Karl Rove strokes a check to Marco Rubio

NBC News: ...One of those Republicans with close ties to the Bush family, Karl Rove, has signaled his preference with his wallet. Rove confirms to NBC News that he has contributed a $1,000 to Rubio's campaign, the donation will be made public when Rubio files his next FEC report (due Oct. 15).

This comes on the heels of Jeb Bush's public signal that he plans to stay neutral in the Crist-Rubio primary; Many believe this is Jeb's way of quietly telling influential Florida Republicans that he'd prefer Rubio but doesn't want to alienate Crist since he's still the heavy favorite in the primary.

The Buzz among Rubio allies is that he raised more than $600,000 in the last quarter - including $65,000 at a recent Jacksonville fundraiser where officially neutral John Thrasher was among the many bigs to show up. While Rubio's burn rate and cash on hand will be critical, that number is certainly enough to maintain his viability and keep this primary interesting. That Rove donation, by the way, came in Oct. 3, and so won't show up in the next finance report.

Comments

[george]

i'll bet thats not all karli "stroked"!

what a contemptible pair of swine!!

[Not important]

That Rove supported Rubio isn't that important. The total # will be what matters. He needs to be in the $750 range to remain credible. Charlie's numbers won't be nearly as strong as his last report, but even half of that would be greater than Rubio's total.

Rubio needs to run a tight ship with a focus on strong outreach and follow-through. He'll never beat Chuck on retail politics, and he can't match him dollar for dollar, but he CAN beat Charlie on the message -- because Marco has one and Charlie is an empty suit.

[HBO Monday Oct 5 at 9:00pm]

Karl Rove is supporting Marco?!?!?!

That's huge news!

And more bad news for Charlie.

If Charlie were smart, Charlie would drop out and back into the Governor's race.

[Buzzard.]

I personally plan to donate the maximum allowed by law. Soon as I win the Powerball.

[come on]

interesting that "Not Important" made sure to say a number higher than that projected in the story. If arbitrary lines were important then you sir, would be king.

[zenator]

Come on:

It is SOP for the opposition to attempt to create unrealistic expectations with respect fund raising.

That said, it is hard to imagine that Rubio will raise $750,000, when his big event in JAX raised only $65,000 in a race where each donor can contribute up to $4800, only half of which is available in the primary. To put it in perspective, it only takes 14 donors giving the $4800 maximum to raise $67,200.

My own guess is that Rubio will raise under $500k.

[LEMIEUX=CRIST=SPECTER]

Zenator Frenchman, so nice to have you back blogging with us again.

[Wrong 411 zenator]

Jax finance event was over 75K you forgot the overnight mail to MIA which was collected after Marco spoke (they liked him!) after more funds collected after the first FED-EX Tues night was sent.

[Rockabilly]

Re. Alan Grayson D-Orlando is a co-sponsor of HR 3699 which would prohibit any further troop increase in Afghanistan. This bill is sponsored by Rep Barbara Lee and its co-sponsors are all members of the Progressive Caucus, like Grayson. These people are defeatists and appeasers.

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3699/show

[LEMIEUX=CRIST=SPECTER]

Zenator Frenchman, you're still bitter at Rove for telling the media to go talk to you when Chuckles decided against sharing a stage with Bush in Pensacola.

Yet, Chuckles had no problem sharing a stage with Obama, did he? You two are a disgraceful duo.

[jones]

Now I know I am not voting for him...

[SmallTalk]

Payback for charlies dis to the prez! Move along....

[terminator]

this is hilarious.

heard Chuck's spray on tan and masquera was starting to run!

poor pathetic Charlie.

[Turd Blossom]

This is an endorsement? Good Lord!

[Give it back, Marco!]

Well, I think it's obvious that Marco is not going to give the Odom money back. But I think this is even worse for Marco. Rove money is seriously tainted.

[Tipping Point]

Last week, George Will writes a glowing column about Marco.

This week, Karl Rove writes a check to Marco's campaign.

Next November, we will look back on these two events as the tipping point with this US Senate campaign.

[Arise and hate, brethren!]

The little fascist is endorsed by the little weasel. What a combo. The day of the Fascist-Libertarians is at hand!

[Nice try.]

Anything Marco raises Crist will raise triple.
Crist will raise more than a million or two.
No he won't, Yes he will, No he won't, Yes he will,
No he won't No he won't...
...YES HE WILL...

Sorry. 600k for a senate campaign doesn't cut it.

[For Charlie Crist, Pinellas has become his firewall against Rubio's straw ballot insurgency]

For Charlie Crist, Pinellas has become his firewall against Rubio's straw ballot insurgency.

http://bit.ly/8AU3k

[Liar Karl Rove.. and proud of it]

The thing I will always believe about Karl Rove is that he IS the consumate liar, the proud deceiver and if you don't believe it you have blinders on. Why they're on you---You tell me!

I hate liars. I hate deceivers. karl rove is a duper extraordinaire and he is proud of it. Thinks it's cute! That rubs me wrong.

Having taught MKT 101 (Perrault/McCarthy) for a decade, I know the drill Karl Rove and you Sir forget to employ the Chapter on the 'wrongs of unethical marketing'.

A serpent, you are.. hands-down worthy of zero respect from me. Cast you Satan!

[Annie]

Only the fanatically left-wing, ethically challenged St. Pete Times wants to keep this runaway race interesting:

http://purpleflorida.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=805983%3ATopic%3A40902