Who did the Republican Party endorsee instead of Marco Rubio in the Florida Senate race?
The Republican primaries aren’t over for the Florida Senate race–and the primaries determine who the party can endorse, i.e. the Republican candidate in the election–but most of the local Republican politicians support Charlie Crist, the current Governor thanks to his 66-68% approval rating during the three years among Democrats, Independents, and his own party: the Republicans. Some of the Florida Republicans still support Rubio for the nomination, though. Sources: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Shifting-sands-in-Floridas-Senate-Race-44799252.
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Gov. Charlie Crist announced Tuesday that he’ll skip a second term as the state’s chief executive and run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Mel Martinez next year. Crist, 52, has maintained approval ratings in the high 60s despite the state’s gloomy economy, budget cuts, a high foreclosure rate and the highest unemployment since 1975. The moderate Republican faces a primary challenge from former Florida House speaker Marco Rubio, a conservative who is questioning Crist’s commitment to Republican principles. “The challenges that Florida faces are not just Florida challenges, they’re national issues,” Crist said. “I believe I can best serve the people of Florida — if they’re willing to allow me — as their next United States senator.” Crist drew immediate support from the national party establishment, including Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, head of the Senate GOP campaign committee, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Source
