MIAMI-Florida Republican Senate front-runner Marco Rubio announced today his first quarter numbers in fundraising for 2010–and they are impressive. Rubio says that he raised more than 3.6 million during the first 3 months of the year–his highest since he entered the race a year ago.
“We’re encouraged by the strength of our limited government message and its ability to rally people around our cause., ” Rubio stated in a campaign release this morning .” Today’s announcement is a product of grassroots supporters that are stepping up to ensure we have the resources needed to promote this message throughout Florida.”
His Republican opponent Gov. Charlie Crist has yet to release his first quarter totals, but Crist has had a sizable lead in money overall–Now with this marker, it seems that Rubio’s money-raising ability could be catching up with his lead in the polls.
Also today, Crist seem to rule out a run as an independent despite a pledge he made on Fox News Sunday a week and a half ago to stay in the Republican race.
“I’m focused on the session, I’m focused on these bills that are pending and coming up shortly.That’s where my focus is,” Crist said to a reporter in Tallahassee today when asked if he was now eyeing an indie run.” There will be time for other things later.”
According to local reporters , Crist gave a similar answer last year during the 2009 session, when asked by Florida media whether he planned to enter the U.S. Senate Race. But really– the comment could be Crist simply emphasizing his duties as governor during the relatively-short legislative session, but doesn’t dampen speculation much.
Fox News’ Chris Wallace , Zac Kenworthy and Capitol News Service contributed to this report.