2010 United States Senate election in Florida
| Elections in Florida |
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 Government |
The 2010 United States Senate election in Florida will take place on November 2, 2010 along with other elections to the United States Senate in other states as well as elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.
First-term Senator Mel Martinez was elected in a very close race against Democrat Betty Castor in 2004 with 49% of the vote. Martinez is a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Bush administration and chairman of the Republican National Committee for the 2007–2008 election cycle. Martinez announced on December 2, 2008 that he will not seek a second term to the Senate,[1] and will resign prior to the end of his term.[2] Polls indicated that he may have faced a tight race.
Democratic primary
Background
Many Democratic politicians have been mentioned as potential candidates for the race. Two of them, Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz[3] and Robert Wexler,[4] announced in 2008 that they would not run.
Congressman Kendrick Meek was the first Democrat to declare his intention to run.[5] Upon Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink's decision not to run,[6] State Senator Dan Gelber formed an exploratory committee.[7] However, Gelber ultimately decided not to run, so as to avoid a divisive primary. Gelber has announced that he will Twitter throughout the legislative sessions as a pledge to demonstrate transparency in government.[8] Meanwhile, Meek has enlisted the aid of former President Bill Clinton, who will host a fundraiser for him in Jacksonville.[9] Term limited North Miami mayor Kevin Burns, who is openly gay, has also announced his candidacy for the Senate seat.[10]
Candidates
Announced
- Tyrone K. Brown, Sr., Pastor from Daytona Beach [11]
- Kevin Burns, North Miami mayor [12]
- Kendrick Meek, U.S. Congressman Florida's 17th congressional district[5][13]
- Whitney Mutch[14]
- Maurice Ferre, Former Miami Mayor [15]
Potential
- Rod Smith, State Senator and 2006 gubernatorial candidate[16]
Declined
- Allen Boyd, Congressman[17]
- Dan Gelber, Florida Senator
- Pam Iorio, Mayor of Tampa.[18]
- Ron Klein, Congressman from Florida's 22nd congressional district[19] Endorsed Kendrick Meek on June 15, 2009 [20]
- Alex Sink, Florida Chief Financial Officer[6]
- Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congresswoman[3] Endorsed Kendrick Meek on June 15, 2009 [21]
- Robert Wexler, Congressman [4]
- Corrine Brown, Congresswoman from Florida's 3rd congressional district[22]
Endorsements
Meek
Polling
| Poll Source | Dates Administered | Meek | Boyd* | Gelber* | Iorio* | Klein* | Brown* | Sink* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | August 19, 2009 | 18% | - | - | - | 12% | 9% | - |
| Quinnipiac | June 12, 2009 | 18% | - | - | - | 8% | 12% | - |
| Mason Dixon | May 14–18, 2009 | 26% | ||||||
| Quinnipiac | April 16, 2009 | 16% | - | 5% | 15% | 8% | - | - |
| Quinnipiac | February 18, 2009 | 16% | - | 5% | 16% | 14% | - | - |
| Research 2000 | January 26–28, 2009 | 17% | 8% | 3% | ||||
| Quinnipiac | January 21, 2009 | 13% | 8% | 5% | - | 9% | - | 15% |
*Declined to seek nomination **Has not announced candidacy
Republican primary
Background
Upon Senator Martinez's announcement that he would not run for reelection, early speculation surrounded former Governor Jeb Bush.[23] It was thought that if Bush decided to run, other potential Republican candidates would allow Bush to run uncontested. After consideration, Bush decided not to run.[24]
Former House Speaker Marco Rubio was the first Republican to enter the race back in May but the National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn has announced the NRSC's endorsement of Charlie Crist [25]. Other Republicans mentioned as potential candidates include Florida House Majority Leader Adam Hasner[4], Representatives Connie Mack IV, and Dr. Belinda Noah, a prominent lawyer and adjunct law professor. Bob Smith, a former United States Senator from New Hampshire, announced he is running for the seat.[26] Joe Scarborough, a former Congressman and current MSNBC TV host, told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that he may run for office again, and was considering running for this seat,[27] though an MSNBC spokesman refuted that Scarborough might run.[28] On the air, while interviewing White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, Scarborough dismissed the idea that he would run.[29]
In August 2009, Mel Martinez retired before the end of his term, leaving Crist in the position to appoint a replacement, George LeMieux, a Republican regarded as a placeholder for Crist. Rubio stated, "Florida deserves better." Democrat, Kendrick Meek expressed disappointment as well, asserting that Crist should have appointed someone qualified rather than the top names "in his cell phone." The Democratic Party of Florida issued an email the same day titled, "George LeMieux (R-Cronyism)", echoing the bipartisan disapproval of Crist's choice, who was the Deputy Attorney General under Crist, and his Chief of Staff.
The race has also turned into an interesting referendum on the Republican Party of Florida. State GOP Chairman Jim Greer has drawn criticism for his support of Charlie Crist (though the state party has not officially made any endorsements) [30] and Marco Rubio has won about a dozen County GOP straw-polls, some of them by more than 90% margins.[31]
State Senator Steve Oelrich claimed that because he endorsed Rubio, and because he opposed Crist on another initiative, Crist vetoed a project of Oelrich's as political payback.[32] Rubio supported this claim via Twitter.[33]
Candidates
Announced
- Bob Coggins, Marine veteran [34]
- Charlie Crist, Florida Governor [35][36]
- Bernie DeCastro [37]
- Rev. Gwyndolyn McClellan, former Director of Legislation and Communications for the National Association of State Boards of Education [38]
- Marco Rubio, former Speaker of the Florida House[4]
- Bob Smith, former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire[26][39]
- Alexander Snitker, Libertarian
- Marion Thorpe, Physician [40]
- Linda Vasquez Littlefield, attorney [41]
Potential
- Frank Brogan, Chancellor of the State University System, former Lieutenant Governor and president of Florida Atlantic University
- Adam Hasner, Florida House Majority Leader[4]
Declined
- George LeMieux, incumbent Senator (vowed not to seek re-election)
- Allan Bense, former Speaker of the Florida House [42]
- Vern Buchanan, Congressman[43]
- Jeb Bush, former Governor [24]
- Connie Mack IV, Congressman[44]
- Joe Scarborough, former Congressman and TV commentator[27]
- Bill McCollum, Attorney General[17]
- Adam Putnam, Congressman[45]
Endorsements
The following are endorsements made before the primary
Crist
- Former Senator Mel Martinez[46]
- U.S. Senator from Tennessee Lamar Alexander[46]
- U.S. Senator and Minority Leader from Kentucky Mitch McConnell[46]
- U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican nominee for President from Arizona John McCain[46]
- U.S. Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham[46]
- U.S. Senator and chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from Texas John Cornyn[46]
- Former U.S. Senator from Florida Connie Mack[46]
- Congressman Connie Mack IV of Florida[47]
- Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida[48]
- Mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos Alvarez[49]
- Former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Al Cardenas[46].
- Florida House of Representatives Speaker designate Dean Cannon of Winter Park[50]
- State Representative Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel[50]
- State Representative Chris Dorworth of Lake Mary[50]
- Governor of Puerto Rico Luis Fortuño[51]
Rubio
- Congressman Jeff Miller of Florida[52]
- Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida[53]
- U.S. Senator from South Carolina Jim DeMint[54]
- U.S. Senator from Oklahoma James Inhofe[55]
- Former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas[54]
- Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey[56]
- Former President George W. Bush's political adviser Karl Rove[57]
- Prominent conservative author and talk show host Mark Levin[58]
- Prominent conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham[59]
- John Ellis "Jeb" Bush Jr. [60]
- George P. Bush [61]
- State Sen. Steve Oelrich [62]
- State Representative Steve Precourt [63]
- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins [64]
- Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist [65]
- Chris Chocola, President of the Club for Growth PAC [66]
Polling
| Poll Source | Dates Administered | Charlie Crist | Marco Rubio | Undecided/Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | December 14, 2009 | 43% | 43% | 14% |
| Zogby/AIF/Sayfie | December 7–11, 2009 | 45% | 36% | 16% |
| Research 2000 | November 16–18, 2009 | 47% | 37% | 16% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 20, 2009 | 49% | 35% | 12% |
| Quinnipiac | October 12–18, 2009 | 50% | 35% | 12% |
| Rasmussen | August 19, 2009 | 53% | 31% | 16% |
| Quinnipiac | August 12–17, 2009 | 55% | 26% | 19% |
| Mason Dixon | June 24–26, 2009 | 51% | 23% | 26% |
| Quinnipiac | June 2–7, 2009 | 54% | 23% | 23% |
| Strategic Vision | May 29–31, 2009 | 59% | 22% | 19% |
| Mason Dixon | May 14–18, 2009 | 53% | 18% | 29% |
| Research 2000 | January 26–28, 2009 | 57% | 4% | 39% |
General election polling
Crist vs. Meek
| Poll Source | Dates Administered | Charlie Crist (R) | Kendrick Meek (D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | December 14, 2009 | 42% | 36% |
| Research 2000 | November 16–18, 2009 | 50% | 33% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 20, 2009 | 46% | 34% |
| Quinnipiac | October 12–19, 2009 | 51% | 31% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 19, 2009 | 48% | 29% |
| Rasmussen Reports | June 22, 2009 | 46% | 28% |
| Mason Dixon | May 14–18, 2009 | 55% | 24% |
| Research 2000 | January 26–28, 2009 | 49% | 28% |
Rubio vs Meek
| Poll Source | Dates Administered | Marco Rubio (R) | Kendrick Meek (D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | December 14, 2009 | 49% | 35% |
| Research 2000 | November 16–18, 2009 | 30% | 38% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 20, 2009 | 46% | 31% |
| Quinnipiac | October 12–19, 2009 | 33% | 36% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 19, 2009 | 43% | 30% |
| Research 2000 | January 26–28, 2009 | 22% | 31% |
Rubio vs Meek vs Crist
| Poll Source | Dates Administered | Marco Rubio (R) | Kendrick Meek (D) | Charlie Crist (I) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research 2000 | November 16–18, 2009 | 27% | 31% | 32% |
External links
- Bob Smith for U.S. Senate website
- Kevin Burns for U.S Senate website
- Bob Coggins for U.S. Senate website
- Charlie Crist for U.S Senate website
- Kendrick Meek for U.S Senate website
- Marco Rubio for U.S Senate website
- Maurice Ferre for U.S Senate website
- Alexander Snitker for U.S. Senate website
References
- ^ Dana Bash and Ted Barrett (2008-12-02). "Sen. Martinez won't seek reelection". CNN.com.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Drucker, David M. (2009-02-02). "Martinez Eyeing Early Exit as Crist Looks at Senate Seat". Roll Call.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Cillizza, Chris (2008-12-03). "Florida's Martinez Says He Will Retire in 2010". Washington Post.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d e Gibson, William E. (2008-12-02). "Adam Hasner for U.S. Senate? How about Rubio, McCollum, or Gelber?". Sun Sentinel.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d "Fla. Rep. Meek to run for Senate". USA Today. 2009-01-12.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Cite error: The named reference "meek" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ a b "Sink Not Running For Senate". Politico. 2009-01-09.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Deslatte, Aaron (2009-01-). "With Sink out, Gelber getting into the Senate race". Orlando Sentinel.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Dan Gelber (February 23, 2009). "Follow Legislative Session Through My New Twitter Page". Dan Gelber Blog.
- ^ Adam Smith (March 4, 2009). "Bill Clinton raising more money for Meek". St. Petersburg Times.
- ^ "Ex-North Miami mayor to seek Senate Seat". Miami Harold. 2009-02-16.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/CanList.asp
- ^ "Ex-North Miami mayor to seek Senate seat". Miami Herald. 2009-02-16.
- ^ "Race for Meek's seat begins". The Miami Herald. 2009-01-13.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ http://www.runforoffice.org/rails/youngandrunning?query=FL
- ^ http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/10/kendrick-meeks-version-of-marco-rubio.html
- ^ http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/floridapolitics/entries/2009/02/04/rod_smith_considering_us_senat.html
- ^ a b Wilson, Reid (2009-01-28). "McCollum, Boyd Say No To Senate Bid". The Hill.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0509/Iorio_not_running_for_Senate_in_Florida.html?showall
- ^ http://www.postonpolitics.com/2009/05/rep-ron-klein-rules-out-senate-bid/
- ^ http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2009/06/klein_and_wasserman_schultz_en.html
- ^ http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2009/06/klein-wassermanschultz-endorse-meek-.html
- ^ http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/63527-rep-corrine-brown-passes-on-senate-bid
- ^ Ambinder, Marc (2008-12-02). "Jeb Bush Ponders Florida Senate Run". The Atlantic.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b "Jeb Bush not running for Senate". CNN.com. 2009-01-06.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ [1]
- ^ a b Blake, Aaron (2009-01-29). "Former Sen. Bob Smith Weighs a Run... In Florida". The Hill.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Wallace, Jeremy (2009-02-09). "Question: 'Morning Joe' or Sen. Joe?". Sarasota Herald Tribune.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Kraushaar, Josh (2009-02-09). "A Scarborough Senate campaign?". Politico.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Barr, Andy (2009-02-10). "Gibbs grills 'Senator Scarborough'". Politico.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2009/11/club_pac_endorses_rubio_in_fls.php
- ^ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704402404574525651614413982.html
- ^ http://m.gainesville.com/gv/db_3613/contentdetail.htm;jsessionid=36FB43AA1C352C5A398824D27F04BCE2?contentguid=rGANTzH0&pn=0&full=true
- ^ http://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/2125170403
- ^ http://www.bobcoggins.com/
- ^ "Florida Governor Considers Senate Run". CNN.com. 2009-02-02.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Bill Cotterell. Fla. GOP: Crist will be next U.S. senator May 10, 2009. Pensacola News Journal.
- ^ http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/CanDetail.asp?account=50493
- ^ http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/CanDetail.asp?account=50190
- ^ Glenn Thrush (2009-04-09). "Snowbird Smith Running in Florida". Politico.com.
- ^ Man, Anthony (2009-01-14). "Marion Thorpe sets sights on U.S. Senate". Sun Sentinel.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Linda Vasquez Littlefield Announces Bid for U.S. Senate". PRNewswire-USNewswire. 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2009-01-12.
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ Associated Press (April 2, 2009). "US Rep. Mack won't seek Fla. Senate seat". Miami Herald.
- ^ Cotterell, Bill (2009-01-10). "Florida GOP gathers to plan for 2010". Tallahassee Democrat.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d e f g h http://www.charliecrist.com/news/endorsements
- ^ http://www.charliecrist.com/news/press-releases/congressman-connie-mack-endorses-charlie-crist-for-senate
- ^ http://www.charliecrist.com/news/press-releases/congressman-vern-buchanan-endorses-charlie-crist-for-united-states-senate
- ^ http://www.charliecrist.com/news/press-releases/miami-dade-county-mayor-carlos-alvarez-endorses-charlie-crist-for-senate
- ^ a b c http://www.charliecrist.com/news/press-releases/florida-house-gop-leaders-endorse-charlie-crist-for-the-united-states-senate
- ^ http://www.charliecrist.com/news/press-releases/puerto-rican-governor-luis-fortuno-endorses-charlie-crist-for-senate
- ^ [4]
- ^ Wilson, Reid (September 17, 2009), "Brown-Waite endorses Rubio in Senate race", The Hill, retrieved 2009-09-17
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23754.html
- ^ [5]
- ^ http://www.marcorubio.com/former-u-s-house-majority-leader-dick-armey-endorses-marco-rubio-for-u-s-senate/
- ^ http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/10/05/2089960.aspx
- ^ http://marklevinshow.com/sectional.asp?id=32930#
- ^ http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/2256630/posts
- ^ http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/05/2010_the_friskier_jeb_bush_endorses_marco_rubio.php
- ^ http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/11/jeb-jr-and-george-p-bush-raising-money-for-marco-rubio.html
- ^ http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091105/ARTICLES/911059853/1002/NEWS01?Title=Crist-Rubio-spar-at-local-Republican-fundraiser
- ^ http://vodpod.com/watch/1862816-steve-precourt-endorses-marco-rubio-at-orlando-tea-party
- ^ http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS211011+05-Nov-2009+PRN20091105
- ^ http://www.marcorubio.com/the-facts/
- ^ http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2009/11/club_pac_endorses_rubio_in_fls.php