The 2010 Republican primary for Senate in Florida has been emerging as a key contest between the Republican establishment, with its focus on rebuilding the party and trying to win the center, and the purist activist base — and so far, the establishment is winning.
Gov. Charlie Crist, the moderate candidate backed by the establishment, has raised $3 million in the second quarter, an impressive sum. Insurgent candidate Marco Rubio, a former state House Speaker who is aiming to mobilize opposition to Crist’s endorsement of the stimulus bill, took in only $340,000. Crist is running way ahead in the polls, thanks to superior name recognition, and a 9-1 fundraising advantage should go a long way in helping him maintain his position.
In addition, Crist is making a clear move to build up support in the Cuban-American community — cutting in on Rubio’s natural turf — and has won the endorsements of Miami Congressmen Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart.
The right-wing Club For Growth has been publicly mulling whether to get in this race on Rubio’s behalf. Rubio ought to be hoping the Club will ultimately offer him its help — he’ll need it.
