Meek on dropout rumor: 'Nothing further from the truth'

Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek is categorically denying rumors that he might drop out of the three-way Florida Senate race over concerns that he is splitting the vote with independent candidate Charlie Crist and granting Republican Marco Rubio a wide lead.

“There’s nothing further from the truth,” Meek said on MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown.

A recent Mason-Dixon poll showed Meek with the support of just 21 percent of likely voters, with Crist receiving 27 percent and Rubio leading with 42 percent.

An unsourced story in the Wall Street Journal Friday wrote that Republican leaders in the state “are fretting that a deal may be in the works” for Meek to withdraw from the race.

But on MSNBC, Meek cited appearances by high-profile Democratic surrogates in Florida as evidence that his campaign is in full swing. President Barack Obama is campaigning in the state today and just recorded a radio ad for Meek; former President Bill Clinton is slated to appear on Meek’s behalf next week.

“I’m not running for second, I’m running to win,” he said.

Watch the interview here:

Discuss this post

That's a shame! Speaking as a DIE HARD Democrat... Meeks is not doing anything but splitting the vote!

He stands NO chance of winning and SHOULD step aside so Crist can give the tea bagger Rubio a run for his money!

  • 8 votes
#1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:43 AM EDT

So let me get this straight Feisty...

You would rather your democrat party rep drop out of the race, so a fake Independant in Crist can have a chance at winning?

You are a typical Democrat who cannot see past the D, I or R behind someones name.

  • 14 votes
#1.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:04 AM EDT

No Jeremy Feisty would rather see Crist as the Senator from Florida than Rubio, Meeks never had a chance, if Crist dropped out Rubio would win, if Meeks did the right thing Crist would have a chance at beating Rubio.

Your statement that Feisty is a "a typical Democrat who cannot see past the D, I or R behind someones name" makes no sense. If all Feisty saw was the party ID, then she would support Meeks, the Democratic nominee, and be incensed at talk of Meeks dropping out. But she sees past party labels and wants the best candidate, that has a chance to win. Feisty no doubt agrees with Meeks on more issues than she does with Crist, but he has zero chance of winning. So if the choice is between Crist, who has a chance with Meeks out of the race and Rubio, the choice is clear.

  • 11 votes
#1.2 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:14 AM EDT

Hawkeye - THANK you for explaining it to Jeremy for me! I couldn't have said it better myself!

Is there NOTHING they won't WHINE about? lol

  • 6 votes
#1.3 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:22 AM EDT

Any democrat winning any race just drives the country further into debt and despair. When the government controls your every facet of life, aka the old USSR, then maybe the democrats will realize, as many have, that socialism does not work when you eliminate all the high rollers and have no one to tax. Europe is finding this out now but not accepting it. Hence the reason for many riots there. Will we be next? When those living on "entitlements" find them cut or eliminated that will be the start of the riots. Watch and see!

  • 7 votes
#1.4 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:34 AM EDT

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Hawkeye - THANK you for explaining it to Jeremy for me! I couldn't have said it better myself!

Is there NOTHING they won't WHINE about? lol

So exactly who is THEY ? and where is the whine..

Fistey you bitch moan whine and complain about anything that isnt the democrat agenda more then anyone here.

Lets see here, If by THEY, you mean me.. In the last elections ( national and local )I voted for 3 Republicans, 2 true Independant, and GASP 4 Democrats.

I voted for them because again * GASP * they were the better choices.
When is the last time you voted for anything other then a Democrat? My guess would be IF You voted at all you vote straight party ticket..

  • 8 votes
#1.5 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:50 AM EDT

bob5ford, Yes, there will be riots in the streets. The Republican leadership promoting busnesses to ship all of our jobs overseas and then accuse the American people of wanting entitlements. It's like starving a dog and demand he beg for his supper. Instead, you viciously kick him away. He will eventually attack you with a vengence.

  • 7 votes
#1.6 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:55 AM EDT

If anyone should drop out it is Crist. Meek has a clear and consistent message, and is running an excellent campaign as the Democratic nominee. Chamelion Crist should drop out, as he is the spolier. He can't win. He is pretending to be a faux Democrat, but he is the one who appointed radical right wing rubber stamp Lemieux to the Senate, and has been a life long Republican. He is a narcissist and no Democrat should trust him

  • 8 votes
#1.7 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:20 PM EDT

My guess would be IF You voted at all you vote straight party ticket

If I were you I'd stop the 'guessing game' as you're not very good at it!

Not to mention: So exactly who is THEY ? and where is the whine..

Followed by the very next sentance with: Fistey you bitch moan whine and complain about anything that isnt the democrat agenda more then anyone here.

Thanks for playing and we have some lovely parting gifts for you... lmao

  • 3 votes
#1.8 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:21 PM EDT

The math is not that easy. 27(Crist) + 21(Meek) does not equal to a win for Crist. Lot of AA voters and liberal democrats will not turn out if Meek withdraws. His withdrawal will have another downside, Alex Sink will not win the governers race if there was a chance. I think he stays in the race for strategic reasons. This was a republican seat. A Senate even with 60-40 did not operate for the democrats and it will not operate with 50-50 split too.

  • 1 vote
#1.9 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:04 PM EDT

What we know is that Rubio would be terrible for Florida and terrible for the nation. Crist clearly has a chance, but Meek doesn't have prayer.

  • 6 votes
#1.10 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:59 PM EDT

If you die hard democrat then you vote for the real democrat like Meeks

  • 1 vote
#1.11 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:26 PM EDT

if any of you are democrats then you vote for democrat, he does have chance if democrats vote, not sit home or vote for crist

  • 1 vote
#1.12 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:28 PM EDT

bob5ford : Hence the reason for many riots there. Will we be next? When those living on "entitlements" find them cut or eliminated that will be the start of the riots. Watch and see!"

You assume the middle class will burn down their own neighborhoods. Guess what clueless, their ranks will be full of former military and un-employed police. Doubt you gated country club community guards would stand a chance.

Maybe you you should move to your buds in communist China when your anticipated riots occur. After all, you repubs built that country up. They owe you.

I will vote for Crist . The dem should bail out. But then who's being replaced really??? Martinez??the Bush rubber stamp.

  • 1 vote
#1.13 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:37 PM EDT

I think you guys got this all wrong. To say Meek never had a chance is a false rumour started by the right wing...I've been working with various Democratic groups around FL and he has a VERY GOOD CHANCE...The Repubs have been scared since they got that fake Dem billionair to run against him in the primary, when the media broadcasted their fake polls saying Jeff Greene was way ahead & Meek had no chance...Wrong, Meek won with over 70% of the votes. There are 1million more registered Dems in FL than Repubs...On the ground we are energizing Dems to get out and vote. In Broward County there are over 546k reg Dems, 250k reg Repubs & 240k Reg Ind..Our results on the ground says Meek will win. Dade County similar...All across the state...Don't listen to the nasayers...Just vote Dems!!!

  • 3 votes
#1.14 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:41 PM EDT

Old floridian here: Your party doesn't matter. Parties are not strong here. Too bad Lawton Chiles isn't around to instruct you. We vote for the best candidate. And that is the current Gov. Voting for Meeks is a vote for Rubio.

  • 1 vote
#1.15 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:50 PM EDT
Reply
superlogiDeleted

Crist and Meek are going to have to make a deal which is beneficial to both of them and the state of Florida. I give it another week.

  • 4 votes
Reply#3 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:00 AM EDT

Christ, that incumbent broad in Alaska, Arlen "Spincter"...are typical of your career politicians who will say anything, lie, flip-flop, defect...spend $$$$$$ just to save their pathetic, slimy, political hides. Dammit people...stop marching lock-step stricktly on political lines. Look at a candidates character, track record, integrity. Yeah I know...that probably eliminates 95% of all these cockroaches in Washington.

  • 5 votes
Reply#4 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:15 AM EDT

Rubio is scary.

  • 12 votes
#4.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:49 AM EDT

I like Rubio. I hope he wins.

  • 5 votes
#4.2 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:28 PM EDT
Reply

Why even have elections? It seems that there are a few people this election cycle who aren't willing to abide by the vote of the people. Crist, like Murkowski in Alaska, is acting like he is entitled to the office.

  • 3 votes
Reply#5 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:15 AM EDT

Why even have elections? It seems that there are a few people this election cycle who aren't willing to abide by the vote of the people.

It has NOTHING to do with 'abiding' by the vote of the people and EVERYTHING to do that anyone with an IQ higher than a turnip is starting to recognize what a bunch of whack jobs these tea baggers are!

Maybe next time they will actually vet some on these characters BEFORE voting for them... you know the old saying about buyer beware! lol

  • 9 votes
#5.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:37 AM EDT

Why do you worry about Senators in another state? If those people want to vote for a turnip as you say, then so be it.

A politician is a politician no matter where they are from. They all have skeletons and very few are exceptional scholars. The country was designed to be ran by the common man.

I posted the qualifications for public office a few days ago. I am yet to find a paragraph that says a person must be a Rhodes Scholar. Yes everyone would desire a highly intellectual individual serving but it is NOT a qualification. I would rather have a person with a lot of common sense rather than a bookworm that is just dufus as hell.

  • 2 votes
#5.2 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:39 PM EDT

The country was designed to be ran by the common man.

Are YOU KIDDING me? This country still hasn't recovered from the last 'common man' the stuck on stupid crowd sent to the WH!!!

Epic FAIL for that little social experiment!

Why don't YOU do kick some of those rocks you're so fond of?

  • 6 votes
#5.3 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:17 PM EDT

Fiesrty I'm well over the last common man although I wouldn't call the Chosen One oops I mean President Obama a common man. I have been a registered dem since 1971 but I can think for myself and don't need the party to tell me how to vote. I applied the Obama test, are you familiar with it? If I don't agree with someones ploitics even if they are completly gualified I can't vote for them. President Obama gave a speech talking about the Obama test as to why he couldn't vote for either Chief Justice Roberts or Justice Alito because even thoug they were completly qualified he didn't agree with their politics. Sorry but the one of the great things about the United States is being able to agree to disagree.

  • 1 vote
#5.4 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:44 PM EDT
Reply

I wonder if any of those seniors in Florida who are voting for Rubio actually ever listen to him speak? I saw him a few months ago and he thinks we need to do away with Social Security. he said no one wants to talk about it but it needs to go.

I hate to say it too but Meeks needs to drop out.

  • 6 votes
Reply#6 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:47 AM EDT

I hate to say Charlie Crist need to drop out, he is fake one

  • 1 vote
#6.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:34 PM EDT

Sorry, Meeks need to stay. There are 2 Repubs in the race. One needs to drop out...People don't understand that if Christ gets to DC he has to choose to either caucus with Rep or Dems...He will choose Rep and join with the do nothing Reps..There is no Indepedent Caucus in Washington people..Vote DEMS...!!!Christ won't answer the question when asked who will he caucus with. On day 1 in DC the winner has to choose a side...Christ will not choose Dems...He is a Repub who will join with others and block progress!!

    #6.2 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:51 PM EDT

    Sharing the facts: You know that If you continue. Rubio will win. Sorry, It's not rocket science. Everyday your candidate waits, in quitting, makes Rubio stronger. Enjoy our far right Tea Party senator. You made it possible.

      #6.3 - Tue Oct 12, 2010 12:09 AM EDT
      Reply

      Charlie Crist denies pressuring Kendrick Meek to drop out of Senate race

      http://bit.ly/aSFLts

        Reply#7 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:49 AM EDT

        So the Dems would rather dump a Dem candidate and vote for a turncoat Repub. very interesting. So if it was just Crist vs Meek they would vote for Crist? Hmm.....

        • 5 votes
        Reply#8 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:53 AM EDT

        Actually, Yes, But I am registered as a dem, but vote for the best candidate. Stop putting nut cases and criminals up for election and I might vote for one. I have voted Repub before, but that was at back in the Bush senior days. The new crop is seriously flawed.

        • 1 vote
        #8.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:50 PM EDT
        Reply

        FR - Meek on dropout rumor" 'Nothing further from the truth"

        Sure. And Crist said he would never switch to being an Independent.

        The Democrats have plenty of dirty tricks at their disposal. Think maybe Meeks might be offered a White House position to quit the race? Maybe we should ask Joe Sestak if such a possibility could ever exist.

        • 4 votes
        Reply#9 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:56 AM EDT

        They learned them from the Republicans..

        Maybe we just want what is best and Rubio is not what is best.

        • 4 votes
        #9.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:00 PM EDT

        diane, if you real democrat then you vote for meeks, if enough vote he can win, but this attitude that why he might lose

        • 1 vote
        #9.2 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:35 PM EDT

        maksim80: Meeks can't win. He's a weaker candidate, less qualified. Keep on with Meeks and Rubio has a red carpet run to office. Don't whine about his policies when you see them enacted. You saw the trends and ignored them, because you were locked into a political party mentality.

          #9.3 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:59 PM EDT
          Reply

          Hopefully Kendrick and Charlie have gotten those White House job offers in writing.

          • 5 votes
          Reply#10 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:57 AM EDT

          Neither Crist nor Specter lost in their respective GOP primary. Specter switched parties over a year before the GOP primary, and after losing in the Democratic primary he endorsed the Democratic candidate. Specter was a moderate Republican in a party that no longer embraces moderates. Crist is a moderate Republican, who knew he would not win the GOP nomination and decided to run as an Independent to give voters of Florida, not just right wing GOP primary voters, the opportunity to decide whether they want him to represent Florida in the Senate. Murkowski lost the GOP primary, she has decided to wage a write in campaign, she probably won't win, but the voters of Alaska will make that decision.

          You ask why even have elections, and include two candidates who did not participate in the last GOP primary. The primary election decides the political party's nominee, how ever if a losing candidate can get on the ballot (like Lieberman did), or ask people to write their name in on the line for a write in candidate, they have not refused to abide by the will of the people, the people vote in November, they have given the people of their respective states (except Specter who lost the Democratic primary, and ended his effort to be re-elected in PA) the option to vote for them or not.

          I wasn't thrilled when Lieberman didn't respect the decision of the Conn Democratic primary voters, but hit was his right to leave the Democratic party, and form his own party (he is the sole member) and allow the voters of Conn to re-elect him or not. Sadly they re-elected Joe!

          I wonder if either of you hold it against Christine O'Donnell for running as an Independentin the 2006 US Senate seat after coming in 3rd in the GOP party? Or is this only a bad thing when a moderate Republican does it, and it's fine when done by a far right GOP candidate, or a Democrat?

          • 5 votes
          Reply#11 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:00 PM EDT

          Why should Congressman Meek leave the race? He's running against two repugs who will cancel each other out.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#12 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:33 PM EDT

          I give Crist high marks for becoming independent and sticking to his values rather than follow a Republican party that has caved into ultra-conservatism. I think a lot of voters are now torn between him and Meeks as opposed to Rubio. I know I am.

          It will be interesting to see what happens but I do feel that Rubio could win on a split vote between Meeks and Crist and I'd hate to see that happen.

          • 3 votes
          Reply#14 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:33 PM EDT

          Meek, drop out. Any way we can reduce REP gains is okay with me. Go Crist!

          • 3 votes
          Reply#15 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:21 PM EDT
          Reply

          Get over it everybody, no matter who wins, life goes on and on and.................

          • 1 vote
          Reply#16 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:23 PM EDT

          The hole was dug before Obama became President. The country will have high unemployment and deficits for years regardless of what happens on election day.

          • 3 votes
          Reply#17 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 2:36 PM EDT

          Meek should do right thing to drop out race and endorse Christ. This would give the moderate a chance instead of give the right winger an easy victory. Statistics does not lie. Meek is not within of statistics error margin. Instead he is far short of it. If he thinks he still has a million-in-one chance to win, he is delusional.

          Unfortunately, few politician has the grace and humility to do the right thing; e.g. electing a less of two evils, if you will, for the common good. I expect that Meek is still in for his ego, oops, win.

          I bet Rubio will win big.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#18 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 3:52 PM EDT

          Some of you who post national must not keep up with the details of this campaign like we do in Florida.  Rubio's spending on the GOP credit card for personal use,  the foreclosure on his Tallahassee home, The pac he started while speaker to raise funds for candidates all went to his personal spending and none to candidates, and on and on, including the latest, paying for his children's private school tuition from campaign funds......In Florida, the GOP indictments are coming fast and furious...it is a state run by the GOP for many years, and the problem is showing up all over in scandals!  We're still waiting for an FBI investigation of Rubio!

          • 2 votes
          Reply#19 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:16 PM EDT

          You see Cheney in jail yet??? Then don't hold your breath for Rubio.

            #19.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:04 PM EDT
            Reply

            Americans eyes have been opened. Crist, Specter, the lady Senator from Alaska, these people are in it for them selves. Crist must hate him self for hugging and kissing Obama , now Obama is campaigning for Meeks! No loyalty with the communists

            • 1 vote
            Reply#20 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:41 PM EDT

            You have it a little wrong. You repugs and some Dems, have built up the largest communist country in history (China). You did it for greed, and at the cost of your countries future. Not content with that, you had the Reagan amnesty and lax immigration for decades, to undercut the remaining US workers wages. Yea, you could be considered traitors. Funny, that you would even dare bring up the word communist.

            • 1 vote
            #20.1 - Tue Oct 12, 2010 12:01 AM EDT
            Reply

            Hmm, who will Floridians vote for? Let's see: Florida the state known for hatred, bigotry, corruption, oil-soaked beaches, pathetic, dimwitted politicians, and extremist, Conservative, Rethuglican, religious fanatic, old citizens who are too stupid to figure out how to fill out a ballot correctly. I'm guessing Rubio or Crist.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#21 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:54 PM EDT

            Yea , that illogical, inaccurate, tirade would make me vote for Meeks. Hey, remember Lawton Chiles? Yes, a real democrat. Hey , Meeks, your out of state support is real effective.

            • 1 vote
            #21.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:43 PM EDT
            Reply

            It would seem to me that if someone is to leave the race it would be the governor. Afterall Meek will have a machine behind him.

            ---

            My Book Title: As I See It: Class Warfare: The Only Resort To Right Wing Doom

            Amazon(Paperback):

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              Reply#22 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:33 PM EDT

              Meek's "machine" in FL is weak. The traditional Union's are weak in FL , and weakening from illegals taking their construction jobs. You wrote a book without knowing the real status of the dem middle class. The democratic party has allowed illegal immigration to slaughter jobs in construction here. And now you will ask for their vote. Good luck with that.

              • 1 vote
              #22.1 - Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:08 PM EDT
              Reply
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