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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Republican Marco Rubio today in Florida's competitive three-way Senate race.
Speaking to a group of bloggers on a conference call, Bill Miller, the political director of the pro-business group, praised Rubio's "appreciation for free enterprise," adding that he's "not just talked the talk but walked the walk" espousing fiscally conservative principles as a member of Florida's state legislature.
Miller would not specify how the Chamber, which has reportedly said it will spend up to $75 million on the midterms, would assist the Rubio campaign. Leaders from the group will go to Orlando tomorrow to stump for Rubio at a rally.
Rubio, also on the call, said he was "proud of the endorsement and grateful" for the Chamber's support. While there are many points of agreement between Rubio and the Chamber, including extending the Bush-era tax cuts, the two diverge on one issue especially salient with Floridian voters: a trade embargo with Cuba.
While the Chamber has worked to end the embargo, last year calling it "one of the biggest foreign policy failures of the past half century," Rubio, the son of Cuban exiles, opposes lifting the ban before Cubans have political freedom.
"We want Cuba to have a government and political system that respects their inalienable rights," Rubio said. "They don't have that right now. Having this economic sanction against Cuba gives us leverage" so America has a bargaining chip to negotiate "on behalf of the Cuban people," he added.
"I think we do have a difference of opinion," Rubio said, adding that he is prepared to disagree on many topics with his colleagues in Washington if elected.
Miller said their divergence was a respectful disagreement. "At the end of the day there are so many common issues," Miller said. "The things Marco believes in are exactly the kind of things we as a country need," he added.
A reporter on the call noted how Rubio has seemingly shifted from running as a conservative alternative to then-Republican Gov. Charlie Crist to a more traditional candidate after Crist's decision to run as an independent. Rubio countered that while the circumstances of the race have changed, his beliefs have not.
"My ideas are no different than when I first got in this race," he said. "A lot of things have changed since then," he added, pointing to the "establishment's" initial endorsement of Crist before he became an independent.
"Folks are buying into our agenda, what we stand for," he said. "A year ago, many in the leadership of my party weren't ready to embrace that. They thought the way to be re-elected was to behave more like the Democrats. We now realize that we already have a Democratic party in America and we don't need two," he said.
Rubio was also asked about Crist's call for a special session in the Florida legislature to put an amendment for a Florida offshore drilling moratorium on November's ballot.
He said he didn't think there was "any doubt" that the call for a special session was a "stunt," noting that offshore drilling in Florida is already banned by statute.
"Nobody's asking for a lifting of that ban at this point," Rubio said, adding that Crist's move was motivated by his "desire to continue a storyline."
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Republican Marco Rubio today in Florida's competitive three-way Senate race.
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REALLY? *insert snark*
Never saw that one coming! LMAO...
I still say Crist is going to win and will be a welcome addition to the Democratic caucus!
Feisty - don't count our caucus chickens before they hatch. I'm still betting that Chuckles Crist is doing nothing but fooling Democrats to vote for him and then he'll pull the old bait and switch and caucus with his old party of sore losers and liars despite them backstabbing him out of their decrepit party.
I don't think so Eric... with the way he's been treated by the GEENOPEE I don't see him going back anytime soon!
Remember he went from being on the 'short' list of GEENOPEE VP picks in 2008 to being ostracized in less than 2 years...
And I agree with you about Greyson! ;0)
I don't think so, Eric. I think he has had it with the Republicans and has decided to act out of his true beliefs. Watch his body language...on TV lately, he seems much more at ease. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he eventually switches to the Democratic Party.
Reading these makes me think I should rewrite my below comment about Crist and the D's. You made some good points about the body language. Now that I think about it, it was Crist who, with Pres Obama in the Gulf, was right beside him and the pat on the shoulder and the sense I got that he genuinely likes Obama. I'd be happy if he did stick it to the GOP which has treated him very badly. Just like they did Arlen Spectre.
Yes, Jody, those pictures with President Obama were what I was referring to. I think we will see more and more Republicans of conscience leaving the party, because it really has left them behind. How they can stand for the ever-deepening perversions of conservative thought are beyond me. The party is rancorous, divided, inwardly focused and if it continues it will implode. Perhaps then something more in line with true conservatism will emerge, and that will be good for our country.
As for the current crop of Republican "leaders," there are none so blind as those who will not see.
Speaking of body language... remember earlier this summer when President Obama was down in the Gulf and Crist put his hand on the Presidents back?
Crist came across as confident & comfortable!
Even if it caused the right wing nuts heads to explode for days on end! lol
Ahhh... never mind my post above - you ladies beat me to it!
Nice to see we are all on the same page! :0)
No surprise that the corrupt conservative US Chamber of Commerce Horrors would back Credit Card Criminal Rube Rubio. Shouldn't this chamber of commerce horrors be working on getting businesses creating jobs instead of wasting it's time and money supporting politicians? So how many jobs has the corrupt conservative US Chamber of Commerce Horrors created the past 3 years? Not many and surely not enough!
I want to see Rubio's birth certificate he is probably a communist that wants to make Florida like his hometown in Cuba. We must make sure he is a "real American", also too does he hunt, or at least target shoot.
Grump, unlike Barry Obama, I'm going to bet that Rubio could produce one for all to see.
The birthers will buy anything they're sold. A lot of empty suits have bought plenty of what they sell.
P.S. That birth certificate is available on the internet and has been since the campaign.
Obama was raised in Kansas by an old white couple, he might be Superman!
Hey Joe - how far did you get in school? You're so boring and predictable...
Forrest Grump
Your completely right. I also want to see McCain's as well. Rumor has it he was born in Panama. Last I heard, Panama isn't part of the United States, we don't even own the canal anymore. Rubio's is a Manchurian Candidate, get the Repubs, get the Repubs and grab your guns and stick to our religious principles. He's a foreigner, can't have him in the government. Why isn't Fox yelling from the roof tops?
How's that for teabagger impersonation?
That was some Sweet Tea!
No surprise here either. Rubio seems to be just a little arrogant in his portrayal of the principles that he supposedly stands for. I don't trust him, he is a republican and will continue to shout the same policy agenda that the other republicans do.
Sorry, I forgot, they don't have a policy agenda. Their only agenda is to say no to the President and try and keep the country at a stand still.
We have a Chamber of Commerce in our small town. Funny? I thought they were interested in growth of small businesses, regardless of party. Guess I'll rethink that one.
The Chamber of Commerce is a subsidiary of the Repuplican Party.
As for Charlie Crist, I have never bought the chatter than he will caucus with democrats. I think he will choose the GOP. That said, he is a moderate not a Tea Partier. I do think he will disassociate from McConnell's "just say no" campaign and do what he thinks best for Floridians. He could be the 3rd GOPer (Snowe, Collins) who will work with democrats.
Jody, Iowa
point well taken. People seem to forget how he screwed the Dems during the primaries w/ Clinton & Obama. That was his doing, he decided on the date when the vote would take place. But he is sensible enough to know whats good for his state and country than that ghoul McConnell.
Forrest Grump
Despicable, it truly is that Rubio thinks there should be "No Tax Cuts For The Little people".
Huge tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations in 1981 and 2001 failed to deliver as much investment growth, GDP growth, household income growth, wage growth or employment In fact, it would only make the rich richer and trickle down to the middle or poor classes.
Cutting taxes for the rich only means they live more privilged lives.
I'd like to see Rubio and Michelle Bachmann pass a Constitution Test
I agree, I'm tired of the rich people create jobs line, if that were ture where are the jobs. I propose that high taxes for the rich creates jobs. Right now they just hoard obscene piles of cash because they pay very little in taxes. When taxes were higher they had to keep their money in play to get tax breaks and produce profits. Kill the tax breaks for the top 5%.
Beverly: I like that! I would like to see all conservatives pass a Constitution Test.
""Nobody's asking for a lifting of that ban at this point," Rubio said"
Yes, Mr. Rubio, but your party was pushing for it just a few months ago. The oil lobby is still hanging around the Florida capital just waiting for their chance to get the GOP to push for Florida offshore drilling again.
Do you think we are all stupid?
I saw something earlier this week relating to that. The FL State GOP blocked some legislation regarding off shore oil drilling. Not sure if it was more encompassing ban or what but the GOP was blocking the vote.
One thing for certain, the Tea Party's pulled the GOP further right and it has revealed the true republican agenda--all favoring those who have, big businesses and those who run them. 1) eliminate social security and medicare; 2) the unemployed are lazy and undeserving; 3) tax cuts for the wealthy do not require spending cuts--just add it to the deficit; 4) no compassion; 5) if you don't have health care, who cares. There's more but you get the point.
Jody, Iowa
I agree with you. After all he's been through including wanting to take him to court about their money, I don't see how he will. I think Charlie is into change and wants to "do the Right thing" and will vote with the other 3.
Nice to see we are all on the same page! :0)
Yes, Feisty we are literally and figurately. Crist is not amoral. He is confident in his independece. I was so proud of him when I saw that clip.
Joe in Albany
Grump, unlike Barry Obama, I'm going to bet that Rubio could produce one for all to see.
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Joe, how much would you like to wager it was seen on line?
President Obama/OFA Email Received This Morning
Read these sentences. They're awesome.
You and I did not build this movement to win one election. We did not come together to pass one single piece of legislation. We are fighting for nothing less than a new foundation for our country -- and that work is not complete. As we face the challenges ahead, I am relying on you to stand with me.
Thanks for sharing Pat!
WE are indeed fighting for the future of this country!
Good Afternoon Pat: I think those are our marching orders. Our tour of duty is not over.
I vote in Florida. If the Democratic candidate can't win, I'm voting for Charlie Crist. I don't always like Crist, but he is much, much, much, much more acceptable than Marco Rubio, whether Crist joins the Democratic caucus or not.
I suspect a lot of Democrats in Florida will do that, and Rubio doesn't stand a chance.
That's good to hear FL Dem!
""If the Democratic candidate can't win, I'm voting for Charlie Crist""
Exactly when does one *know* if the democrat is not going to win. I know the dems don't go by polls, so that's out. Oh, I get it, you are going to vote twice!
LoL!!!
Lots to do this year. I'm waiting until our primary is over in September and then getting to work.
Good news and bad news in the latest on the Angle Reid race...something for everyone...
http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/view_online.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.publicpolicypolling.com%2Fpdf%2FPPP_Release_NV_720.pdf
Reid 48 Angle 46 with 6% undecided
poll has a huge 4% error margin
Dangerfield
Did you see the stunt she pulled yesterday? she called a new conference, signed some silly over sized bill and ran away again. Sooner or later, she'll have to speak to the press again. No matter how much Nevadans hate Harry Reid, they aren't that crazy to have someone who wants to stick nuclear waste in their backyard after the people voted against such.
No suprise that Corporations and GOP are not for a pragmatic, intellegent and popular leader like Crist.
To "Joe in Albany"
Johnny, "plane crasher" McCain certainly wasn't born in the United States yet I don't remember hearing any of you stupid a$$, uneducated morons crying to see his birth certificate!
To quote Keith Olbermann (when responding to Rush Limbaugh)..."F you"
Off Topic Again. Sorry guys, but the First Thoughts thread is too crowded and I wanted ITM to see this -
I agree with you. Keith and Rachel did not give a *** about me. Nor should they. They don't even know me. But I give a *** about integrity in the news. MSNBC I can remember was a station no one watched. It was either CNN or Fox Propaganda on cable for those who wanted news and politics. Very few people knew MSNBC even existed. Fox and CNN jumped the gun by years on viewership.
And then Keith came along and brought MSNBC to everyone's attention with his inpatient attitude toward the Bush Administration and their tactics. When I first saw Keith, the first place I came to was First Read to write about his program, hoping that he would get more viewers. But a funny thing happened along the way. Lots and lots and lots of other people were doing the same thing all over the internets.
Word spread. It was Keith who brought MSNBC to becoming a station that everybody now recognizes. And if you read this site, there aren't many people here who are huge Joe Scarboroug fans, or any of the other hosts. It's Keith and Rachel. Which is why we get furious at some of the other hosts and guests on MSNBC. Their level of understanding of issues is no where near what it is for Keith and Rachel.
So yes I agree with you. Keith and Rachel don't care about me personally. Why should they? What they do care about is the direction of this country.
So I am more than happy to promote their programs here. They are excellent at what they do. Fox and CNN are higher rated. They should be. They've been around a lot longer than Keith has on MSNBC.
Hey Pat?
What about Larry O'? I know it wasn't an intentional oversight on your part! ;0)))
Be warned... ol 'ITM gonna come back and accuse you of sniffing Keith's jockstrap or something as equally disgusting!
The man does seem to have a fascination/fetish about under garments! lmao!
Hi Feisty, ITM can say whatever the hell he wants. I've been told worse. Believe me. lol
What people forget is for the first 8/9 years of Fox Propaganda, they lost tons of money and were only able to survive because of Murdock's media empire in England and Australia. The guy is a multi billionaire.
As for Lawrence? I will continue promoting him. He's well liked from what I'm reading all over the internets. People are excited about his new program. Yeah!!!!
Hey, you should call up MSNBC and see if you could help them promote his show!!!! You were his biggest booster.
Hey, you should call up MSNBC and see if you could help them promote his show!!!! You were his biggest booster.
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LOL Pat! Something tells me the 'feisty redhead' will do fine all by himself!
As for me... I've set my sights on getting MSNBC to set David Shuster FREE!!!
Further evidence that the C. of C. has drifted so far to the Right that they're just considered Partisan hacks.
That sly, selfish, conniving turn-coat Crist does not deserve to be in the US Senate. Marco Rubio is the man! I am so pleased to learn that the Chamber of Commerce has endorsed him. Hopefully he will soon leave Crist languishing in the plentiful Florida dust.
Have Mark Rubio Faces Foreclosure For A House He Can’t Afford
Across the country, homeowners have been facing foreclosure after seeing their payments on adjustable mortgages increase while housing prices fell. According to the Palm Beach Post, this problem has even afflicted the Republican senate candidate in Florida, Marco Rubio.
Rubio is reportedly facing foreclosure on a Tallahassee home that he co-owns with David Rivera, a Florida state lawmaker. The duo “stopped making payments in February after a dispute about the amount [of the mortgage payment] once the interest-only period ended.” Rubio’s campaign has claimed that the issue has “been resolved,” even though documents do not show that the foreclosure process has been halted.
Rubio, of course, is basing his entire campaign on his version of fiscal conservatism, and has repeatedly criticized the Obama administration (as well as Republicans) for spending money that it doesn’t have:
“It’s not just good enough to say, you know what, we think Barack Obama’s doing a bad job. You’ve got to say what you would do instead. And I think there’s so much to be done, whether it’s stop the growth of the federal government, stop spending money we don’t have.” [CNBC, 1/12/10]
“President Barrack Obama’s economic policies are wrong, Rubio said. ‘We are spending money we don’t have,’ Rubio said.” [Florida News-Press, 5/13/10]
“Really, in the last 20 years it’s been a battle between the tax-and-spend democrats and the borrow-and-spend republicans. Both parties are guilty of spending money that we don’t have.” [Hotline, 10/23/09]
Of course, if Rubio wasn’t prepared to spend on his adjustable mortgage, he shouldn’t have taken it out. And if he was, in fact, led to believe that he could afford the mortgage or that the adjustment was not as drastic as it was, then he should be pushing for stricter government regulation of the mortgage market through the creation of a consumer financial protection agency.
As the St. Petersburg Times pointed out, “even if the [mortgage] dispute is finalized, it makes Rubio vulnerable to criticism once again about his personal finances. As House Speaker, he charged $16,000 in questionable personal expenses to a state Republican Party credit card, including $135 at a Miami barbershop, and later refunded $3,000 for flights he double-billed to taxpayers and the party
Folks Only In America, Only In America, Endorse??????????????????????????????
We would expect Nothing Less,
Another good example of hypocrisy from the "fist-closed-conservative" base. I am not surprised at all.