters, you will be on your own when your Democrat buddies vote for their own.

[Former GOP]

I left the Republican party years ago when it became apparent that it was becoming nothing but a monolithic "our way or the highway" party - with their agenda written for them by their corporate handlers. Wake up, dinosaurs - you've failed and your day is past. The moderates like Crist represent your only hope of evolving your party into credibility with the people - someday.

A Cuban from Miami backed by wingnuts like Attkisson, who has about as much charm and sense as an armadillo, is not going to win a statewide race in Florida.

A Cuban from Miami backed by wingnuts like Attkisson, who has about as much charm and sense as an armadillo, is not going to win a statewide race in Florida.

A Cuban from Miami backed by wingnuts like Attkisson, who has about as much charm and sense as an armadillo, is not going to win a statewide race in Florida.

A Cuban from Miami backed by wingnuts like Attkisson, who has about as much charm and sense as an armadillo, is not going to win a statewide race in Florida.

[Edmund Burke]

The Tell here is that the papers always have a D speaking favorably about the Governor. Can anyone find positive statements about this administration from any R elected officials during the past 6 months? The trend is not a good one. Certainly never from one who professes to be a conservative.

Don't degrade the armadillo!

[John]

If Speaker Marco Rubio can get us meaningful property tax relief, I WILL DEFINITELY VOTE FOR HIM AS GOVERNOR.