Here she comes to RPOF event: Miss California 2009

(AP photo) 

For anyone wishing that Bruce Jenner would hand over keynote speaker duties to his curvaceous stepdaughter Kim Kardashian during the RPOF's upcoming youth event in Orlando, take solace in this bit of news: beauty queen Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009 and Miss USA 2009 runnerup, will be a guest speaker.

The RPOF’s Drive the Discussion Exchange ’09 youth event is August 22 at the Gaylord Palms Resort.
 
Prejean is the model from Vista, California who garnered gained national attention over her answer to a question about same-sex marriage during the Miss USA 2009 pageant.
 
Drive the Discussion Exchange is planned as a gathering for young Floridians to discuss "the future of the Republican Party," but people of all ages can come. RPOF leaders recently announced that former Olympian Bruce Jenner, more recently of reality show "Meet the Kardashians" fame, will be the keynote.

And if you're wondering, blog readers (esp. of the male contingent) -- yes, we asked if Kim Kardashian will be there. So far, nothing is confirmed.

DSCC: Charlie Crist is another GOP quitter

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has a new web ad up bashing Charlie Crist for not seeking a second term. “Republicans seem to be making a habit out of abandoning their posts when the times get tough,” said DSCC Communications Director Eric Schultz.  “Charlie Crist created an enormous economic mess in Florida, and is now fleeing at the first chance he gets.”

Cans Reps. Adams, Hukill catch Diebel?

After three weeks raising money to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas Republican Karen Diebel reports $100,000 on hand (including a $25,000 loan from herself), making clear she will be a formidable money-raiser. State Reps. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando and Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, filed after the reporting deadline. Meanwhile Kosmas raised more than $360,000 and has $520,000 on hand.

Glenn Beck hearts Alan Grayson

The order of the universe is now in doubt.  Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson is touting praised heaped upon him by Glenn Beck over Grayson's grilling of Federal Reserve Inspector General Elizabeth Coleman (supposedly the most watched congressional YouTube clip ever) .

"Check out the fine work being done to keep up on things at the Fed. Skip to about 3 minutes where Alan Grayson asks about $9 trillion in off-balance-sheet transactions - the answer is amazing," said Beck, who posted the video on his site.

Grayon's office said they got an e-mail from Theresa, a Beck fan in Tavares: "Although I am a registered Republican, I would definitely vote for you if you continue to do the right thing instead of automatically following party lines. Holding her feet to the fire and not permitting her to wiggle out of answering your simple questions was a sight to see! I am truly proud of you!"

 

Democrats continue beating GOP in voter registration

Since election day, Democrats have gained 110,951 new voters in Florida, compared 100,019 new independents and 70,946 new Republicans. Put another way, Democrats accounted for more than 39 percent of new voter registrations since October, and Republicans 25 percent.

The good news for the GOP is that they gained 8,281 new voters in June - their best number since October, and perhaps a sign their voter registration push is working. The bad news is Democrats in June gained 14,200 new voters in June, also their best month since October.

Dick Armey endorses Marco Rubio over Charlie Crist

Former U.S. House Majority Leader and Contract With America author Dick Armey: "Marco Rubio is a champion of freedom and an inspiring leader for the next generation of the conservative movement. His track record and conservative convictions are a breath of fresh air in a party looking for new leaders to advance the principles of limited government, lower taxes and economic liberty.  With Democrats now possessing a 60-seat filibuster-proof Senate majority, the last thing America needs is another vote for a second round of stimulus waste, additional burdens on taxpayers, cap-and-trade schemes and liberal judges.  Marco Rubio will be a ray of sunshine in Washington and provide Floridians with the type of principled, visionary leadership they deserve.”

Newsmax souring on Charlie Crist?

Newsmax may have endorsed Charlie Crist in his 2006 gubernatorial primary, but now they're highling Marco Rubio and noting in this article that many Republicans see Crist as too moderate.

Florida GOP senators make NYC pitch for cash

Florida's Republican Senators are heading north to host a New York City fundraiser for baseball fans on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The invitation "to experience the new Yankee Stadium" and contribute generously to Senate Majority 2010 is being sent by the Republican Party of Florida. First Pitch between the NY Yankees and Baltimore Orioles is at 1:05 p.m.

The squeeze play is hosted by Senate President Jeff Atwater, Pro Tem Mike Fasano, and Sens. Mike Haridopolos, Mike Bennett, Don Gaetz and Andy Gardiner.

VanSickle, Paul, Wilson launch new PR firm

From the release: Erin VanSickle, former communications director for the Florida GOP, today announced the launch of Capitol Energy Communications, LLC. Capitol Energy Communications is a unique partnership between VanSickle and government affairs consultants Jerry Paul and Rob Wilson of Capitol Energy Florida, LLC. Capitol Energy Communications will provide strategic communications services combined with energy policy and legislative expertise.   

“Capitol Energy Communications will offer distinctive communications services, helping clients face today’s industry challenges and effectively share their ideas with key Florida and national stakeholders,” said VanSickle. “Offering a broad range of customized services and an extensive network of Capitol contacts, CEC features more than 50 combined years of consulting expertise.”

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Don't bet on Charlie Crist over Marco Rubio

So says Patrick Ruffini, dismissing the importance of money in a statewide campaign:

We have two uniquely talented people running for Senate in a seat we will probably hold in Florida. Instead of elbowing one aside, we should be grabbing the popcorn and watching this one go the distance.

The primary will be close. Among voters who know both, Crist and Rubio are tied. Crist's money will not buy him more name ID or goodwill; only his bully pulpit as governor can do that, and he's surrendering it. Meanwhile, Rubio's talents as a candidate, his crossover potential, and his appeal to grassroots conservatives mean he has nowhere to go but up. I still think Crist narrowly wins absent a massive screwup, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Recent elections have not been kind to moneyed "frontrunners."