Marco Rubio, Republicans Probed by Feds in Florida

The Republican party in Florida is under examination by the Feds, but Governor Charlie Crist is not a part of the probe. Crist's challenger for the state's U.S. Senate seat is named in the investigation. American Express credit cards were allegedly given to elected Florida officials and staff by the GOP.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist is not named in this Miami Herald article. Either he did not receive a card, or is exempt from the investigation.

Rubio billed the party for more than $100,000 during the two years he served as House speaker, according to credit statements obtained by the Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times. The charges included repairs to the family minivan, grocery bills, plane tickets for his wife, and purchases from retailers ranging from a wine store near his home to apple's on-line store. Rubio also charged the party for dozens of meals during the annual lawmaking session in Tallahassee, even though he received taxpayer subsidies for his meals.

Rubio said the billings all related to party business -- the minivan, for example, was damaged by a valet at a political function -- and that he repaid the party for about $16,000 in personal expenses.

 Petulant waffler RINO, Charlie Crist apparently asked the Feds to open the probe into his own party, including investigation into his own handpicked chairman, Jim Greer.