By Andrew P. Napolitano
The president's men trash the Constitution to pursue antagonists
Many Republican governors who said they plan to take Medicaid money under President Obama's health care law now find they're facing a revolt within their own state parties, where GOP legislatures are none-too-eager to approve signing up for what they call "Obamacare."
A handful of Democratic Senate candidates are posting strong poll numbers in battleground states dominated by the GOP two years ago — giving that party hope that it can hang on to its slim advantage in the chamber.
The 2012 congressional elections are more than 10 months away, but some key votes already have been cast — and not by the electorate.
"We say in Hillsborough County, you can't win Florida unless you win the I-4 corridor and you can't win the nation if you can't win Florida."
!["The ideal is somebody that is beloved by the tea party who holds statewide office in a swing state and, oh, is Hispanic and young," said Jennifer E. Duffy, of the Cook Political Report. "He [Sen. Marco Rubio] pretty much fills that bill, doesn't he?" (Associated Press)](http://media.washtimes.com/media/image/2011/08/28/rubio_reps_s101x71.jpg?c098eea3477ac6ce32c46b9d70a42787e13ce55a)
While the field for the Republican presidential nomination is crowded and up for grabs, many pundits and politicos are ready to proclaim a front-runner for the ticket's second spot — Florida's Sen. Marco Rubio.
Depending on who is asked, Republican Rep.-elect Allen West is either a hothead radical who will chip away at what little civility remains on Capitol Hill, or is an energetic, principled pragmatist who will bring a long-overdue dose of sanity to Washington.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a rising "rock star" in the Republican Party only two years ago, may now be singing his political swan song, thanks to a young upstart who dared challenge the career politician's once-solid Senate run.
Charlie Crist, to the surprise of many and the consternation of some, just won't go away.
Money isn't buying much love on the campaign trail these days in Florida.
Florida's gubernatorial race continues to surprise, as a new poll shows state Attorney General Bill McCollum - whose campaign had slumped for months - with a slim lead for the Republican nomination over former front-runner and millionaire Rick Scott.
"I don't think it's dead in the water yet, but it's on life support," said Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida.
Rebellion in states to block broader Medicaid; governors face party opposition →
But she added, "I don't think anybody thinks he's done in politics."
