Rubio Back on Top

Marco Rubio is back on top in the polls (YAHOO!) and he raised $4.5 million in the second quarter.  I've never doubted that Rubio has the right stuff but it sure feels good to see that Charlie "you can fool some of the people some of the time" Crist isn't able to fool all of the people all of the time.

Ed Morrissey:

Earlier this afternoon, I participated in a conference call with Marco Rubio, who has focused more of late on networking and fundraising than high-profile campaigning. Even so, the last Rasmussen poll shows Rubio retaking a narrow lead among likely voters, and Charlie Crist’s latest grandstanding stunt could be backfiring. It certainly has with Crist appointee Senator George LeMieux, who today endorsed Marco Rubio. The strategy has also been effective, as Rubio’s campaign raised $4.5 million in the second quarter, blowing away Kendrick Meek’s $1 million.

Rubio started with a brief introduction, saying that “we’re very happy with the direction of my campaign.” He expressed the need for a strong check on the Obama administration. Rubio hit at the uncertainties created by the White House and Congress in the economy, and said they had made it “difficult to invest” in American industry. Rubio said an announcement would come tomorrow on a proposal to create a Gulf enterprise zone to restore economic health to the region, and blasted politicians taking “photo op opportunities” rather than work for real improvement.

Morrissey goes on to give a sample of the questions asked today and Rubio's answers.  Having listened to Rubio speak on several occasions I can attest that Rubio knows the issues and more importantly, he knows where he stands.  A refreshing change from Charlie Crist, whose "stands" vary depending on whomever he is sucking up to at any given moment.  I thought Rubio's answer to one question in particular spoke very highly of his character and integrity:
 

Prefer Meek or Greene in the race? – Doesn’t matter, Rubio says. “Meek is principled,” Rubio says, “his principles are different than mine, is all.” Of all the other candidates, Rubio’s the only one that won’t carry Barack Obama’s, Harry Reid’s, Nancy Pelosi’s water on Capitol Hill.

Rubio credited Meek with having deeply held beliefs.  He doesn't ridicule Kendrick Meek the man, but focuses on their differences on policies.  It is a pity that more politicians don't follow that tact rather than the constant sniping and character assassinations that we are subjected to almost daily.

Having Rubio in the Senate will go a long way towards bringing some much needed balance back to Washington.  I've said it before and I'll say it again-November can't get here soon enough.

Read the rest of Morrissey's post.