February 25, 2010
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News: Crist Responds To Rubio's Allegations
As Florida's U.S. Senate race becomes more and more intense, controversy continues to rise over some Republican party members' credit card spending. Marco Rubio, the former Florida House Speaker who is now running for U.S. Senate, has received a great deal o criticism over his use of the party's American Express credit card while he held the Speaker chair. Rubio has acknowledged that he charged nearly $110,000 on the party card during his two year seat. The Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times released details of the card statement which outlined numerous personal expenditures including alcohol, food, electronic, and a $133 hair cut. After the media release, Rubio accused Governor Charlie Crist and Rubio's opponent in the senate race, of leaking the details of the credit card statement calling it "an act of desperation."
The Governor responded to Rubio's allegations with his usual confidence and poise. He denied being a party to the credit card statement release, however, believes that "the people have a right to know how people spend their money." Crist also noted that $133 for a haircut seems "awfully expensive." With a typical mudslinging response, Rubio referred to a trade mission trip to Europe that Crist took as a "European vacation." The trip cost taxpayers $430,000. The comment didn't seem to rattle Crist who said he understands Rubio isn't comfortable with being placed under a microscope. Furthermore, Crist noted that he has never accepted a party credit card and has used his own card for all his expenses.
Rubio has not publicly responded to any of Crist's comments sending a spokesperson to defend his stand. He did, however, make an attempt to head off the media release of the credit card expenditures with a letter written to Florida's new Republican party's Chair, John Thrasher. In his letter, Rubio defended his spending and stated that he had reimbursed the party for all personal expenditures. Thrasher has refused to release the details of all the party card statements, however, has ordered an audit to look into the matter and said the party will deal appropriately to any discover of abuse.