(Picture Courtesy of Politico)
The GOP took a double whammy this week as “Senator Mel Martinez of Florida, one of the most prominent Hispanic leaders in the Republican Party, announced Tuesday that he would not seek a second term in 2010,” according to the New York Times, and Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush — the younger brother of the president — immediately announced that he “is weighing a run for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Mel Martinez,” according to Politico.
I can’t blame Martinez for wanting to walk away in 2010. His party is sucking wind and most Republicans can’t abide Latinos. Why stick around? But Jeb Bush? Seriously? The last thing the Republicans need is a reminder of the family that virtually destroyed their party, via good ole George W.
Why wouldn’t the Florida GOP even try to find another Latino to run for Martinez’s seat? Never mind, what does it matter? Most Latinos won’t be joining the Republican Party now or possibly ever. Wouldn’t it be funny if Bill Clinton moved to Florida to personally take out Jeb?
A move to Florida by Clinton might actually work for him….in a HUGE WAY.
Kudos, Art for the ‘food for thought’!
Sorry to introduce facts into your screed, Art, but Jeb Bush won a majority of Latino voters in his 2002 re-election, speaks Spanish. is married to a Mexican-American and is a moderate on immigration.
You may now continue your rote rant
His party is sucking wind and most Republicans can’t abide Latinos.
Oh, but Republicans do heart the Cuban gusanos in Florida, and pretty much vice-versa. (This is changing generationally, but about as slowly as Little Saigon.) Plus, what Jubal says. It will be a close one with Jebbie running. He’s in no way as reviled as his anti-Midas brother.
Vern,
The problem with Matt/Jubal’s thinking is that most Latinos know that it doesn’t matter if a particular Reep is moderate on immigration. Their party leaders will NEVER do anything to help immigrants! That explains in part why so many Latinos voted for Obama, not the supposed moderate McCain.
Moreover, while Jeb is indeed married to a Mexican lady, most Latinos know the sad tale of how she refuses to talk to her Mexican father. She disenfranchised him – and in Mexican culture treating your parents like crap is not cool.
If the Dems come up with a good candidate they can take out Jeb. They will be doing the GOP a favor. The sooner the Republicans wash their hands of the Bush clan, the better.
Sen. Mel Martinez record on immigration:
Voted NO on continuing federal funds for declared “sanctuary cities”. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on eliminating the “Y” nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Pretty mixed record of Sen. Martinez on the immigration issue. I recon that Jeb will not have a problem matching that. Being a Bushie, Jeb is probably more “open border” than Mel.
Junior,
Well, there you go. Obviously Latinos can’t even trust LATINO Republicans! It sounds like getting rid of Martinez is a blessing. Now let’s hope the voters toss Jeb on his ear too!
TIME says: “And if he does resolve to run, the popularity he still enjoys in Florida, as well as the lingering weakness of the Democratic Party in the state, would make him the clear and immediate front-runner.”
Art – It is not looking good for your “hope the voters toss Jeb on his ear”
Also consider this Art:
“Bush, who is married to a Mexican and counts Florida’s Latinos as a large part of his base, insisted Republicans “can’t be anti-Hispanic, anti-young person — anti-many things — and be surprised when we don’t win elections.”
Jeb Bush, a different kind of Republican?
Junior:
Give up. Art doesn’t want facts to interfere with his prejudices.
#2 If I remember correctly #41 referred to his grandchildren of Mexican decent as his “little brown ones.” Wow, now that is diversity if I ever heard of it.
And have a nice Day!!!
CJ said: “Wow, now that is diversity if I ever heard of it.”
Wow, that is an irrelevant comment – “if I ever heard one.”
GHW Bush, the elder (#41), said that what .. 20 years ago? Besides he is like 84 years old – he is old school. That does not have much to do with his son Jeb.