Rubio Has Friends In Low Places

Joy-Ann Reid has a lengthy post on Marco Rubio's rise to power in Florida politics and the role Jeb Bush played as his mentor. Reid details how Bush used political leverage to get the Florida Republican establishment. I think the bigger factor was Jim Greer's heavy-handed method of clearing the field for Crist and Bill McCollum. Neither are the Florida GOP's Senante and gubernatorial nominees. I agree with Reid that Bush has played a huge role in Rubio's career. However, the Tea Party wave and Greer's missteps played the major role. If this was 2008 Rubio would have lost the nomination to Crist and Rick Scott would be laughed out of the governor's race.

Reid does accurately name Rubio surrogates. Rubio's cronies reads like a Hall of Shame. Ralph Arza was arrested for leaving a threatening phone message to Gus Barreiro. Arza's message was more fit for an NWA album than from the mouth of an elected official.

You're nothing but a bitch.
You're a bitch.
You're nothing but a bitch.
God bless you, bitch.
Hey, bitch:
You ain't nothing but a bitch.
You ain't nothing but a bitch.
Brother,
My nigger.

Longtime Rubio friend David Rivera has been investigated by the media for domestic violence allegations. There was the bizarre incident of Rivera's car hitting a mail truck carrying anti-Rivera mailers made by a political opponent. Talking Points Memo has the accident report.

Reid's post is a must-read. Go check it out.

Official Ralph Arza Plea Agreement

The Miami Herald has the offical Ralph Arza plea bargain agreement. The only thing I learned is if that Arza violates is probation is is facing 120 days of jail time.

Ralph Arza Pleads Out

This blog has followed Ralph Arza with great interest. Arza has pleaded guilty to misdemeanors charges.

Arza's punishment is two misdemeanor convictions, $1,500 in investigative costs, anger management classes and community services. Arza steals a page from the Mel Gibson/Mark Foley playbook. We find out that Arza is an alcoholic. He will be evaluated by an alcohol abuse counselor.

Arza will be eligible to run for public office in 2010 if he successfully completes his probation. I would not be shocked if he runs again.