Editor’s note: Roland S. Martin is a syndicated columnist and author of “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House.” He is a commentator for TV One Cable network and host of a Sunday morning news show.
(CNN) — So let me get this straight: Rep. Kendrick Meek was the first candidate to declare that he would run for the U.S. Senate in Florida, faced down a billionaire to win the Democratic nomination — and with polls showing him third in a three-way race, it’s now his fault that Republican Marco Rubio may win?
Really? Are you serious? The Democrats’ Florida debacle became front page news this week when it was reported that former President Bill Clinton approached Meek about dropping out of the race in order to throw his support to Gov. Charlie Crist, a former Republican who is running as an independent for the seat.
Crist was losing badly in the polls to Rubio, and opted not to face him in the Republican primary, choosing instead to do battle as an independent in the general election. It has always been Crist’s plan to win the Senate race by siphoning off Democratic voters, picking up some Republican votes, and appealing to independents. But he has been unable to overtake Rubio in the polls, and clearly saw his best shot at victory was if Meek dropped out.
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