Time To Vote: Crist Or Meek?

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections
Posted on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:33:00 AM EST
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I voted straight Democrat except for one race - the Florida Senate race. I voted for Crist over Meek.

On the issues, based on the candidates' stated positions, Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek would be my choice. But Crist will be Specter-like, imo, if he wins (maybe if he loses too. He's done as a Republican.) The last polls of the race have Meek with no chance and Crist with a slim one of beating Republican Marco Rubio.

Here's the question - does stopping Marco Rubio matter enough to vote for the candidate who agrees with me less? In terms of what happens in Congress for the next 2 years, not really I think. But what about the 4 years after that? Moreover, Rubio as an incumbent will be hard to beat. He's a good pol. And he will be a conservative Republican. The consequences in Senate races last longer.

I promise to work for Meek in his next race, but I'll vote for Crist in this race and hope he can somehow pull it out. Meek has no chance. (As for my election predictions, I'll wait until the end of the day to give you mine.)

UPDATE - I voted and the post has been edited to reflect that. I voted against all the constitutional amendments as well. I hate constitutional amendments by referendum. Hell, I hate referendums period.

Speaking for me only

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Time To Vote: Crist Or Meek? | 70 comments (70 topical)

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Stopping Rubio (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by juliapi on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:07:19 AM EST

I voted in South Florida. I like Meek and felt bad for him but I had to vote Crist. I am in education and he really did help us out but we have to stop Rubio.

The NYT gave Crist (none / 0) (#1)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:36:33 AM EST

a stealth endorsement today.

Knowing where the polls stand, I think FL-Sen is a hard call, but not as hard as if either Crist or Meek actually had a chance (they don't). I'm not sure I could bring myself to vote for Crist, but I think it's fair to say that he'll never be welcome in the Republican party again.

: I voted last week, and based on those (none / 0) (#51)
by ruffian on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:52:24 AM EST

polls I voted for Meek. If I had thought Crist really had a chance I could have held my nose and voted for him, but I think Rubio will win by 5% or more.

I guess (none / 0) (#2)
by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:40:32 AM EST

right now it stinks to have to make that choice.

Crist (none / 0) (#3)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:47:12 AM EST

its triage time

it seems to me that FL may be one of the places (none / 0) (#4)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:48:11 AM EST

where there could be surprises because of all the brown people the pollsters are missing.


Do you mean (none / 0) (#57)
by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 12:51:26 PM EST

the ones that look like Rubio?


younger generation (none / 0) (#58)
by jeffinalabama on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 12:55:25 PM EST

Cuban Americans are not as far right as Rubio (a lot of progressive/liberals among them especially on the diplomatic issue with Cuba), but I suspect they will not vote in large enough numbers.


I dont think (none / 0) (#59)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 01:10:03 PM EST

its that simple. but Rubio will probably win.


: Definitely not so simple (none / 0) (#60)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 01:17:56 PM EST

In Central Florida, Crist should win the Latino vote.

Neither, Crist is toast, Rubio gets my vote (none / 0) (#5)
by republicratitarian on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:56:17 AM EST

I also will vote for Alex Sink for Governor. I like her message and Rick Scott is a douche.

As a general proposition (none / 0) (#7)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:59:54 AM EST

picking candidates from both political parties is like picking generals from both sides of an armed conflict. In my mind's eye I see children insisting that they love Rommel and Montgomery.

I won't try to talk you out of voting for Alex Sink, but your selections make little sense.


: I'm giggling reading this (none / 0) (#9)
by Militarytracy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:05:51 AM EST

I'm okay with befriending certain members of the Taliban in Afghanistan. I'm at a point in all of this where the only sane thing I can do is reward good behavior.

: I never claimed to be Einstein :) (none / 0) (#11)
by republicratitarian on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:24:09 AM EST

This Flori-duh after all.

: Nah... (none / 0) (#21)
by kdog on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:54:23 AM EST

its adversarial, but not war...we are supposed to be on the same Team America here after all, as much as we may disagree on what America should be.
A split ticket is more like checks and balances at the individual voter level...I'd vote a split ticket if their were any Brand R's with some good ideas...I just can't find any. Sh*t hard enough finding Brand D's with good ideas.

If I voted in Florida I would vote (none / 0) (#6)
by Militarytracy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:57:18 AM EST

Crist in a heartbeat. He has a chance, and what he recently said when he vetoed Florida's last anti-abortion bill in June was the equivalent of slapping me awake and alive. I owe him for that veto and the words that went with it. I can't vote for him but I can say thanks.

: check the open (none / 0) (#8)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:00:56 AM EST

n/t

The choice is between depression with (none / 0) (#12)
by BobTinKY on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:25:31 AM EST

Congress critters who might try to do something about it, albeit after the horses have fled the barn, or depression with GOP Congress that won't lift a finger.

Obama and Democrats will not do what needs to be done to re-employ people and re-establish demand, not yet anyway. The GOP has no interest in even trying. So either way demand is not coming back absent some miraculous new technology like the Internet. And that lack of demand will continue to depress the economy and sustain high unemployment levels.

Maybe when it hits the fan in such a way that it splatters everyone the Dems might be prompted to do what they should be doing, should have already done. But the GOP will be in charge of Congress so that won't happen.

No relief until 2016 at the earliest, and any relief won't begin to show results until late in the decade.

Crist (none / 0) (#13)
by star on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:31:18 AM EST

Based on what do you assume he will caucus with Dems? He has no principles and will do what ever is best for Crist. Have you forgotten how chummy he was with Mccain in 08. His anti abortion veto too was a self preservation attempt. He is no use to dems what so ever. I wish Dems had gotten behind Meek with money and support early on.
Could not bring myself to vote Crist no matter what. He does not stand a chance in central Florida. I am not sure how it is in south Florida with heavy Hispanic population.

What's best for Crist now (none / 0) (#16)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:45:25 AM EST

is caucusing with Dems.


: One advisor (none / 0) (#20)
by jbindc on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:51:54 AM EST

Told the WSJ that Crist would caucus with the Dems
FWIW - don't know how much Mr. Morgan is really "in the know"

I'm tired of having choices (none / 0) (#14)
by jeffinalabama on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:37:26 AM EST

such as hard-core republican or republican lite. If I could vote in Florida, I'd vote for Meek. I'd rather do the next right thing than settle any more.

Settling was what got us where we are, IMO, and that's a not-good place this November 2. Maybe my fatalism indicates lack of concern about Rubio. He's supposed to become the voice of the uber-conservatives, and was touted today on Morning Joe or some other cable program as a rising power.

Since I can't make everyone vote how I want them to, I'm just voting my own ticket here, and I expect to have oh, no candidate I support in alabama elected. But that's better than pulling the lever (or actually connecting the line) for someone I don't support even half-heartedly.

You sound like Leo McGarry (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by jbindc on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:49:54 AM EST

of "The West Wing"

Here's part of a quote that sums it up:

Because I'm tired of it: year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of who cares. Of trying to get myself excited about a candidate who can speak in complete sentences. Of setting the bar so low, I can hardly bear to look at it.

I'm also voting for losers (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by Cream City on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:52:38 AM EST

all around in Wisconsin, I know. So even though I'm far to the north of you, we're in the same situation. It's deja vu all over again, huh? Heckuva job, Dems.


I don't even want to talk about it (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:00:01 AM EST

The saddest event of the day by far. I hate Wisconsin.


: I agree (none / 0) (#45)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:08:39 AM EST

even more so that he is being beaten by unlimited anonymous corporate money.

: Well, Feingold hasn't fought hard (none / 0) (#47)
by Cream City on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:13:06 AM EST

as he has in past here in my city, the Dem stronghold. He seems to be counting on low turnout in Milwaukee, with so few of his signs and so little effort here, combined with a high enough turnout in Dane County aka Madison with its great growth in population -- but not enough growth to make that make sense, from what I see.
And you like mavericks -- and this is just the voters being mavericks, as usual in Wisconsin. And Feingold's ads just don't make him look like a maverick anymore.

You said it (none / 0) (#15)
by star on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:43:54 AM EST

My sentiments and you articulated it better. I am disappointed with BTD's position. Did not expect it. Sorry state of affairs to think Crist as an option even..


he is a far (none / 0) (#17)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:48:22 AM EST

better option than Rubio


: Meek has polled so poorly (none / 0) (#33)
by brodie on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:43:59 AM EST

that he has no chance to win, and voting for him, thereby splitting the anti-GOP vote with Crist, only helps Rubio.
If I were in FL, I'd probably have to do what Btd did, sadly.
But I perceive Crist as evolving to the left of, say, Lieberman or Ben Nelson, and I would expect him to caucus with the Ds if elected, so not a completely depressing vote.

Well said... (none / 0) (#23)
by kdog on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:58:37 AM EST

I don't do Machiavelli with my vote either...best man/woman for the job amongst the candidates is my only consideration.

I'd vote Meeks or skip the race...never Crist.


Of course (none / 0) (#25)
by CoralGables on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:27:01 AM EST

the other side is facing what they generally see as an equal dilemma. They see a choice between a republican lite and a hard core liberal. Just depends on which side of the moderate fence you're on.


I hope people are clear with Christ (none / 0) (#18)
by inclusiveheart on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:49:37 AM EST

if he wins that they voted for him rather than Meek as a tactic to keep Rubio out - not because they suddenly woke up and felt conservative.

: Heh, vote for Christ (none / 0) (#34)
by Wile ECoyote on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:45:24 AM EST

The alternative is the devil?

I moved to Tampa (none / 0) (#22)
by kenosharick on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 09:55:38 AM EST

3 months ago and voted for Meek last week in early voting. I've since wondered whether I made the right choice but think there is almost no chance of stopping Rubio. I just hope that Sink can beat the totally corrupt scott.

With Armando on this (none / 0) (#24)
by trillian on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:25:24 AM EST

If I still lived in Florida, Crist would get my vote too....mostly to stop Rubio but also because of Meeks dance with Stupack, during the 'healthcare" debacle.

Regarding your update (none / 0) (#26)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:29:34 AM EST

I would have voted for both of the redistricting amendments. Even if Sink wins, she can't veto the legislative redistricting plans (only Congressional).

on Sink (none / 0) (#27)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:30:52 AM EST

if she wins will it have anything to do with Meek staying in the race?


: I highly doubt it (none / 0) (#28)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:32:13 AM EST

I saw no purpose to the amendment (none / 0) (#30)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:37:02 AM EST

I see it as possibly the only way (none / 0) (#32)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:42:20 AM EST

to break the Republican domination of the legislature. Having the 2012 election of a "neutral" map (yes, I know those don't exist, but a not Republican map) would be an advantage.

On the other hand, Dems could do better at the local level even on the R map if someone bothered to start building the party there. In a sense, Florida at the local level is like Georgia 15 years ago--in reverse.


And who is going to enforce (none / 0) (#37)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:47:40 AM EST

that amendment in a way you state?

The law is already clear on this and Florida is already subject to the Voting Rights Act.

It is superfluous and useless.


Oh shoot, just "standards for the leg (none / 0) (#38)
by andgarden on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:49:44 AM EST

to follow."

I had thought they were setting up a commission. You're right, they are meaningless. But they could be given meaning by the FL SC, maybe.


: Pffft (none / 0) (#43)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:58:57 AM EST

Haven't voted yet (none / 0) (#29)
by Madeline on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:34:29 AM EST

but I like both Crist and Meek. My feelings are in the way of this vote. Kendrick Meek is just such a likable guy. I would feel I betrayed him if I voted for Crist.

I go back and forth with the mother, son thing which I am so against. But young Meek is really trying so hard.

I know...a pol is just a pol and feelings don't count, and it is important to win. I am also thinking Crist cannot beat Rubio. He most likely has NW and central Fl already and Palm Beach, Dade and Broward are not as Democratic as they have been in previous elections. Then add the 12-14% unemployment, economy anger and it's muddled.

I think I'll go with Meek.

Charlie Crist is the Republican Governor (none / 0) (#31)
by KeysDan on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:41:16 AM EST

of Florida, he ran for the senate in the Republican primary and lost, and then became an independent candidate. And, then Crist's positions became malleable, and are likely to continue to do so, in any direction based on the winds. It seems to me if you lose in your party primary, you lose. Crist created a problem for Meek and will not be rewarded with my vote.

Meek was never going to win (none / 0) (#35)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:46:33 AM EST

imo.

But that is irrelevant now.

Crist is better than Rubio.

That was the choice I was presented today.


Is it time to revive (none / 0) (#40)
by Cream City on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:53:56 AM EST

your "tepid" line from the last election time?


: This is below tepid (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:58:28 AM EST

This is nose holding.

BTD (none / 0) (#36)
by CoralGables on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:47:39 AM EST

the constitutional amendments must have presented at least one quandary for you. By voting No on 8, you agree that a yes vote of a previous Constitutional Amendment stay in place.

As for Rubio, I see no way he loses and never saw a path for Meek to win statewide. A Crist win would have been far superior to what we will get.

The Sink race will be the most interesting in Florida and I expect her to win a close one. She'll win by a significant margin on the lower east coast, while trailing most everywhere else, but do better in the panhandle late night than would be expected. Those South Georgians in Jacksonville might be won over by Rick Scott, but those conservative southern Dems in the panhandle won't be hoodwinked this time by a slick talking shyster.

: I don't remember that one frankly (none / 0) (#41)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 10:58:00 AM EST

Crist should (none / 0) (#46)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:09:30 AM EST

just come out. he might have won with the gay vote.

But (none / 0) (#48)
by CoralGables on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:18:28 AM EST

that might cost him his wife


like (none / 0) (#49)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:43:04 AM EST

she doesnt already know


There's a difference (none / 0) (#50)
by CoralGables on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:49:41 AM EST

between private and public don't you think? And I think that would hold true in any relationship/marriage.


probably (none / 0) (#52)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:54:38 AM EST

but as my mom used to say she buttered her bread now she has to lay in it.


: A good (none / 0) (#55)
by CoralGables on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 12:27:28 PM EST

mixed metaphor is something to hang your hat on.

LOL. That whole 'get married (none / 0) (#62)
by ruffian on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 01:47:31 PM EST

to improve my conservative bona fides' really worked out well for him, didn't it? At least she still has money!


: what a wonderfully simple world they live in (none / 0) (#64)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 01:59:02 PM EST

gay straight, black white, on off.
no troublesome gray areas

FLA Constitutional Amendments (none / 0) (#53)
by froomkin on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 12:13:50 PM EST

That's a terrible terrible voting strategy on amendments and a bad vote. Amendments 5 & 6 were about stopping gerrymandering -- something that could only happen by referendum. With this knee-jerk vote you missed a major chance to help bring representative democracy back to Florida.

(There were other important votes, like Yes on 4; but at least you voted No on 1 & 8, which are both pretty bad.)

More at my full-length voting guide.

Nonsense (none / 0) (#56)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 12:50:51 PM EST

Those constitutional amendments do NOTHING.


The Amendments (none / 0) (#61)
by froomkin on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 01:46:13 PM EST

The amendments mandate a procedure that will be much harder to game than the current one. That is a real, real something.

Defeatist.


: "Mandate" (none / 0) (#65)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 02:08:15 PM EST

is such a wonderful word.
How in blazes do you prove they didn't?
It is toothless on enforcement and indeed has no business in a constitution.

Agree 100% (none / 0) (#54)
by cal1942 on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 12:19:05 PM EST

I hate constitutional amendments by referendum. Hell, I hate referendums period.

It's like using democracy against itself.

: agree 200% (none / 0) (#63)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 01:57:37 PM EST

makes you appreciate representative democracy

: I'm fine with advisory referenda (none / 0) (#66)
by Cream City on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 03:54:26 PM EST

Your problem probably is with binding referenda -- actually to be construed as more democratic than representative democracy, right?

Crist Or Meek? (none / 0) (#67)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 04:59:13 PM EST

this is like an argument about who makes the best poutine

: These guys (none / 0) (#68)
by jbindc on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 05:20:12 PM EST


: Canadians do (none / 0) (#70)
by Cream City on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 11:29:54 PM EST

so anybody else? just wannabe Canucks, dere.

US electorial system flawed (none / 0) (#69)
by pluege2 on Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 08:06:43 PM EST

inasmuch as most voters vote in actuality for the least worst candidate - not the one they would really like, and many voters don't vote at all because they can't bring themselves to vote for the least worst, the simple solution to much greater voter participation in American democracy is to allow voters to use their one vote to vote against a candidate. The Florida race is a perfect example. A vote against rubio would be far more useful and helpful to the country than deciding between Meek or Crist without critical significant differences between them.