Tag Archive for marco rubio

Rubio goes on Media Offensive during IRS Scandal

May 17, 2013 barack obama, daniel webster, governor rick scott No comments

Earlier this week, new broke that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been targeting Conservative groups over the last few months, sending out bizarre questionnaires and requiring extra measures from the organizations.

President Barack Obama has since announced that such behavior cannot be tolerated and a full investigation launched by the Department of Justice to shed more light on the scandal that has dominated the dialog in the nation’s capitol.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio was one of the many lawmakers from both parties calling for this investigation and has since been on a media offensive trying to find answers.

This problem has found it’s way to Central Florida. Local Tea Party groups have reported that they’ve been targeted by the IRS and have needed to take extra steps to remain in compliance, including some members being audited. Winter Garden Congressman Daniel Webster has also called for this investigation on behalf of his constituents.

Here is Rubio on the Senate Floor.

And Rubio on Both FOX News and MSNBC

Wednesday Morning Political Headlines: Florida’s Role in IRS, Benghazi Controversy

May 15, 2013 2014 elections, barack obama, daniel webster, florida legislative session, florida politics, marco rubio, ron desantis, state legislature No comments
Rubio's time is coming and until then he's only going to get better

It’s Wednesday and the big political stories feature Florida’s role on the national scene.

Controversies like the Government’s handling of the Benghazi terrorist attacks have several Florida lawmakers like Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Ron Desantis asking questions from their Committee assignments over the events and flow information following the tragedy.

The IRS targeting of Conservative groups have everyone from President Obama to Republican Winter Garden Congressman Daniel Webster concerned. Many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have called for an investigation.

We’ve also got features on the Florida Legislature’s voting practices and and GOP operative switching parties.

These are your Wednesday morning Political Headlines

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (VIDEO) 9 Investigates lawmaker accountability

WOFL FOX 35: (AP) GOP governors want special prosecutor in IRS case

WESH 2: Former Fla. lawmaker wins $50,000-a-year-for-life prize

Orlando Sentinel: Former Hispanic Outreach Director Jumps to Democrats.

CF News 13: Florida House members keep their health insurance cheap

WKMG Local 6: (AP) Deputy AG defends AP subpoenas

Tuesday Morning Political Headlines: Webster calling for IRS Investigation over Tea Party Targeting

May 14, 2013 2014 elections, allen west, barack obama, daniel webster, florida politics, governor rick scott, orlando media, orlando politics, sandy adams, tea party No comments
Dan Webster Headshot

It’s a crazy Tuesday and we begin with the IRS Targeting of Conservative groups nationwide, coming home to Central Florida.

Last night, Congressman Daniel Webster went on the record calling for an investigation of the targeting from the IRS that sent hundreds of letters and bizarre questionnaires to Tea Party groups. On a local level the names involved might be familiar with local politicos.

Webster joins Florida Senator Marco Rubio and dozens of other lawmakers all over the country asking for an investigation that President Obama called “unacceptable” during a presser yesterday.

That and rumors over who will be the next LT. Governor of Florida. Names like Former Congressman Allen West and even former local Congresswoman Sandy Adams have been circulated.

WOFL FOX 35: (VIDEO) Fla. congressman to press IRS for answers over targeting tea party groups

Orlando Sentinel: Rubio wants to criminalize IRS targeting of Conservatives.

CF News 13: Rumors swirl about Florida’s next lieutenant governor

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (VIDEO) Maitland votes no on proposed billboard

WKMG Local 6: (CNN) Obama: IRS targeting would be ‘outrageous’

WESH 2: GOP governors call for special prosecutor in IRS case

Stewart, Plakon, Cortes all announce Campaign Kick-Offs

May 11, 2013 2014 elections, barack obama, bob cortes, buddy dyer, florida bills, florida house, florida house 29, Florida House District 30, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, florida state house, governor rick scott, karen castor dentel, linda stewart florida house, marco rubio, mike clelland, orange county commission, orlando politics, scott plakon, state legislature One comment

Candidates for the State House are wasting no time kicking-off their campaigns for 2014. Three opening fundraisers for major candidates have been announced and will be taking place over the next few weeks. Let’s have a look at each one.

We start with the sitting House Member from District 47 Linda Stewart, the former two term Orange County Commissioner is coming off of a rough session outing that saw House Democrats protest the expansion of Medicaid to accommodate the President’s Health Care Plan and come up empty. Stewart won last November due in large part to a big Obama turnout. She’ll kicks off her campaign with no less than 4 Republicans considering a run that will favor them during a mid-term when their voters are expected to turnout stronger.

Still, Stewart always finds a way to remain competitive. She’s always been a grassroots, door to door candidate and carries wide appeal. The money will help, but she’s always found a way to compete without it. Her hosting committee sports big names like Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Super-Attorney John Morgan, former fellow Commissioner Bill Segal and a few others. The flyer is below.

Stewart Campaign Kickoff

Former State Representative Scott Plakon is in the unusual position of being a challenger that could have the upper hand in his race. He squares off in the very Republican District 29 against Democrat Mike Clelland who defeated a very flawed incumbent last November. No big names on the Plakon flyer but he’s recently been endorsed by Florida Senator Marco Rubio and his Conservative Credentials are impeccable.

Plakon Campaign Kick Off

Longwood Commissioner and small businessman Bob Cortes has been campaigning for some time now. He’s got good fundraising numbers and a few notable endorsements. The only member of our trio already with a primary, he’s got an early showdown with businessman and Soil and Water Committeeman Scott Sturgill. The winner will face Karen Castor-Dentel who actually defeated Scott Plakon last November. In an abysmal session for House Dems, she actually delivered for her fellow educators. She’ll still be vulnerable during the mid-term however. Cortes has several sitting lawmakers headlining his kick-off program and a few more sitting on the host committee.

Cortes Fundraiser new

Lawmakers are wasting no time preparing for next year. You can expect several more candidacy announcements and fundraisers over the next few weeks.

Don't Let- Advertise

Rubio endorses Scott Plakon in Florida House 29 Race

April 30, 2013 2014 elections, 2016 elections, florida house, florida house 29, florida legislative session, florida politics, immigration, karen castor dentel, marco rubio, mike clelland, orlando politics, scott plakon, state legislature One comment

Big endorsement news this morning.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has endorsed former State Representative Scott Plakon in his Florida State House 29 bid.

Plakon’s campaign made the announcement a short time ago. They released this statement from the 2016 GOP Presidential hopeful.

“I’m pleased to endorse my friend Scott Plakon as he seeks to represent the people of Florida House District 29. Scott’s integrity, hard work and passion for issues important to Floridians have become well known in our state. As a rising star in the conservative movement in Florida, Scott has often led the way in the Florida legislature when it comes to taking on some of the most important issues of our day. I’m proud to stand with conservatives across Florida in supporting Scott.”

The Seminole county Republican’s name is already golden with Conservatives in the region, so this endorsement is valuable in keeping any stray primary opponents away, and a play at left of center Democrats, who might recognize Rubio’s Bi-partisan attempts to reform Immigration, and take a longer look at Plakon in a general election.

The former lawmaker was defeated last November in District 30 by Karen Castor-Dentel. Plakon ran in the less conservative area after re-districting forced the switch, and was defeated by the “Obama for America” tidal wave that resulted in record turnout for Democrats.

In the much more Conservative D29, he’ll square off against current Democrat Mike Clelland who defeated would be House Speaker Chris Dorworth with that same turnout, a Dorworth vs. Media war, and then only by re-count.

Plakon's campaign announced the endorsement from Rubio this morning

Plakon’s campaign announced the endorsement from Rubio this morning

Don't Let Banner Red

Jeb getting mixed messages from Family about 2016 run

April 25, 2013 2016 elections, florida politics, hilary clinton, jeb bush, marco rubio, mitt romney No comments

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is at a crossroads in his political career.

He could continue to work behind the scenes, as he has promoting education in the Sunshine State or stick to the book tours and speaking engagements. That would be be fine. He was a two term Governor of the finest state in the country and is part of one of the biggest political families in the United States.

Or he could go for it all and become the third person in his family to be called “Mr. President” in 2016.

It’s a tough decision. Especially, so early on with so many other GOP hopefuls, including his unofficial protege Marco Rubio, and a tough general election fight against Hilary Clinton, should she decide to win.

His family is conflicted about the decision. Last night on an ABC Report, big Brother and former President George W. Bush said “Run!” just hours before the dedication of his Presidential Library in Texas.

This morning his Mother, Former First Lady Barbara Bush advised her Son not to run “There are other people out there that are very qualified and we’ve had enough Bushes,” told ABC this morning.

I can only imagine Jeb thinking “Well, that’s not a lot of help”.

From an analyst point of view I’d ask “Has the Bush Brand recovered enough for Jeb to make a convincing run?”

Jeb is certainly capable. There are many who strongly believe that Jeb is on his worst day can lead better than W. on his best.

The table can also be set in a hurry if needed. You’ll recall the efforts to draft Jeb into last years election went into the late spring when confidence dwindled with Mitt Romney and it was uncertain if he was going to get the delegates to get nominated at the convention. Fundraising will be no problem, he’ll have no problem connecting with Hispanic voters, and he’s got the best delivery out of any of other potential candidates out there right now.

It’s still early. We’ll see.

For now, Jeb will have to read the mixed messages from his family and take them into consideration, along with the thousand of other voices he’ll have to listen to before he makes a decision.

What he decides will shape the entire 2016 field.

Jeb will hear the calls to run in 2016 until he makes a solid decision

Jeb will hear the calls to run in 2016 until he makes a solid decision

Don't Let Banner Red

Former President Bill Clinton to give Commencement speech at UCF Thursday May 2nd

April 24, 2013 2012 elections, barack obama, florida politics, jeb bush, marco rubio, orlando politics One comment

It was announced today, that former President Bill Clinton will be visiting UCF next Thursday, May 2nd to give the commencement speech to the graduating class.

President Clinton is no stranger to one of the biggest Universities in the country, he campaigned aggressively for Barack Obama here last year, doing his part to deliver the I4 corridor. Just days later he put the campaign on his back, giving what many believe as the most effective campaign speech of the year, at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

In 2010, he also campaigned at the campus for Gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink, and Democratic nominee for Senate Kendrick Meek.

Clinton’s wife former Senator and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is regarded as the early frontrunner for President in 2016 beating local Republican favorites former Governor Jeb Bush and Senator Marco Rubio in early polling.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the next election.

You’ll find highlights from his visit here, when it happens.

Former President Clinton will be speaking at UCF on Thursday May 2nd

Former President Clinton will be speaking at UCF on Friday

Get Your Message Out Banner! Blue

Why Ted Cruz shouldn’t take on Rubio over Immigration Reform

April 22, 2013 2016, florida politics, immigration, marco rubio, Uncategorized No comments
Ted Cruz Immigration

This morning POLITICO published a story that pitted Texas Senator Ted Cruz in a potential fight over Immigration against Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Ted Cruz, he’s got a lot of similarities with Rubio. Family ties to Cuba, Tea Party favorite, dynamic speaking ability, and a bright future.

These ties would make him the obvious favorite to oppose Rubio on his “Gang of 8″ legislation as the article says.

Not so fast.

Cruz has got the ambition. You see it when he speaks. A forceful delivery that means business and demands results.

But he’d better think twice before becoming the face of opposition for this immigration reform plan. I’ll explain why.

He just got there and doesn’t have the Rubio’s national name ID: Rubio has had two books released, been on the cover of Time, been vetted for Vice-President, and spoofed on the Simpsons and Saturday Night Live. He’s already feuding with Jay-Z and Pitbull (kinda) and has Jeb (Bush) singing his praises. He also broke the “Full Ginsberg” record by appearing on 6 Sunday morning talkers on the same day.

Cruz spoke at the RNC and did a terrific job but he’s still a stranger to the average voter. Rubio has more credibility at this point.

Texas is not Florida: Don’t mess with Texas, I know, I know but Texas is red for the foreseeable future. The GOP needs Florida and that means they need Rubio to put up a valiant fight during this immigration battle, to at least convince the I4 corridor that they’re serious about the issues that effect the growing Hispanic population, in one of the country’s biggest swing states.

His efforts would hurt the GOP with the entire demographic.

At some point, politics becomes a finesse game: The smoke throwers always find this out eventually. There is no way to oppose this immigration plan without eventually positioning yourself as a major media antagonist. Cruz would have to accept openly voice his support for a plan that deports 11 million undocumented immigrants. Not only is this not practical but there are no alternatives. Ask Mitt Romney how that worked out.

He’d become the “big bad” in the mainstream media and that eventually crosses over to the moderates. That’s not the reputation you want.

Working with Rubio and conditionally supporting the legislation would pay dividends in the future: What Cruz should do is trim the legislation here and there, then get behind it. Think about it. As compelling as showdown between Cruz and Rubio sounds, imagine a united front between the two. Cruz could pick up the phone, throw some conditions into the debate and get this legislation passed. There is plenty of room for winners in these talks.

There is a lot of negative, and very little positive for the rising star from the lone star state, in fighting this legislation. He would be far better off putting his mark on this historic reform, than trying to destroy it.

Video: Boston, Immigration, Gun Control, Jobs in a very busy week in Florida Politics – WIR

April 22, 2013 alan grayson, barack obama, bill nelson, buddy dyer, corrine brown, daniel webster, florida politics, governor rick scott, gun control, immigration, john mica, marco rubio, orange county commission, orlando politics, orlando venues, pam bondi, ron desantis, teresa jacobs No comments

This was a very busy week.

This could have been a full 30 minute show, with so much to cover but it manages to clock in at just under 12 minutes.

Of course, the main story is Boston. From the terrible attacks at the Boston Marathon leading to the capture, and finally a moment to begin the healing. We’ll talk about how are lawmakers supported the area during the tragedy.

The vote for extended background checks on gun purchases failed on capitol hill this week. We’ll talk about our Senators and how they voted on the measure.

We’ll stick with Marco Rubio as we discuss the Immigration Reform bill released by the “gang of 8″ this week and the challenges that were waiting for it.

At home, we’ve got soccer stadiums, veterans memorials, lawsuits on energy giants, and pro wrestling all dominating the Florida Political landscape.

This is your Week in Review.

Rubio on Immigration “Doing nothing is Amnesty”

April 19, 2013 florida politics, immigration, marco rubio No comments
Bipartisan Group Of Senators Announce Major Agreement On Immigration Reform

The Senator from Florida has been on the defensive for the last 72 hours since details from the “Gang of 8′s” sweeping immigration legislation was released.

Many believe that this is the biggest fight of his political career and I’m one of them (read about it here)

The ironic part is that it’s against members from his own side, the “hardcore”, the “gamers” that look past pragmatism and see this entire debate as a competition, complete with a scoreboard and referees.

Adversaries that are looking past the 3 Billion dollars for border security, mandatory E-Verify for employers, and undocumented immigrants paying back taxes, fines, and getting to the back of the line for citizenship.

Hardliners that are upset that Democrats Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin are standing behind Rubio during press conferences, and ignoring John McCain (who many of them were cheering for 5 years ago) and Lindsey Graham.

Conservatives that believe you can deport 11 million people without consequences and terms like “Self Deportation” are feasible. Ask Mitt Romney how that worked out.

Still, it’s Marco Rubio’s fight right now and those who are already keeping score for 2016 are slamming the son of immigrants, who found success and is an example of the American dream and are ready to align behind someone who will almost certainly get crushed by Hilary Clinton in a 2016 general election.

This is where Rubio is right now. And this is Rubio earlier explaining the bill on the Senate Floor.

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