Marco Rubio's latest dodge: John Thrasher or Sharon Day?

Former House Speaker Marco Rubio has accused his rival for the U.S. Senate, Gov. Charlie Crist, of refusing to address the issues, yet he's ducking questions about the issue of the day: Who should replace Jim Greer as chair of the Republican Party of Florida?

Rubio's opinion matters, not only because he's a statewide candidate but also because he's a Republican committeeman from Miami-Dade who actually gets to vote on the party leadership. Crist and other top Republicans are backing former House Speaker John Thrasher, but activist Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale is also in the running.

Asked whether the former House Speaker would be available by phone today to comment on the other former House Speaker's bid for chair, Rubio spokesman Alex Burgos said, "I don't think this will be possible. He's not weighing in at this moment. I'll let you know if anything changes."

Like the political winds?

Beth Reinhard

*

Comments

[KilroyFSU]

You would love nothing more than to try to destroy Rubio, wouldn't you, Beth? Sorry, not going to happen.

[XX]

how is "not weighing in" waffling?

good grief.

[easy ed]

rubee has the spine of an over-ripe plantain!

imagine if he had to make a REAL DECISION!!??

[LEMIEUX=CRIST=SPECTER]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

This is a non-story, Beth, and you know it.

Rubio is right to keep his mouth shut on this one. If he opines one way or the other, it will give the Chuckles and Greer sycophants fodder to talk more crap and levy baseless accusations about how he singlehandedly destroyed the party to bring down Jim Greer and install thrasher/day/whoever.

[Nelsa]

First of all this is NOT a "waffle". He did NOT change his position because he has not endorsed either possible candidate for the postion.

Secondly: It may not be a smart idea to endorse someone. That is exactly how Crist got in to rrouble with Greer and how Greer got in trouble for endorsing Crist.

Unless you believe in the "card check" policy of of the Left isnt a 'vote" supposed to be private?

[wow]

gbn

[Florida Repub]

what Waffle? The "election" for a new chairman has been going on for 1 day. He has to vote in this election and like any other voter should get to know the candidates (like floridians are finaly getting to know Crist).

He does not even know if other candidates will get in or if both of these will stay. It seems Thrasher is taking some heat on it.

Beth good try but you look like a shill for chuckles; as we all know you are. From now on let Caputo write about the real races.

[relax folks... it's the "Times" remember...]

Looks like the Times’ liberal rag operation has found their hatchet gal... and that gal has a name. Make no mistake about it; this joke of a fishwrap will be one of Chuck’s most dedicated propaganda tools over the next several months. Oh, they’ll toss the ignorant a bone here and there... but Chuck’s always been their liberal guy/gal/whatever.

It’s a win-win for them... they get to perpetuate the illusion of balance by backing a liberal in conservative drag.

[wow]

3:31 this is a real story Rubio sit there and says that the Gov. isn't answering question but when Rubio is asked the same question he doesn't answer either. Everybody know where the Gov. stand good or bad, right or wrong but nobody know where Rubio stands on most things. Rubio talks about what he wants everybody to hear but doesn't answer questions that the people want asked.

[The headliner]

Why should Marco be impetuous in making his choice between Thrasher, Day or anybody else, and why have a headline that infers that Marco is impetuous? Don't we want leaders who don't jump to their decisions? Alot has gone on and Marco has the right to give things thought before going public. The above article is an example of where a story is written and then somebody else applies a title.

[Sally450]

Could everyone quit with the snarky comments and act like adults?

Nelsa is right. The committee chairs who make up the state party will discuss and vote on February 20 by secret ballot (I hope). We need fresh, new ideas and a clear concern for the conservatives who are the BASE OF THE PARTY whether "leadership" knows this or not. Conservatives have been incredibly active since the first Tea Party and all the friendly visits to a disinterested Congress. We got rid of Greer; we do not need his clone.

I'd like to hear more about Sharon Day and have a real discussion of the issues and ideas necessary to lead this party to huge gains in 2010. And if more people want to challenge for the position of State Party Chair, bring 'em on.

Next to go should be Michael Steele. His lackluster style and complete lack of confidence in our Party has also contributed to the mess we're in.

Leadership at all levels must be committed to WIN! Conservatives are ready to march and WE will win by electing conservatives. We don't wanna be "moderates," or "Democrats Lite." We want to be Republicans and stand proud on our Party Platform!

[Restore the GOP now]

its the SPT way of dividing the GOP and stirring the pot. though I'm very surprised that rubio did not commit to support thrasher. not very smart on his part. it could come back to haunt him later. picking a horse after the race makes him look weak.

[Gator(R)]

wow - huh!

I agree with most of the other posts. Why on earth would Rubio have someone in mind in one day?

And even if he did he probably shouldn't weigh in at this time anyway. Someone great may express interest that isn't even on the radar, or it may create the appearance of trying to influence the process in his favor.

This story was a smidge premature in my opinion.

Regardless, this decision is not the most compelling one facing this country or state.

[Nole(R)]

ditto Gator(R)... if more politicians would take some time to think before they spew from their pie hole... maybe we wouldn’t be in the mess we’re in today.

Well done, Marco... screw the hack reporters seeking an afternoon spiff from boss hack... Think it through, examine all the fact and options, then make a statement or take an action. Novel idea huh!

[Nelsa]

For those of you who missed it, here is the HEADLINE used in the Google search for "marco rubio" that led me back to this site and the story above.

""Marco Rubio's latest waffle: John Thrasher or Sharon Day? ""

Now I will repost in context and thanks Sally 450.

First of all this is NOT a "waffle". He did NOT change his position because he has not endorsed either possible candidate for the postion.

Secondly: It may not be a smart idea to endorse someone. That is exactly how Crist got in to rrouble with Greer and how Greer got in trouble for endorsing Crist.

Unless you believe in the "card check" policy of of the Left isnt a 'vote" supposed to be private?

[potato potatto]

it's not a "dodge" either... jeeez, why don't you people just change your name to St. Pete TMZ

[Marco Rubio a Tea Party Candidate]

Everyone will know Marco wants the Tea Party to take over the Republican Part now!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/magazine/10florida-t.html?ref=politics

[tell us what you think Marco!! About anything!]

Bottom line, he is not supporting Thrasher to try and unite the party so we can work on campaigns! Call it want you want he is not telling us what he thinks nor does he in any of his talks. Just rah-rah America!

[XX]

so the headline changes from "waffle" to "dodge"... not much of an improvement. again i ask how is "not weighing in" a dodge?

Rubio is right to stay silent, and if that idiot Crist had any sense he would have limited his comments to Greer's resignation and not said anything about Thrasher.

Bottom line... This is clearly the Herald/Times trying to make a story out of a non-story.. also known as instigating.

[Walter C.]

I called the Times front office just a few minutes ago to ask for an opinion on the demise of their readership due to tabloid-esque reporting as opposed to real journalism... when I asked if the boss man would give a comment, his secretary said, “"I don't think this will be possible. He's not weighing in at this moment. I'll let you know if anything changes."

Do you think he was waffling of dodging?

[Hack Journalism 101, Lesson 28]

"For manipulation to be most effective, evidence of its presence should be nonexistent... It is essential, therefore, that people who are manipulated believe in the neutrality of their key social institutions."

-- Herbert Schiller

[Gator(R)]

4:58

Good one - thanks for the laugh.

[GOP INSIDER]

Rubio worked with Thrasher and they are friends. Rubio has Sharon Day to thank for not caving in to Greer and letting the RNC come in and help Crist with the Rule 11 stuff.

Marco Rubio likes both of them and either one will just be fine, so why does he have to pick sides if he will work fine with the winner.

PS He's too smart to be baited into a no win situation unlike other people.

[LEMIEUX=CRIST=SPECTER]

BANG-O-RANG, 5:01.

Besides, Chuckles the Clown has the luxury of coming out early on and supporting Thrasher because he was in on the deal that ultimately led to Greer's departure and Thrasher's entry, and he knows what was agreed to. I doubt Rubio was in on it.

[...]

What's left of the legitimate print news dies a little more day by day with "stories" like this one.

[Marco Rubio a Tea Party Candidate]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/magazine/10florida-t.html?ref=politics

[Nelsa]

Update: This may be the reason that the word "Waffle" was used in the Google headline.
It is in the source code of the story.
Look at the link in the source code carefully.(it says WAFFLE) You can click on it and it takes you to this story.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/01/marco-rubios-latest-waffle-john-thrasher-or-sharon-day.html

Was it changed after the fact?

I have made mistakes in my blog headlines before and when I try to correct them the initial post never goes away.

I really like this site and they provide tons of good info. I will chalk this one up to poor judgement and thats about it.

[True Republican]

Marco is true republican. Say one thing do another. Answer a question with a question. Avoid any direct answers. He's a good boy. People need to leave him alone.

[Pinellas County Voters]

Thats future US Senator Rubio to you 5:58!

[earl f.]

the resolve of a rotten plantain!!

[Marco is smarter than you think]

Thrasher has been quietly taking Rubio around. If he came out and endorsed Thrasher, Crist would block Thrasher immediately. These guys are good.

[WheresTheRubster]

Choo Choo CSX Charlie sure shut the Rubster up on this one. Be careful what your Rubicons ask for, ya just might get it.

[in]

you are full of it 7:08! Rubio talks a lot but says nothing! He does not want to unite the party he want it to become the Tea(baggers)Party

[Nelsa]

07:32 If you are correct then Rubio will win. Plus he will get the (R) vote and win in a landslide. That sounds great to me.
Tea Party Tops GOP on Three-Way Generic Ballot
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/december_2009/tea_party_tops_gop_on_three_way_generic_ballot

[Pinellas for Rubio!]

Waffle? Sounds to me Beth is making stuff up again! Marco is doing the right thing and not endorsing one of the two. And he shouldnt! That's what Crist and Greer does! Way to go Marco, Pinellas has your back! Rubio 2010!! But I would take Sharon Day! Hands down!! Thrasher is an inside guy.

[Nelsa is nuts]

Keep dreaming Nelsa! When Crist wins what are you going to do? Freak out!!!! HA!

[Dante]

Pathetic attempt, Ms. Reinhard. So transparent and pathetic.

[Dante]

Pathetic attempt, Ms. Reinhard. So transparent and pathetic.

[Clues for sale, only a nickel (that's five cents for those of you in Rio Lindo)]

Beth this is so weak.
W-E-A-K!

Marco Rubio is only one out of many votes, have a clue.

[Another Crist Corruption Plan]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-bso-rothstein-20100105,0,2096124.story

BSO's top cops wooed by Rothstein

Internal investigation is under way, sheriff says
By Brittany Wallman, Sun Sentinel
January 6, 2010
Scott Rothstein's quest for friends in uniform stretched high into the command of the Broward Sheriff's Office, rattling the agency into opening an internal affairs investigation, the sheriff announced this week.

Already affected is Lt. David Benjamin, deemed by his bosses to be so close to Rothstein he was transferred from overseeing the Department of Internal Affairs to another job.

Now a photograph has surfaced showing the second in command at the Sheriff's Office, Undersheriff Tom Wheeler, on a jet plane with Rothstein, who was arrested last month and accused of running one of South Florida's largest Ponzi investment schemes.

The photograph, obtained by the Sun Sentinel, raises questions about whether the undersheriff may have accepted free travel from Rothstein or a Rothstein associate and failed to report it, which would be a violation of state ethics law.

Wheeler didn't respond to e-mailed questions from the Sun Sentinel about the travel.

In an interview, Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti said he couldn't divulge details, but that he has ordered an investigation of Rothstein-related allegations.

"Like many other people, I was very disappointed when the Rothstein situation came to light,'' Lamberti said Monday. "But now it's a federal investigation, No. 1, and we're cooperating and assisting in that investigation. Secondarily, things have been brought to my attention that have required me to initiate a BSO internal affairs investigation, and that investigation is under way.''

Federal authorities have accused Rothstein of sidling up to top law enforcement officials to give himself an air of legitimacy and integrity while defrauding investors. In a 34-page document supporting Rothstein's Dec. 1 arrest, federal officials said the now-disbarred Fort Lauderdaleattorney bestowed gifts on law enforcement brass.

" 'Ponzi' scheme funds were also used to provide gratuities to high-ranking members of police agencies in order to curry favor with such police personnel and to deflect law enforcement scrutiny," federal officials said.

Because of their positions, Benjamin and Wheeler are required by the state to report gifts over $100, except those from relatives. Both have filed financial disclosure forms, but neither has reported gifts in recent years, according to state records.

That same state rule tripped up Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley, who also is under investigation by his employer because of his interactions with Rothstein. In an interview with the Sun Sentinel on Tuesday, Adderley said he hadn't known he was supposed to report gifts.

Adderley accepted a jet ride to a New York Jets- Miami Dolphins game in December 2008 with Rothstein, paid for by Rothstein friend and jet-owner Ted Morse. Adderley filed a late gift disclosure last month after the media asked about the flight. Adderley declined to say whether Benjamin and Wheeler also came along; Sheriff's Office spokesman Jim Leljedal said the agency couldn't confirm or deny their presence because of the ongoing internal investigation.

Benjamin has been under scrutiny by his bosses since last November, when they learned he had an outside consulting business that might have ties to Rothstein. The lieutenant also escorted Rothstein to the private jet that whisked Rothstein to Moroccoas his alleged Ponzi operation imploded around Halloween.

The new questions concern Lamberti's top man, Wheeler, already known to have a relationship with Rothstein. The two worked together on Lamberti's successful 2008 political campaign, along with Benjamin. But the photograph of the two together on a plane, provided by Rothstein bodyguard and former Plantation Police Officer Joe Alu, raises new questions. Alu said he drove Rothstein to Fort LauderdaleExecutiveAirportfor the trip, which he said was to watch the University of Florida Gators football team play South Carolinaat Gainesvillein November 2008.

Alu was not aboard, but he said Rothstein or Ted Morse paid for the jet flights when the men traveled.

Wheeler, 51, started out as a Plantationpolice officer, then went on to the state's alcohol, tobacco and firearms division, the state Department of Environmental Protection, the state Attorney General's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

A 1980 graduate of Florida State University, he was a fraternity brother with Gov. Charlie Crist, a 1978 FSU grad. Crist appointed Lamberti to the sheriff's post in 2007, and Lamberti then hired Wheeler away from Florida Department of Law Enforcement. But Wheeler and Lamberti's acquaintance goes back to the early 1980s, when Wheeler worked for the alcohol, tobacco and firearms division, and he teamed up with then-Broward-sergeant Lamberti to bust bottle clubs.

Rothstein is in federal detention awaiting trial on allegations he masterminded a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme that separated many from their millions. Officials allege he used some of the illicit proceeds to shower charities and politicians, including Broward's sheriff, with contributions.

Brittany Wallman can be reached at bwallman@SunSentinel.com or 954-356-4541.

[Republicans against Crist!]

Who cares any! RINO Crist put us Conservative Republicans threw HELL for years! First putting liberal judges on the bench then helping out A.C.O.R.N. to allow felons the right to vote! Then Crist supported Cap & Trade,John McCains Amnesty,raising taxes And supporting Obama's stimulus package! Ect. Ect! And you think Beth, that By Marco not endorsing anyone yet for the state Chair is going to get us up set? This does not even compare what Charlie does! Please! Beth, why do you want to tare down this guy for? Crist has been a LIAR to us and you for Years! This story if it realy is one... Is a bit of a reach. Beth your better than that. Go Rubio! =)

[LOC]

Speaker Rubio will publically stay neutral. Greer didn't, and was pressured to the point of resignation. Thrasher is not neutral in the Gubernatorial primary, so he's going to face the wrath
of Sharon Day. When you are a party leader, you need to promote all Republicans, not take sides in a primary of legitimate candidates. Sharon Day knows this. (note her Rule 11 decision). Why don't others understand this?

[Keiron]

This is bad for the party; real bad and especially for Crist, but Marco has a weak spot

http://keironjackman.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/marco-rubio-backseat-driver/

[Rubio=Samson=Martinez]

5:10 and 3:31:
Hey Javier Manjarres aka LEMIEUX=Crist=SPECTER, why don't you get a new word for a change and stop using "sycophants" so much. It's getting old. Plus, you are just a sycophant for Rubio.

[Calling It Like I See It]

Beth, why not just jump to the Crist campaign now and get it over with?

[Bad]

This is a joke of a story. Obvious attempt by Beth to try to make something out of nothing. Typical SPT reporting these days.

[buzzard.]

Speaking of dodging the question - did anyone hear the tape of Nancy Pelosi responding to a reporter's question about why the healthcare debate wasn't "open and transparent" as Obama said it would be?

I'll paraphrase, but she basically said "he was lying - get over it." Hey-for once she gave an honest answer. Heh, heh, heh.

And there you have it, America, the Democrat party in action.

[buzzard.]

Ahh...there we go. Found the clip.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/01/05/pelosi_on_c-span_request_there_has_never_been_a_more_open_process.html

[LEMIEUX=CRIST=SPECTER]

Hey, you little Broward stooge at 6:41, the reason I use the word "sycophant" so freely is because that's EXACTLY what Chuckles the Clown supporters are: SYCOPHANTS. They don't support him out of principle, passion, or from the heart. Chuckles has no base of support other than those that would personally benefit from the advancement of Chuckles' pathetic political career.

Let me try to educate you. According to Wikipedia, SYCOPHANT is:

"a servile person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, attempts to win favor by flattering one or more influential persons, or by saying lies against a fellow citizen for gaining a kind of profit. These actions are executed at the cost of his or her own personal pride, principles, and peer respect."

There is no better word to describe Chuckles the Clown supporters than SYCOPHANT, which is exactly what you are.

[Republican Voter]

His response, without hesitation, should be:
Let the fair election process begin.