Floridians Split On Whether Kendrick Meek Should Drop Out Of Three-Way Senate Race
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Florida Governor Charlie Crist is one of three candidates racing for a seat in the Senate. (Photo Courtesy State of Florida)
Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek, Republican candidate Marco Rubio and Independent candidate Charlie Crist are all vying for the seat being vacated by Republican George LeMieux. What makes the race so compelling is that Crist, the current Florida governor, lost out on the Republican nomination to Rubio during the primary and this has caused controversy throughout the electorate.
Some Floridians like George Circosta, 53, disagree with Crist’s decision, “He had no choice. He has a large ego and he never really was a Republican. This was his only way to try and stay in politics.” Others believe it was a good move.
“Honestly I think it's quite bold of him, and possibly a smart move on his part. If he can get the votes split enough he could cause real damage to the overall outcome of the race,” said Ian Wright, a 25-year-old lighting designer and technician.
The latest Rasmussen Reports poll shows Rubio leading with 50 percent of polled registered voters, Crist coming in with 30 percent and Meek garnering only 16 percent. These latest numbers reportedly led Bill Clinton to urge Meek to withdraw from the race on Thursday. It is believed Crist would pick up the many of the Democratic voters.
Wright agrees, “As a Democrat I would rather see Crist in office instead of Rubio. So if that means Meek needs to withdraw then so be it. I would rather the lesser of the two evils.”
Wright’s not the only Floridian who feels this way.
“If Crist drops out, Rubio still wins. If Meek drops out, Rubio doesn't win,” Justin Kaplan said.
One thing all three voters agree on is that tremendous frustration with Washington exists in the Sunshine State.
Reach reporter Christine Detz here.
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