Brickfield backs Rubio over Crist

NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Pinellas County Commissioner Neil Brickfield has followed ally Tony DiMatteo to support Marco Rubio over his Pinellas neighbor, Charlie Crist, for U.S. Senate.

Brickfield said he actually decided a few months ago, but confirmed the decision this week. Attention has focused on Pinellas Republicans' choice for the Senate nomination because of a straw poll due in January. He downplayed the idea he was shunning Crist.

"I don’t look at it that way. I think that Marco Rubio has a great story to tell," Brickfield said, adding that Rubio's support is growing.

But Brickfield's allegiance isn't too surprising. A former vice chairman of the Pinellas GOP, Brickfield benefited from DiMatteo's support in 2008, when Brickfield was elected to the commission. DiMatteo helps lead Rubio's efforts in Pinellas.

David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer

Posted by Times Editor at 4:58:31 pm on November 11, 2009 in

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