Florida's U.S. Senate Winner Marco Rubio Reminds Voters of Cuba's Smashed Dreams; But No Time for Republicans to Gloat
Republicans Take Florida for All Major Positions
Marco Rubio won that Senate seat with an unquestionable lead over Charlie Crist (I) and Kendrick Meeks (D).
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, opened his acceptance speech with thanks to God that may bring forth ire from non-religious voters and delight from believers.
But he spent much of his speech reminding Floridians, and all Americans listening, of America's freedoms. He compared our ability to choose our own paths with how Cuban citizens' dreams were smashed when that country was overtaken by dictatorship (never mentioning Castro by name).
He reminded us that his parents and many other Cubans came to America when their hopes were dashed in their homeland. They became legal citizens, worked hard, and made a path for their children that they themselves could never experience.
His speech left no doubt that the stirring reminder about Cuba was a comparison to the wrong road he believes Washington currently has us on, with bigger government control and a deaf ear to the American people.
No time for Republicans to gloat
However, Rubio didn't spend time gloating for the Republicans. Instead, he challenged all newly elected and returning legislators, and the voters, to leave the labels of liberal and conservative behind and consider this election a referendum to re-identify the nation as a government for and by the people.
Crist not only loses bid for Senate, but also his position as Governor
In Charlie Crist's concession speech, he graciously congratulated Rubio, wished him God's blessings, and said he will do a good job for Florida. He thanked Floridians for allowing him to spend time serving (Crist served in many state positions before governor, including attorney general).
Crist said he loved being Florida's governor. This may leave many wondering, then, why he only wanted to do it for a year before he began campaigning for the Senate; why he took the risk of switching parties mid-stream; and, above all, why he was willing to risk losing that governorship he loved.
Sources:
Rubio's acceptance speech: ABC Action News video, 11/2/10.
Crist's concession speech: CBS4 (Doral, Florida) video, 11/2/10.
Published by Sheryl Young - Featured Contributor in Politics
Freelance writer since 1997; Featured Political Contributor for Yahoo!; Tampa Tribune Community Columnist/Blogger; Chicken Soup for the Soul; Amy Foundation National Writing Award; happy wife, proud step-mom... View profile
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47 Comments
Post a CommentWe need more in office like Marco Rubio, that are aware of the wrong road, he believes Washington currently has us on, with bigger government control and a deaf ear to the American people.
Unfortunately the differences between the Democratic party and the Republican party are irreconcilable. The Republican view of the Democrats and the Welfare recipients as well as the Democratic view of the rich and the Republicans ensure that the voters will be disappointed during the next two years.
Excellent article. Rubio is a rising star in the Republican party. He is also an excellent communicator. He will soon learn that it is very easy to make promises during a campaign. Keeping those promises will be far more difficult.
Excellent reporting.
SC took all Constitutional offices this November. Truly a victory only if we can right our tilting ship of state.
Republicans won a senate seat held by party switching Arlen Specter whose opposition to pro-life politics made him a republican I never liked.However his replacement Pat Toomey a pro-lifer began as pro-choice in his first campain.Though I believe America must change I don't think it's going to be as easy as going to the polls, we the people must change our hearts and respect God above all else.
You guys had a good night in Florida. Rubio represents everything good about the United States.
I love the speech reminding us of the potential loss of freedom and his call to drop labels and work together. We need a wake up speech. Castro was supposed to bring everything to the Cuban people and take the power from industry and commerce. He gave his ardent followers a pie in the sky, big guys owe you everything speech and once he overthrew Batista, he got rid of big business and much of the Cuban talent fled to the US. Just check out the life in Cuba without those "money grubbing businessmen."
I wonder why Crist giving up the Florida governor seat didn't get the same amount of flack that Sarah Palin received when she resigned as Alaskas' governor to effect political change on another platform? I'm just happy to see floridians gave Grayson the boot.
Page love also!