Thread: Research Help Needed on Florida Senate race

I keep reading these articles about Rubio being in the lead in Florida when we know that he blocked ALL OF OUR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT BILLS when he was Speaker of the House.

Im having a heck of a time finding out how many GOP candidates are running for US Senate in Florida this year?

The articles and polls make it sound like it is just Crist and Rubio.

Can anyone find out for us quickly please?

W

From Wikipedia:
Mel Martinez of Florida
Main article: United States Senate election in Florida, 2010
Freshman Republican Senator Mel Martinez was elected in a very close race against Democrat Betty Castor in 2004 with just 49% of the vote.[35] Martinez is a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the George W. Bush Administration. Martinez announced on December 2, 2008, that he would not seek a second term in the U.S. Senate,[36] and in an unanticipated move, he announced on August 7, 2009, that he would be resigning from the Senate effective upon the naming of a successor.[37] On September 10, 2009, George LeMieux was sworn in to serve the remainder of Martinez's Senate term.

Incumbent Republican Governor Charlie Crist announced his candidacy and is considered to be the favorite in the race.[38] Crist currently has high approval ratings in the state among Republicans and Democrats and would be considered a formidable candidate.[39] Former Republican Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio is running and positioning himself as a more conservative candidate than Crist.[40] Former New Hampshire U.S. Senator Bob Smith is also a declared candidate.[41] U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan, who represents Florida's 13th congressional district,[42] former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Allan Bense,[43] and State House Majority Leader Adam Hasner,[44] are also potential Republican candidates. Other, lesser-known candidates for the Republican nomination include United States Marine Corps veteran Bob Coggins,[45] attorney Linda Vasquez Littlefield,[46] pastor and educational consultant Gwyn McClellan,[45] attorney Belinda Noah,[47] restaurant owner Shawn M. Teeters,[47] physician and 2008 congressional candidate Marion Thorpe,[48] and real estate broker Tom Walsh.[49]

Democratic U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek,[50] who represents Florida's 17th congressional district, North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns,[51] Marine Corps veteran George Lovenguth,[52] pastor Tyrone Brown,[45] and Key West resident "Trinidad Joe" Allen[53] have all announced their candidacies for the seat. Rep. Corrine Brown was considered a potential candidate but decided to instead run for reelection.[54] State Senator Dan Gelber had formed an exploratory committee, but ultimately decided not to run in the interest of political unity;[55] he later announced that he would run for Florida Attorney General.[56] Rep. Ron Klein also expressed interest in the race only to opt not to run.[57]

Marshall DeRosa is the Constitution Party Nominee.[58] Alexander Snitker is the Libertarian Party Nominee.[58]

In addition to the above candidates Piotr Blass and Dave Roberts have filed as independent candidates, while Bobby Bean, Bernard "Bernie" DeCastr, and Todd Oifer will be listed as No Party Affiliation [58]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Sta ... of_Florida

There is a third prominent candidate in the GOP contest: former Sen. Robert C. Smith, who moved to Florida from New Hampshire after he lost the 2002 Republican primary for the Senate seat he had held for two terms. At this point, Smith is not seen as a major factor in the race.

Bob Coggins website: http://www.bobcoggins.com/

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?d ... te-2010-FL

Florida Senate Race
CQ Politics Race Rating: Likely Republican

Senate Race Rating Chart

Incumbent — George LeMieux (R) (Appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, R, to replace Mel Martinez, R, who resigned); Will retire at end of current term. LeMieux announced he would not seek election in 2010 following his appointment to the seat


Martinez initially announced in December 2008 that he would retire rather than seek a second term in 2010. This prompted Republican officials to go all out to persuade Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who has enjoyed strong public approval ratings, to run for the open Senate seat rather than pursue a second term as governor.

Crist rewarded them by announcing his Senate bid in May. But it soon became clear that Crist, though a solid front-runner for the Republican nomination and the overall early favorite to win the seat, would have a fight on his hands for the GOP primary. Former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, a rising star among Florida’s large and politically potent Cuban-American constituency, entered the race as a more conservative alternative to Crist, who is viewed by some on the right as too much of a centrist.

Crist also soon found himself in an awkward position when Martinez made a surprise announcement Aug. 7 that he would instead resign his Senate seat as soon as Crist, who has appointment power to fill Senate vacancies, could choose an interim successor. As a contender for the seat himself in 2010, Crist needed a “placeholderâ€