Rubio Trifecta

The next Republican United States Senator from Florida had a very, very, very good day:

1) He raised a ton in the second quarter:

Demonstrating his growing grassroots momentum, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio (R-FL) today announced that his campaign raised over $4.5 million during the second quarter of 2010, eclipsing Charlie Crist’s state fundraising record for a single quarter. To date, over 75,000 donors have fueled the campaign with an average contribution of under $86.

In making this announcement, Rubio issued the following statement:

“With each supporter and idea, our campaign continues to prove that Floridians want their next U.S. senator to be a check and balance against Washington’s big spending agenda, while offering a clear, conservative alternative. I continue to be humbled and energized by the outpouring of support we’re receiving from voters who recognize that I’m the only candidate in this race who will go to Washington, stand up to the big spenders in both parties and preserve the limited government principles that have made America exceptional.

“A year ago, many were convinced that a principled campaign against the big spending Obama-Pelosi-Crist-Meek agenda stood no chance in the face of better-funded and more popular opponents. A year later, I’m thankful that our supporters have always understood what the stakes are in this election and have rallied behind us to create this movement. Today’s announcement marks another important grassroots milestone on our way to ensuring our message is heard loud and clear throughout Florida this fall.”

BY THE NUMBERS: RUBIO’S RECORD FUNDRAISING

Total donors to date: Over 75,000

Donors not maxed out: 99 percent

Average contribution in Q2: $85.20

Average contribution to date: $85.94

Raised online to date: $1.3 million

Raised in Q2: Over $4.5 million

Total raised to date: Over $11 million

2) He garnered the endorsement of the man Sorry Charlie appointed to keep that seat warm....for Marco Rubio:

3) And last, but certainly not least, Marco Rubio's secret weapon, his ace in the hole, the gift that keeps on insatiably giving...Sorry Charlie Crist: