The Strange Case Of The Diaz-Balarts
By Reid Wilson
FL Gov. Charlie Crist (R) scored a minor coup early on in his Senate campaign when he won endorsements from Reps. Mario and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R), the only pair of brothers in Congress.
The Diaz-Balarts, who are of Cuban heritage, represent heavily Hispanic districts near Miami. They were supposed to give Crist inroads to Cuban voters, many of whom might otherwise side with ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio (R).
So it raised eyebrows in recent days when the Diaz-Balarts' names no longer appeared on Crist's website as key endorsers. And the brothers are not helping to shed much light on the situation. In a brief interview with the Miami Herald published today, Lincoln Diaz-Balart would only say Crist "left us no alternative and he knows why."
Hotline OnCall has confirmed both members pulled their endorsement, but staffers with each office referred us back to earlier news accounts, refusing to elaborate. A spokesperson for Lincoln referred us to the Herald story, while a spokesperson for Mario stuck to an AP story.
The Herald points to Crist's decision to bypass a local state's atty for a judgeship as the potential reason for the Diaz-Balarts' anger. But the appointment was made in North FL, far from the Diaz-Balarts' sphere of influence (though Lincoln's son interned with the candidate who was passed over). Lincoln told the paper Crist's decision not to pick him to fill out Sen. Mel Martinez's (R) term had nothing to do with rescinding the endorsement.
In the 6 months since the Diaz-Balarts jointly endorsed Crist, on July 6, Rubio has stoked conservative flames and built himself a foundation from which to attack his rival. Rubio has assailed Crist's support for the stimulus bill, forcing Crist to hit back and attack Rubio's own record.
The Diaz-Balarts said they are unlikely to back Rubio, and their endorsements alone won't be enough to tip the race in Rubio's favor as it is. But it's another blow to the once-invincible Crist, keeping Rubio in the race despite the massive fundraising lead Crist boasts.
I was wondering what is up with that weird avatar??? I know 5am is early and I'm not looking my best at that hour, but I hope I don't look like this! I might however make that face if I'm asked to do 100 pushups. lol
You may have not intended to do so, but I think you have managed to express the state of mind that a lot of people are in. The sense of wanting to help, but not knowing how or where, is something a lot of us are going through.