CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) - Republican Marco Rubio was given
little chance to defeat Governor Charlie Christ when he announced
his candidacy last year to Florida's open U.S. Senate seat.
But Rubio kept gaining momentum and defeated on Tuesday Crist
and Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek, according to an
Associated Press analysis of preliminary exit poll data.
Rubio built his lead through tea party rallies and consistent
attacks on President Barack Obama's domestic spending and health
care policies.
Crist left the Republican Party earlier this year to run as an
independent when polls showed him trailing in a GOP primary.
Rubio will replace George LeMieux, who was appointed to the seat
by Crist last year after Mel Martinez resigned.