NorthWest Florida Republican

I think this is the first time that Mark Rubio has actually topped Charlie Crist in a national polling.

Former State House Speaker Marco Rubio has squeaked past Gov. Charlie Crist in the race for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, leading 47 – 44 percent and topping Gov. Crist on trust, values and conservative credentials, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. – Quinnipiac

While I do think that Ed Morrisey over at Hot Air is correct in his assessment,

The entirety of Crist’s problem appears to be his decision to actively support Obama’s stimulus plan. Crist actually has moderately acceptable job-approval numbers, 50/39, and decent favorability among Republicans, 64/27. Had Crist chosen to run for re-election as Governor, he’d probably be a shoo-in.

I think that there are other things such as Budget, Insurance and Immigration issues at play here as well. Which really makes this statement even more true.

Now, of course, Crist wants to run away from that photo op — but Floridians have long memories. Crist revealed himself as a political opportunist rather than a principled conservative, and now even the moderates are walking away from Crist.

Charlie Crist should have stayed as Governor until Senator Bill Nelson’s (D) term was up. He would have a great opprotunity to capture that seat. Especially since Crist’s views are just to the right of Nelson’s.