Charlie Crist 2010

Governor Crist Statement On Rep. Meek’s Health Care Vote

amanda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:03:22 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today released the following statement from Gov. Crist regarding Rep. Meek’s vote blocking an up-or-down vote on the current health care legislation before Congress.

“Rep. Meek’s vote to block an up-or-down vote on health care shows that he will put politics over what is in the best interest of Floridians.

“Unfortunately, Rep. Meek seems content to ignore the will of the people, and supports Democrat efforts to jam this legislation through by backhanded, closed door procedural tactics.

“Our constituents deserve an open and honest voting process for a bill that affects one-sixth of our nation’s economy. And Floridians deserve quality health care, greater access, and lower costs, not a government run system that raises rates, raises taxes, and cuts Medicare.”

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“America’s Most Wanted” Host John Walsh Endorses Charlie Crist For U.S. Senate

amanda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:24:36 +0000

John Walsh To Participate In Governor Crist’s Media Availability Tonight

TALLAHASSEE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today announced that John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted,” is endorsing Governor Crist for the U.S. Senate. Mr. Walsh will also be participating in the Governor’s media availability tonight at 6:20 pm at The Club At Pointe West, 7500 14th Lane Vero Beach, FL 32966.

“Governor Crist has always been tough on crime, and he has the record to prove it. ‘Chain Gang Charlie’ and I have worked together to pass legislation to protect Florida’s children and to enforce stricter penalties for criminals,” Walsh said. “Governor Crist is a public servant you can trust. He always enforces and upholds the law. He has worked to defend and protect Floridians, and I’m confident he will continue to do so as the next U.S. Senator from Florida.”

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of John Walsh,” Governor Crist stated. “Making sure our state remains safe and as crime free as possible has been one of my main priorities while in public office. Florida’s lowering crime rate encourages me to continue to fight for all Floridians in this effort. John has dedicated his life to making sure that criminals are caught and brought to justice, and I appreciate his support of my campaign.”

Governor Crist’s Record On Crime

Operation Orange Tree – In June 2009, Governor Crist announced the arrest of 77 individuals on charges ranging from possession of child pornography to sexual battery during a 10-week collaborative effort among Florida’s law enforcement community.
- Law enforcement executed 90 search warrants and seized thousands of child pornography photos and videos. Five children who were subjects of child pornography or otherwise sexually victimized were rescued.
In his first legislative session as Governor, Crist fought for the passage of the Anti-Murder Act that ensures violent felony offenders who violate probation return to jail. Since becoming law, nearly 100 violent probation violators have been locked back up.
Governor Crist sponsored landmark legislation called S.T.O.P., Stop Turning Out Prisoners Act, requiring criminals to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences. This legislation was signed into law and has provided relief to many victims and their families.
During his time in the Florida Senate, Governor Crist sponsored legislation that brought chain gangs back to Florida. This led to his nick name “Chain Gang Charlie.”

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Five Days And Counting…

amanda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0000

TALLAHASSE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today asked the following questions of Speaker Rubio five days after his unethical spending habits were brought to light. A Rubio campaign spokesman responded to the charges that, “Marco will talk to his accountant and they will take whatever steps are necessary.” If that is indeed the case, we ask again:

“Where is the $34,000 that Speaker Rubio failed to disclose?

“Who were the 148 vendors that received the $74,000 that was not reported to the IRS?”

Communications Director Andrea Saul added:

“Newsflash, Speaker Rubio: gallivanting around South Carolina and conducting a national tele-town hall will not help you bypass questions Floridians have about your record. Just because you are the New York Times’ cover boy, doesn’t mean you are going to be coronated in this election. Florida voters deserve to have these questions answered.”

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Crist To Attend And Address The Indian River County Lincoln Day Dinner

amanda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:54:18 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today announced that Gov. Crist will attend and address the Indian River County Lincoln Day Dinner today, March 18^th at 6:30 pm.

Governor Crist will be introduced by “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh.

Governor Crist To Attend And Address The Indian River County Lincoln Day Dinner
Today, March 18^th at 6:30 pm
The Club At Pointe West
7500 14th Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32966

*NOTE: Governor Crist will be available for a media availability at 6:20 pm at The Club At Pointe West.

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Four Days And Counting…

amanda — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:51:54 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today asked the following questions of Speaker Rubio four days after his unethical spending habits were brought to light. A Rubio campaign spokesman responded to the charges that, “Marco will talk to his accountant and they will take whatever steps are necessary.” If that is indeed the case:

“Where is the $34,000 that Speaker Rubio failed to disclose?

“Who received the $74,000 that was not reported to the IRS?”

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Gov. Crist Writes Letter To Rep. Meek Urging Him To Vote “No” On The Health Care Bill

amanda — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:49:59 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today released the below letter sent from Gov. Crist urging Rep. Meek to stand up against President Obama’s political threats and vote “no” on the current health care bill before Congress.

The text of the letter is below.

March 17, 2010

The Honorable Kendrick Meek
Representative Of The 17th Congressional District Of Florida
1039 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Meek:

Media reports yesterday stated that President Obama has threatened not to campaign and raise money for Democrats who vote “no” on the health care legislation that is currently before Congress. The President’s threat to snub Democrats who vote against this bill clearly demonstrates his priority of scoring political points rather than working to pass meaningful legislation.

Instead of succumbing to the bullying and strong-arm tactics of your Party’s leader, I urge you to ignore these threats and do what is in the best interest of the people of Florida by voting “no” on this bill.

Floridians deserve quality health care with increased access and lower costs. What Floridians don’t need is the current legislation that increases taxes, raises premiums and cuts Medicare that President Obama, Majority Leader Reid, and Speaker Pelosi are jamming through Congress.

Again, put the people of Florida first – I urge you to vote “no” on the Democrat health care bill.

Sincerely,

Charlie Crist

Three Days And Counting…

amanda — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:45:14 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign released the below statement from Communications Director Andrea Saul following reports of Speaker Rubio’s pattern of unethical spending:

“In response to the charges brought against Speaker Rubio regarding his unethical spending habits while in public office, the Rubio campaign responded, ‘Marco will talk to his accountant and they will take whatever steps are necessary.’

“It’s been three days since the most recent reports have come out regarding the Speaker, has he accounted for the missing funds? Where is the $34,000? Who received the $74,000 that was not reported to the IRS? Can we trust Speaker Rubio to be honest with Florida voters to handle this matter on his own accord?

“The Speaker’s credibility is shot when it comes to righting his own wrongs. It has been made clear time and time again that the Speaker routinely fails to disclose and amend his wrongdoings until he is caught red handed in a public scandal.”

As the Miami Herald noted in 2004, when exposed in similar unethical dealings, Speaker Rubio only came clean when pushed to the brink. “Still, Rubio was slow to see the light. After initially declining to make public his donor list, he and several other lawmakers changed their tune when the IRS expressed curiosity about their tax-exempt political committees.”*

“Speaker Rubio should prove to Florida voters that he is taking this issue seriously,” Saul concluded, ”and that he is truly taking the steps necessary to correct his unethical spending habits that were used for his own personal enrichment.”

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*The Miami Herald, Carl Hiaasen, “Legislators Get New Gimmick To Raise Money,” 2/15/2004.

Rubio’s big-spending ways come to light

mitchwertheimer — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:21:22 +0000

In Case You Missed It: Rubio’s Big-Spending Ways Come To Light

amanda — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:51:23 +0000

“Marco Rubio is quickly emerging as a freewheeling big spender of special interest cash … Rubio, the alleged outsider candidate for Senate, looks awfully like a veteran insider who manipulated the system and avoided accountability.”

Rubio’s Big-Spending Ways Come To Light
St. Petersburg Times Editorial
March 16, 2010
http://tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1080092.ece

Marco Rubio is quickly emerging as a freewheeling big spender of special interest cash even as the U.S. Senate candidate sells himself as a fiscal hawk. The latest disclosure: As the young state lawmaker lined up support in 2003 and 2004 to become Florida House speaker, he blew through more than $600,000 stashed in a pair of political committees and never detailed how at least 20 percent of the money was spent. The expenses the Miami Republican did disclose suggest the money frequently went to subsidize his lifestyle or to employ relatives — not to support other House candidates as his donors would have expected.

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The St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald review of Rubio’s two committees show he never accounted for $34,000 spent — a violation of the law. Rubio claimed another $71,000 he spent was paid out in sums under $500, allowing him to avoid disclosing who was paid. And $51,000 went to three credit cards for unidentified “travel expenses.” He also paid several family members for political work.

These disclosures are just the latest to show how Rubio exploited the perks of political office and subsidized his lifestyle as he climbed to power. Previous Times/Herald reviews have discovered he double-billed the Republican Party of Florida and state taxpayers for $3,000 in travel — money he has since pledged to return. He also billed the Republican Party for meals on the same days he received a taxpayer subsidy to be in Tallahassee. And there are lingering questions about the extensive use of state party credit cards by Rubio and other Republicans.

Rubio’s campaign staffers claim that sloppy paperwork, not willful disregard of the law, is to blame. They point out that Rubio was spending political donations, not taxpayer money, in most cases. But such rationalization is a product of the corrupt culture in which they work. Donations to the Republican Party of Florida or to one of Rubio’s committees are supposed to be used to influence elections and public policy, not to enhance one person’s lifestyle. Rubio, the alleged outsider candidate for Senate, looks awfully like a veteran insider who manipulated the system and avoided accountability.

To View The Entire Editorial Visit: http://tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1080092.ece

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In Case You Missed It: Marco Rubio, Big Spender

amanda — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:54:41 +0000

“Well, if he’s managed his own economic house this unreassuringly, why should GOP budget hawks and tea party activists believe he’d behave any more scrupulously as a U.S. senator? … And if more instances of fiscal irresponsibility come to light, he’s going to look less and less like a refreshing new face and more and more like a run-of-the-mill politician.”

Marco Rubio, Big Spender
Newsweek Blog
By Arian Campo-Flores
March 15, 2010
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2010/03/15/marco-rubio-big-spender.aspx

In a recent interview with a Wall Street Journal editorial writer, Florida Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio blasted irresponsible government spending and blamed members of both parties for getting the nation into its current economic mess. “I don’t care whether Republicans or Democrats are in charge,” he told the editorialist. “If you allow politicians to spend money, they’ll do it.”

As it turns out, that’s a pretty apt description of himself. A spate of recent stories has raised numerous questions about Rubio’s own fiscal rectitude, with potentially damaging consequences for his candidacy. First, there was the report by the Miami Herald and the St. Petersburg Times a few weeks ago revealing that Rubio racked up thousands of dollars in personal charges, including a now famous $134 haircut, on an American Express card provided to him by the Florida Republican party. He later repaid those expenses, totaling about $16,000, to American Express. But some charges that the party covered as political expenses included purchases at a wine shop, a supermarket, and Apple’s online store, as well as repairs to his minivan, which he claimed was damaged at a political function. More significantly, he double-billed taxpayers and the state GOP for eight flights during his tenure as Florida House speaker (he admitted that was a mistake and agreed to repay the party about $3,000).

Then, over the weekend, there was another investigation by the Herald/Times team into Rubio’s use of a pair of political committees to fund all variety of lavish spending. It’s worth reading the whole story, but here are just a few eyebrow-raising nuggets. Rubio “failed to disclose $34,000 in expenses including $7,000 he paid himself for one of the committees,” the report noted. He “paid relatives nearly $14,000 for what was incorrectly described to the IRS as ‘courier fees’.” And one of the committees “paid $5,700 to his wife, who was listed as the treasurer, much of it for ‘gas and meals’.”

This comes on top of the scandal involving Ray Sansom, Rubio’s handpicked budget chairman during his time as House speaker. Sansom set off a furor for steering $35 million to a Panhandle college and then taking a lucrative part-time job there. For a while, it looked like Rubio would have to testify in a House hearing on the Sansom case, but luckily for him, Sansom resigned before the proceedings got underway. Still, the fact that Rubio’s choice for such a key position wound up disgraced has cast doubt on his judgment.

All of this strikes at the heart of Rubio’s central argument as a candidate: that he’s a trusted crusader against big government and its big-spending ways. Well, if he’s managed his own economic house this unreassuringly, why should GOP budget hawks and tea party activists believe he’d behave any more scrupulously as a U.S. senator? Now that he’s the frontrunner, the scrutiny of his record will only intensify. And if more instances of fiscal irresponsibility come to light, he’s going to look less and less like a refreshing new face and more and more like a run-of-the-mill politician. This offers his opponent, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, the most promising opportunity yet to change the momentum in this race.

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