Rubio’s Future Sure To Fuel Speculation
March 17, 2016
The end of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s bid for the presidency, cut off by a crushing loss Tuesday in the Florida GOP primary, raises intriguing questions about what the onetime rising star in the Republican Party might do next.
For essentially the first time since he won a city commission seat in 1998, Rubio will soon be without a government office and without a campaign. After his term in the Florida House wrapped up in 2008, Rubio took some time off, but decided in relatively short order to run for the U.S. Senate seat he now holds.
It was a lopsided loss for Rubio on Tuesday night. Real-estate mogul Donald Trump carried almost 46 percent of the vote, to 27 percent for Rubio, according to unofficial returns.
“He has some thinking to do,” said J.M. “Mac” Stipanovich, a Republican lobbyist and strategist who initially backed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in the Republican race. “He was badly beaten in his home state. … That one will hurt for a while, and it could take quite a while to walk off the sting.”
Democrats argued that the beating would take its toll on Rubio’s reputation.
“Floridians will not forget that Rubio cowardly placed partisan politics ahead of doing what was right when it came to immigration reform and dealing with Donald Trump. … While it remains to be seen if Rubio will attempt to salvage the wreckage of his political career, no amount of spin can distract from the clear lesson of this campaign: ‘Little Marco’ just can’t deliver,” Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant said in a statement Tuesday, using a nickname Trump had adopted for Rubio.
But Rubio is only 44 years old and is one of the most prominent Hispanic voices in a Republican Party that badly needs to make inroads with Latinos. And many of his supporters say they hope that he takes another shot at elected office in the future.
“If you know Marco, you know this is a guy who is young and still wants to be a meaningful force and positive force in American political life,” said Rick Wilson, a Republican political consultant who worked for independent efforts backing Rubio.
State Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, said he didn’t see Rubio leaving the national scene despite the loss in the presidential race. Many Rubio supporters and the candidate himself have suggested that his message was the right one — just wrong for the current political mood.
“I think it will be a disservice to the conservative movement if he just backs away from it,” Garcia said.
What office Rubio seeks, though, isn’t clear. It would be difficult for Rubio to renege on his promise not to run for Senate this year after several candidates — including Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, a friend — have already lined up to succeed him.
And Wilson dismissed persistent speculation that Rubio might run for governor in 2018 as “Tallahassee insider, Governor’s Club, three-beer gossip.”
Running against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, in two years also seems far-fetched given the disdain Rubio expressed for the Senate in a partisan era. Rubio was hammered by opponents during the presidential campaign for missing votes on Capitol Hill, and he responded by essentially saying his run for the White House was more important.
“He basically said he didn’t like serving in the Senate, and he didn’t serve,” Stipanovich said.
Even if Rubio were to run for one of the two marquee offices in 2018, he would likely face resistance. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is widely viewed as the front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor, while Gov. Rick Scott is rumored to be gearing up to take on Nelson.
The most likely outcome for Rubio might be another run at the presidency. As he conceded the race Tuesday, Rubio seemed to offer a hint that he had not entirely given up on the idea of winning the White House.
“While it is not God’s plan that I be president in 2016 — or maybe ever — and while today my campaign is suspended, the fact that I’ve even come this far is evidence of how special America truly is and all the reason more why we must do all we can to ensure that this nation remains a special place,” Rubio said.
That could happen as soon as 2020, and would play to the idea that Rubio was simply running in the wrong environment — a year dominated by anger harnessed by Trump’s insurgency against the Republican establishment.
“I think in the absence of the phenomenon we call Trump, this might have had a different outcome,” said state Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood.
Running again also depends on what happens in the next four years. If Trump were to win the White House in November and enjoy a successful first term, Rubio couldn’t run before 2024. And by then, if Trump’s brand of Republicanism has taken hold, Rubio could still find himself out of step with the party.
“Losing to someone who loses is not as bad as losing to someone who ultimately wins,” said Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida.
All of those considerations are a ways off, though, for someone just finish a grueling race for the presidency. Former state Rep. Adam Hasner, one of the Florida co-chairs of Rubio’s campaign, said in a text message Wednesday that Rubio “is an extremely talented individual who will find ways to engage and make an impact in future.”
“It’s way too soon to speculate what is in his future, but for now let him enjoy being with his family and loved ones,” Hasner wrote.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Camp Fire Kids Hold Annual Easter Egg Hunt
March 17, 2016
Students from the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center visited the Century Health And Rehabilitation Center Wednesday for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Students Attend Model UN Conference
March 17, 2016
The Northview High School Model United Nations Team recently took part in the 37th annual Florida High Schools Model United Nations conference in Orlando.
The high school conference was modeled after real debate and United Nations actions and programs.
Northview Model UN team members were Jessica Amerson, Madison Weber, Moriah McGahan, Carly Ward, David Thorpe, Hadley Woodfin, Zach Sheldon, Ellie Amerson, Alayna Brown, Sarah Perritt, Triston Long and Catie Clayton. The group is sponsored by teacher Anna Barry.
This year, two nations were represented by the Northview team: The Republic of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Belgium. There were a total of 298 delegates and the conference and 24 different high schools, including one from Turkey.
The NHS team consisted of 12 delegates who were involved in the following committees: Security Council, UN Office of Drugs and Crime, World Health Organization, Ad Hoc, UN Women, General Assembly Third, and the European Union. All of the delegates worked diligently to draft resolutions to world problems.
Two years ago, Northview became the first Escambia County public school to participate in a Florida High Schools Model United Nations conference.
Pictured: The Northview high School Model United Nations Team. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Splits Softball Double Header At Chipley
March 17, 2016
The Northview Chiefs went 1-1 away at Chipley in a double header Wednesday.
In the first game, the visiting Chiefs lost to the Fighting Tigers 2-0 on 3 defensive errors. Neither team recorded a hit in the game. Tori Herrington pitched 7 innings striking out 8, allowing no hits, 1 walk, 2 runs and 0 earned runs.
The Chiefs won the second contest 4-3 over the Fighting Tigers. Tori Herrington pitched 7 innings striking out 7, allowing 7 hits, 0 walks, 3 runs and 2 earned runs. Batting for the Chiefs were Kendall Enfinger: 3-4 with 2 singles, a double and a run. Tori Herrington: 2-3 with 2 singles, a walk and 2 RBI’s. Aubree Love: 1-4 with a single. Laurie Purdy: 1-3 with a single. Jamia Newton: 1-3 with a single and 2 runs. Lydia Smith: 1-3 with a single. Alana Brown: 1-3 with a single. Brittany McLemore: 0-3 with a run.
The Chiefs will be home on Monday, March 28 for a division game against South Walton at 5:00.
Tate Remains Undefeated In Aggie Classic
March 17, 2016
Tate 8, El Reno (OK) 1
The Tate High School Aggies remained undefeated in the Aggie Classic Wednesday with an 8-1 win over El Reno, OK.
Tate hitters – Branden Fryman 3-4, 2 runs; Reid Halfacre 1-1, triple, 2 runs; Cole Halfacre 3-3; Hunter NeSmith 1-2, 2 RBIs, run; Logan Blackmon 1-2; Josh Kea 1-2. WP – Jake Davis (4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 4 K, 3 BB).
Other Wednesday Scores
Stillwater (OK) vs. Leon, n
Edmond North (OK) 7, Maryville (TN) 2
West Florida 10, Coweta (OK) 0
Muskogee (OK) 6, Emery/Weiner (TX) 5
Milton 9, Shawnee (OK) 2
Jenks (OK) 6, Christ Presbyterian (TN) 0
Morris (OK) vs. Gulf Breeze, n
Second Baptist (TX) 7, Pryor (OK) 4
Washington (OK) vs. Escambia, n
Next Level Baseball (AL) 5, Piedmont (OK) 2
Union (OK) vs. Chiles, n
Thursday, March 17
At Tate High School
4 p.m. – Gulf Breeze vs. Stillwater
7 p.m. – Tate vs. Milton
At Milton High School
4 p.m. – Washington vs. Second Baptist
7 p.m. – Next Level vs. Jenks
At Gulf Breeze
4 p.m. – Edmond North vs. Chiles
7 p.m. – Maryville vs. Muskogee
At Escambia
4 p.m. – Christ Presby. vs. Union
7 p.m. – Escambia vs. Shawnee
At West Florida High
4 p.m. – El Reno vs. Coweta
7 p.m. – West Florida vs. Piedmont
At Woodham Middle
4 p.m. – Leon vs. Pryor
7 p.m. – Morris vs. Emery
FEMA Denies Public Assistance For Tornado Recovery
March 16, 2016
Escambia County received notification that FEMA has denied the state’s request for an emergency declaration as a result of the February 2016 tornadoes and severe weather. FEMA determined that the damage did not meet the severity to receive supplemental federal assistance for public assistance, or aid to local governments.
“Based upon our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies,” Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator, wrote.
No response has yet been received for the request for individual assistance and SBA assistance. Governor Scott’s office has indicated they will be contacting President Obama about the original request for federal assistance for Escambia County residents. If individual assistance is approved, disaster assistance like low interest loans, grants, and temporary housing assistance may be offered.
Trump, Clinton Tops In Escambia County
March 16, 2016
Escambia County voters chose Donald Trump in the Republican primary on Tuesday, while Hillary Clinton was the choice of the Democrats.
Here’s the breakdown with the unofficial totals, with all precincts reporting:
Cantonment Man Wanted By ECSO, ATF On Drug, Weapons Charges
March 16, 2016
A Cantonment man is wanted by local and federal authorities on drug and weapons charges.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gun Crimes Response Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are attempting to locate 30-year old Keith Prim. According to jail records, Prim recently listed his address as being in the 2400 block of Stacey Road in Cantonment.
Prim has active federal warrants for possession of a firearm by a felon and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Anyone with information on Prim’s whereabouts is asked toe call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9630 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Rubio Drops Out After Trump Wins Florida
March 16, 2016
Real-estate magnate Donald Trump won a crushing victory in the Florida Republican presidential primary Tuesday night, turning what was originally expected to be a race between two of the state’s favorite sons into the death knell for the last Florida candidate standing.
As unofficial results showed U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio handily losing his home state, the onetime Tea Party hero who became the establishment’s best hope in 2016 told supporters in Miami that he was suspending his presidential campaign. His exit came less than a month after former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush dropped his presidential bid.
With more than 97 percent of precincts reporting, Trump had almost 46 percent of the vote to Rubio’s 27 percent — a difference of more than 430,000 votes out 2.3 million cast. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas came in third with 17 percent of vote, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich was a distant fourth with less than 7 percent. The win gives Trump all 99 of Florida’s elected delegates to the Republican National Convention this summer.
On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton routed U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Clinton had more than 64 percent of the vote, to 33 percent for Sanders.
Rubio left the race continuing to question whether Trump, who has a showman’s flair and a knack for causing uproars with heated and sometimes outlandish comments, was the best representative for the Republican Party in November.
“America needs a vibrant conservative movement, but one that’s built on principles and on ideas, not on fear, not on anger, not on preying on people’s frustrations,” Rubio said. ” … But after tonight it is clear that while we are on the right side, this year, we will not be on the winning side.”
In victory remarks at Mar-a-Lago, a Palm Beach estate owned by his business organization, Trump applauded Rubio.
“He’s tough, he’s smart, and he’s got a great future,” Trump said.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Blaise Ingoglia, who doubles as a state representative, praised Rubio in a statement issued by the party.
“He contributed mindful, substance based arguments and articulated conservative ideals since the start of his presidential bid,” Ingoglia said. “His optimistic message and commitment to American exceptionalism has helped keep conservative values in focus for 2016.”
In a statement issued less than an hour earlier, Ingoglia devoted one sentence to congratulating Trump before pivoting to a Republican vow to beat Clinton in the general election.
Florida Democrats didn’t even bother to conceal their glee at the end of Rubio’s presidential bid.
“Florida Democrats knew that once Americans got to know Marco, they would see what those of us in the Sunshine State have known all along: Rubio is nothing more than a self-centered career-politician heavy on ambition and light on substance,” party Chairwoman Allison Tant said in a statement issued after the result became clear.
It was a stunning downfall for a young, charming figure who rose from relative obscurity to become speaker of the Florida House and then U.S. senator before he was 40 years old. In 2010, Rubio stared down essentially the entire GOP establishment to drive then-Gov. Charlie Crist out of the party; he beat Crist and then-Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek in a three-man Senate race that November.
Rubio also crafted several different and at times seemingly contradictory images for himself. In his U.S. Senate campaign, he cast himself as a leader of the tea party movement angry at both the Democratic and Republican establishments.
After the Republicans lost a second straight presidential election in 2012, he took on comprehensive immigration reform — a priority of the GOP establishment, and one Rubio was forced to abandon during his presidential run.
Over the last several months, he still continued to be seeking a durable template for his campaign. Rubio started as the optimistic, young face of the party; then, as February wore on, he became sharply and often personally critical of Trump. At one point, Rubio implied that a sensitive part of Trump’s anatomy was small — a comment Rubio later said he regretted.
Meanwhile, Trump surged to the front of the Republican pack while savaging Bush, who started the race as a favorite, but never figured out how to deal with Trump and dropped out of the race after disappointing showings in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
In a move apparently aimed at boosting either Bush or Rubio, the Republican Party of Florida decided to make its primary winner-take-all, giving whoever carried the state a sizable chunk of the 1,237 delegates needed to win the GOP presidential nomination. Some saw the vote as the decisive battle between the fresh-faced Rubio and Bush, his political mentor.
Instead, with Bush out and Rubio faltering, Florida shaped up a battle for survival for the state’s junior senator. It was a battle he lost Tuesday.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Voter Turnout At 48.75%; Almost Half Of Voters Skipped Local Precinct
March 16, 2016
The overall turnout for Tuesday’s Presidential Preference Primary in Escambia County was 48.75 percent. Among Republicans, the turnout was 56.43 percent. Among Democrats, the turnout was 38.97 percent.
Almost half of all voters skipped the polls on Election Day in Escambia County. Of all voters, 55.3 percent voted on Tuesday, 26.3 percent voted by mail, and 18.3 percent voted early.