Former Speaker Rubio to seek U.S. Senate seat
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Former Republican House Speaker Marco Rubio entered the U.S. Senate race Tuesday, saying he wants to return the party to core principles on government taxing and spending.
He also acknowledges he will have a difficult campaign ahead of him, particularly if Gov. Charlie Crist also enters the GOP primary to replace Republican Mel Martinez, who is leaving the Senate after one term.
“What my fellow Republicans across the state are saying to me is they want a choice. They want the party to once again be a consistent voice for limited government,” Rubio told The Associated Press. “If he (Crist) gets into the primary, we’ll have plenty of time to discuss the direction he wants to take the party.”
Rubio posted an announcement video on his campaign Web site Tuesday morning. He formed an exploratory campaign earlier this year. He is the first Republican to get in the race who is well-known and can raise money to effectively compete in the race.
But he will have a steep climb to the nomination if Gov. Crist gets in the race.
“He’s going to need money and a little bit of lightning to strike,” said Tony Fabrizio, a Washington-based Republican pollster.
Crist will announce his 2010 election plans sometime after the Legislature approves the state budget, which is expected Friday. It has been widely speculated that he will run for Senate rather than seek a second term as governor.
“Everyone has the right to run and I respect anybody who puts their hat in the political ring,” Crist said. “It’s not an easy thing to do.”