September 23, 2010
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News: Rubio Is Back On The Hot Seat
Marco Rubio is back on the hot seat just when he believed the smoke had smoldered out over his alleged inappropriate use of the Florida's Republican Party's credit card. A recent statement from Chris Ingram, a former supporter and consultant of Rubio broke his silence over the alleged credit card abuse. Ingram said that Rubio told him that he had somehow charged nearly $5,000 for a kitchen flooring renovation at his personal residence on the GOP's American Express card. However, Rubio maintained that he had reimbursed the party for all person credit card charges. When the Rubio's campaign spokesperson, Todd Harris, was contacted regarding the comment, it was noted that Ingram was nothing more than a "petty campaign operative" looking for employment with the Rubio campaign. Harris made no mention as to whether or not Ingram's statement was accurate.
Rubio's use of the party's credit card was placed under a microscope when the Times/Herald obtained copies of his party's card statement from 2006 to 2007. The Times/Herald discovered that Rubio regularly used his Republican Party's credit card for personal expenses which included groceries and family reunion expenses. Although Rubio maintained that he had repaid all personal expenses, after the release of the Times/Herald story, Rubio paid an additional $2,400 for double-billed plane flights to the GOP.
The former state House Speaker, Rubio of Miami is running a heated battle in the U.S. Senate race against Florida's Governor Charlie Crist, an independent, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami. Rubio fell under scrutiny after Crist requested greater disclosure which included tax returns and the party's credit card statements. It was discovered that Rubio had charged over $16,000 within a two year period on personal expenses which included family meals, vacations, personal auto repairs and his family reunion. Rubio's campaign people say that Ingram is nothing more than a disgruntled individual who had been turned down for a job. Harris also stated that no additional card statements will be released. It would appear that this controversy is not over and we can expect to see more fighting on the Florida home front.