Meek headed for a BLOWOUT!!!!!!!!!

[bigdarryl]

Wouldn't it be great if he surprises the media and politicians and win this thing in November http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2010/08/meek-headed-for-big-win.html

[vi5]

1. It would be., but....

...it would be nice (and in fact probably almost requires) the democratic party leadership to get behind him in what will be a a difficult race rather than just going with the path of least resistance and banking on a Crist win. You know, standing up for what is right rather than what is politically expedient?

I'm not going to hold my breath for that.

[flpoljunkie]

2. Yes, but if polling shows Meek can't win in November, Crist beats the heck out of Rubio.

I loathe Rubio and his Repubican ilk.

[vi5]

4. I'm not disputing that.....

...but that still is exactly what I described: going with political expediency rather than fighting for what is right. Supporting a former repbulcan who maybe agrees with you sort of some of the time, maybe, over an actual democrat.

I'm not a Floridian so I don't like to speak to the political fortunes of other states or what is best for that state. But if the national party gets involved (which I believe they will) and back a former republican over a Democrat because of their ongoing cowardice and aversion to hard work/fighting then that's where I get frustrated and do have an opinion on the matter.

[flamingdem]

15. Sorry but the real issue here is keeping Rubio (T-Party/Dumbo) OUT nt

[flpoljunkie]

18. MSNBC: Meek has three weeks to show what he can do to get Dem establishment support

I wish him luck. The latest poll has Rubio beating both Crist and Meek. Not good--not good at all.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010

Rubio back on top

Democrats will get their stronger candidate if Kendrick Meek wins the Florida Senate primary tonight as expected- but the biggest winner coming out of the primary may be Marco Rubio. PPP finds he would begin the general election in the lead at 40%, followed by Charlie Crist at 32%, and Meek at 17%. If Jeff Greene were somehow able to pull off the upset tonight it would be much closer with Rubio at 37%, Crist at 36%, and Greene at only 13%.

PPP's last poll of the race in mid-July found Crist in the lead at 35% to 29% for Rubio and 17% for Meek. Two major developments have shifted the race in Rubio's direction though. The first is that Democrats are now going for Meek 39-38 where before they were going for Crist 44-35. As Democrats have gotten to know Meek over the course of the primary campaign they've generally decided they like him and that's cut into Crist's support for the general election.

The other big difference is that many Republican voters have moved off the fence and they've almost universally moved into the Rubio column. Where Rubio had a 54-23 lead with GOP voters in July, it's now increased to 69-20. Many Republicans were up in the air between Crist and Rubio previously but whatever they've seen over the last month has moved them more firmly into the Rubio column.

Crist's support continues to show an awkward balance that may ultimately make victory for him impossible. 57% of those planning to vote for him if Meek is the nominee think he should caucus with the Democrats in the Senate if elected while 28% think he should side with the Republicans. He's more likely to find the additional support he needs to get elected from Democrats than Republicans, but can he do that without losing the 20% of Republicans who are still with him? Whether he finds a way to thread that needle or not will probably determine his fate.

For now Rubio's in his strongest position since Crist quit the Republican race and decided to run as an independent.

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2010/08/rubio-back-on-top.html

[ChiciB1]

25. And You Can Rest Assured IF Polls Start Leaning Toward Crist In The

General, MANY, MANY Democrats here will be voting for Crist! Meek had better get some MoJo or he's out on his butt!

Too many of us are flat out shaking in our boots down here at the thought of MARCO RUBIO!! If Meek's numbers are down, then he goes down! I would NEVER had thought that I would have to hold my nose and vote for a former Repuke... but so many of us down here are facing this prospect!!

I haven't made my mind up yet, but many of my friends HAVE!! What can I say?? NO RUBIO... NO WAY!!

And I'm not all that crazy about the DLC Meek either, but it is what it is!!

[monmouth]

3. Meek is in a race for third...n/t

[Dawgs]

5. +1. It's time for everyone to recognize this fact.

A vote for Meek is a vote for Rubio.

[golfguru]

8. A vote for Meek is a vote for true progressive

A vote for Crist is a vote for a snake-bite in hopes
that you will be saved from the Burmese Python.

Vote for what is right, not what is politically expedient.
If all the votes wasted on Crist go to Meek, Meek can win in FL.

[flamingdem]

21. Meek towed the RIGHT WING CUBAN AMERICAN LINE advocating cutting ALL remittances to Cuban familie

He's another opportunist along with Debbie Wasserman Schulz in spite of some attractive points.

[flamingdem]

22. Kendrick Meek opposes President Barack Obama's stance on remittances to Cuba

http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/cuba/meek.htm

By BETH REINHARD

Miami Democrat Kendrick Meek said he will be among six members of Congress traveling with President Barack Obama on Air Force One this week to the Summit of the Americas -- though he disagrees with part of the administration's new Cuba policy.

At a Monday morning rally for his U.S. Senate campaign, Meek said he supports curbing the amount of money Cuban Americans can send to their relatives because the communist government takes a 20 percent cut.

Later Monday, Obama announced that he would allow Cuban Americans to freely send cash to needy relatives, and he called on the Cuban government to confiscate less of the money. The announcement was timed to coincide with the summit that begins Friday in Trinidad.

Meek said he was unaware that Obama had pledged during his campaign to lift the limits on remittances put in place under President George W. Bush.

''I want to talk to the president about the unlimited remittances, if that's what he said, because that could be counterproductive to our mission in Cuba to turn it toward democracy the way we'd like to see it,'' he said.

He later issued a statement that said free-flowing remittances would amount to "further propping up a regime that suppresses human rights, freedoms and personal mobility. . . . To have remittances meant for family members in Cuba siphoned off by the regime in Havana would be a deep insult to Cuban Americans everywhere.''

Other members of Florida's delegation share Meek's concerns, reflecting Cuba's status as one of the issues that unites Democratic and Republican politicians from a state that is home for hundreds of thousands of politically influential exiles.

Republican Reps. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Mario Diaz-Balart of Miami said in a statement that Obama made ''a serious mistake by unilaterally increasing Cuban-American travel and remittance dollars for the Cuban dictatorship.'' Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston suggested doubling the $1,200 annual limit instead of lifting the cap. But other Democrats in Congress and the White House argue that the restrictions have failed to weaken the regime and instead hurt the Cuban people.

Meek represents one of the most Democratic districts in the country, and his stance on Cuba stands out against a mostly liberal voting record. On Monday, he received his fourth union endorsement, from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Meek is a co-sponsor of a controversial bill that has become organized labor's top priority. The legislation would make it easier for unions to recruit new members by collecting signatures instead of holding secret-ballot elections.

Meek's endorsements and nearly $1.5 million in donations have given him an early leg up in the campaign to replace Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, who is retiring in 2010. The other major Democratic contender, state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami, has raised about $400,000.

Gov. Charlie Crist would immediately become the Republican front-runner if he decides to run for the Senate.

''Kendrick jumped out in front early and has picked up steam ever since,'' said Diana Pitarelli, who currently serves as vice chair of the Broward Democratic Party.

``It's not going to be easy to beat Charlie Crist. I know Democrats who like Charlie Crist.''

[flamingdem]

23. Crist shifts view on Cuban travel restrictions

Crist shifts view on Cuban travel restrictions


As the Republican governor of Florida, Charlie Crist backed U.S. sanctions against Cuba and signed off on a state law hiking costs on agencies that book trips to the repressive regime.

But as a newly independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, Crist is slated to collect checks from some of the same people who successfully fought to overturn the law last year and who advocate opening a dialogue with Cuba.

Crist's Cuba position is the latest example of his that-was-then, this-is-now political strategy as he tries to build a statewide campaign outside the traditional Republican Party. The heavily Republican Cuban exile community backs strict limits on travel and remittances to Cuba, which they see as financially propping up the communist dictatorship.

The Obama administration lifted virtually all restrictions on Cuban-Americans' travel to the island last year, overturning a Bush administration ruling that had limited their trips to once every three years.

Crist said Monday that he supports the Democratic administration's decision last year to maintain the long-standing trade embargo but allow Cuban-Americans to freely visit their relatives and send money. At the time, President Barack Obama said the former Republican administration's policy had failed to foster democracy but hurt the Cuban people.

[golfguru]

32. Crist has shifted on so many issues, my head is spinning

trying to figure this dude out.

[ChiciB1]

26. BULL-SHIT!! Meek IS NO PROGRESSIVE!! I Wonder If He's Even A Moderate

so much of the time! Can YOU SAY... "Blue Dog?" The quandary Democrats here in Florida is facing is the fact that on many issues, Crist and Meek are pretty much the same! And sometimes it seems Crist is even MORE moderate than Meek!

I fully understand what POL-OH-TIT-SHUNS will say and do to get elected, but for many of us, the goal is to STOP RUBIO!! Bottom line!! And Meek isn't all that impressive to many of us down here!

Why do you think so many are questioning who they will vote for?? It's because Meek is just really MEEK! Some are even thinking that Crist will be more likely vote with moderate Democrats as opposed to Meek who many feel is a crap shoot!

Sorry, but I'm not running the rumor mill, but those talking are talking what I'm saying!

[suzie]

28. I heard someone saying the same thing last week--that Crist may be to the left of Meek.

This was an activist who has followed them both closely speaking in a group of Democrats.

[ChiciB1]

33. As I've Been Saying, Those How DO Follow them Tend To Make That

comment! There IS another thing that needs to be considered too, and some have been saying. Meek may be the Democrat and the one we're supposed to vote for, but just think about this. Yes, Crist saw the handwriting on the wall and switched to Indy because of Rubio... but by doing so he had the chutzpa to actually put his butt in a sling!! HE bucked a Repuke Party, and most of us know that Repukes stick together like super glue no matter what!! One could say he's just trying to save his ass, and there's probably a lot to that, still it couldn't have been all that easy! HE KNEW what Repukes here would do and he poked them in the eye!

He threw the dice and despite the Repuke anger, he forged ahead! Sly? Yep, but he may very well be beating them at their own game! I'm not happy about the fact that he won't come out of the closet, but given that Rubio grabbed the ring, I can deal with the fact that he will be Rubio's opponent! I don't know if they're polling all Parties or not, but they're neck and neck!

I think he may well be counting on the fact that Meek WON'T be able to garner enough support and Democrats will vote for him. I like the fact that he's against offshore drilling, and he has surprised me as a Governor as being much more moderate than I thought he was!

He DOES know how to play the game, there can be no doubt about it! I think he KNOWS that Democrats will flip if Meek's numbers stay low!

So, who's the dumb one?? I've said it many times, I know people who have already made up their minds to vote for him. DEMOCRATS who will vote for him... no matter what!

[golfguru]

31. Dem Votes will be split between Crist & Meek then Rubio wins

I am supporting the real dem, Kendrick Meek, not the
I was for it before I was against it, Crist.

[ChiciB1]

39. Crist Is No Specter... There IS A Big Difference! Plus Specter Had Age

AGAINST HIM, Crist does not!

[golfguru]

41. You may trust Crist the snake, I don't n/t

[ChiciB1]

42. Didn't Say Anything About Trust... Just Know Meek Isn't A Strong Candidate

IMO, and others know it too! I'd do ANYTHING to keep Rubio out and if Meek starts looking stronger I would be ecstatic! I can't help what a lot of the perception is about Meek! He's a "blue dog" IMO and many here just don't think he'll be able to pull it off!

I didn't make this stuff up! As I said, perception is what it is! But RUBIO is my NIGHTMARE!! If anyone thought Jebby was bad, heaven help this state and this country if Rubio wins!

[AngryAmish]

17. There are racial overtones that cannot be ignored

But Florida is Florida...

[golfguru]

6. As Meek's poll numbers rocket up, political leadership support

will follow. Every one loves a winner.
Johnny come lately Greene has been exposed as a phony
carpet bagger.

[angee_is_mad]

7. YAY!!!

Fired up, ready to go!

[AtomicKitten]

9. The teabagger must go down in flames. Meek is fighting for third place.

If you do the math on that, Crist stands between us and the teabagger.

[flamingdem]

24. Agree! nt

[ChiciB1]

27. GOTCHA! And It's All The "Talk Of The Town!" Don't Believe Me??

C'mon down and see for yourself!

[golfguru]

38. as soon as Crist wins, he will lurch back to Teabagging

This dude changes positions so fast, it makes your head spin.

[AtomicKitten]

44. I don't believe that's true, in fact, Meek is DLC and Crist has hired Democratic staffers.

If you do the math on that, IMO it's a toss-up. That's why I'd feel comfortable voting for Crist since only he has a chance of beating the actual teabagger.

[golfguru]

45. This Crist dude smells of a TROJAN horse to me

Of course he hired democratic staffers. He is trying to split
democratic votes to ensure Rubio win. Don't be surprised if Rubio
appoints Crist to some high level job in his admin.

[AtomicKitten]

49. Do you really think Crist is "trying to split dem votes to ensure a Rubio win" ???

That makes no sense. He parted company with the GOP with irretrievable harsh words. It should be obvious he's in it to win it.

Virginia is a prime example of the consequences of electing teabaggers. Gov McDonnell and VA AG Cuccinelli are systematically stripping away same sex civil rights and impeding access to safe and LEGAL! abortions vis a vis outrageous regulations.

Be afraid. Be very afraid. That teabagger shit needs to be knocked down hard.

[golfguru]

50. Crist is 1st for Crist...that's for sure

but let us examine some facts...

Is Crist going to get many republican votes in November?
I doubt if he gets more than 15%

Is Crist going to get many African-American votes in November
against Kendrick Meek? I doubt if he gets more than 5%

So which block will vote for Crist?
15% republicans, 5% A-A's, and some democrats who despise Rubio
more than they will vote for the democratic candidate, Meek. I
will be surprised if Crist gets more than 25% of non-A-A democratic votes.

The only block left is indies...and Florida is not known for big
indie voting. I am not so sure indie's will flock to Crist either.

I do not trust, he was for it before he was against it, Crist,
who changes his positions 180 degrees at the drop of party affiliation.

I really believe democratic voters are wasting their votes by splitting.

[vaberella]

10. As I said I see Dems winning big in November.

Hence the reasons I'm not worried. Not that I'm sitting on my butt to take a chance either.

[demwing]

14. Are you just optimistic, or do you see polling data to back up your view?

Because I would like to see what you see, if it's based on the numbers.

[vaberella]

43. Hardly.

When I first saw us winning, meeks wasn't even a contender. I don't consider polls to be the end all, be all.

[demwing]

46. So what encourages you to say the Dems will win "BIG" ?

I just want to know what feeds your certainty.

[tsuki]

11. I don't know how much Greene spent on Robo Calls, but I'd like to

make them illegal in Florida.

[ChiciB1]

29. Oh Boy... Every Day, All Day Long, Plus His Wife Too! My Phone Rings

ALL THE TIME! Many are from D.C.'ers asking for us to vote for Meek, but Greene makes about 8 calls to every ONE from anyone else!

And I've NEVER gotten one from Meek! And I've only received two flyers from Meek! Says a LOT to me!!

[golfguru]

40. Too many phone calls can actually turn off voters.

[tallahasseedem]

12. That would be awesome...

long shot, but awesome. I just voted for him in the primary, so hopefully he will at least beat lunatic Greene.

[ChiciB1]

34. I'd Lay Money On The Fact That Greene's Toast!! My Husband Doesn't Even

follow politics that much and he's even laughing about Greene's antics and LIES!! He depends on me to keep him up to date, but his ears got perked up when he saw Greene in action! And yes, HE DID LAUGH!!

If Greene wins, then I don't think I'll EVER vote in this state again!! It would be a rigged election like I've never seen! He has money, but he's a joke!

Well, Florida's been the brunt before and I always get ribbed about why we can't vote, so if it's Greene, it's REALLY going to make this state totally toast!

[tallahasseedem]

35. I completely agree...

I'm not sure if you've been subjected to his robo-calls...holy crap they are unbearable.

[ChiciB1]

37. More Than I Can Bear!! I've NEVER Received So Many From One

person in my life! Plus as I said above, even his WIFE is calling! SICK!

[peekaloo]

13. Please.

then let's hope for a major pissing contest between Crist and Rubio in the run up to the general which would further enable his chances.

[mgcgulfcoast]

16. lets hope crist drops out

im not interested in another specter in the party who will become a republican again if its to his advantage.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

19. Will Meek be able to win even if Crist drops out?

I'm as wary as Republicans-turned-Independents/Democrats as most people are but Crist hasn't exactly endeared himself to the Republican Party since President Obama became POTUS and he hasn't been afraid to take some strong positive stands against his party on some important issues. Yeah, it may all be just typical election politicking but he embraced President Obama's Recovery Act from the start- even before he announced for the Senate- and I think that there is a reasonable chance that he will caucus with the Democrats if elected. At worst, he may end up being more of an "honest independent"- sometimes supporting the Democrats and other times supporting Republicans on certain issues. I have my doubts about him shedding the "independent" label and being a consistently loyal Republican caucus member if elected to the Senate. If Meek doesn't pick up a significant amount of support and it looks like it comes down to (realistically) a choice between Crist and Rubio, Democrats should vote for Crist IMHO to block Rubio (who would be far worse- sometimes sucking less IS important).

[DCBob]

30. +1

my sentiments exactly.

[ChiciB1]

36. Gee, I Just Posted Almost The Same Thing & I Hadn't Read Your Post!

So it just go to show that there is really a ground swell going on here. Perhaps MSM just isn't picking up on it, or they are and don't want to report it! Either way, Floridians don't seem to be all that "hot" for Meek!

If you live here, you must be hearing the same things I am!

[Proud Liberal Dem]

47. LOL! That sometimes happens to me too!

:hi:

BTW I'm from Indiana but, coming from somebody in a (largely) Republican state, I can certainly sympathize.

[Honeycombe8]

48. I don't think that will happen. He has a good chance of winning. Really good. nt

[flpoljunkie]

20. Yes. Like the one between McCollum and Scott which has boosted Alex Sink.