Rubio won't run for mayor. But gov? Sen? Punditry?

House Speaker Marco Rubio has made it official: He won't run for Miami-Dade County mayor. But governor? U.S. Senate? State Senate? Rubio won't say. At least not now.

His next likely move: Pundit. Rubio confirmed he's in talks with a Spanish-language media outfit (he won't say who) to talk politics. He said he also wants to spend more time with his family and on his legal career before he makes another political move.

Whether or not he could have beaten incumbent Mayor Carlos Alvarez in what would likely have been a bare-knuckle campaign, Rubio said the Miami-Dade mayor job wasn't the right fit for him. He said he likes Alvarez, is friends with him and that the mayor deserved more time to reform the system because he has had only two years as a strong mayor.

"First, it wasn’t right for me. Second, he needs more time," Rubio said.

Story here

The transcript:

Q: Why not run for mayor?

Rubio: "This is a very challenging community. It has some unique challenges, in terms of race and bringing a diverse community together behind a common vision. It’s a big job, and it requires someone who has a passion and vision for it. My passion is more about the issues that affect the state of Florida and the United States."

Q: Did former Mayor Alex Penelas' political misfortunes have an affect on your decision?

Rubio: "I think Penelas did a good job as mayor. The political dynamics of being mayor are  very challenging. Whenever you’re in charge of something as big as Miami-Dade County, there are enormous political risks. And I’ve never felt that your should run for something like that as a stepping stone. I think it deserves someone who has the aspiration to be mayor and that maybe the last political job they’ll ever hold."

Q: What's next?

Rubio: "I have a passion for politics, a passion for public service. And I want to be on the ballot in the future. I want to run for political office, but not in 2008. This is a year where I need to focus on my family, on my legal career and spend some time involved in the process from a different perspective..... I want to travel around Florida and support candidates, return a republican majority to the House and Senate and help campaign for John McCain for president."

Q: What about the possible job as commentator?

Rubio: "One of the unique opportunities I may have in the near future is to be a commentator and an analyst and a contributor in the coverage of the upcoming election in the media. And I think that’s an opportunity that would be a welcome change of pace. If you’re a declared candidate, you can’t do those things. And if you’re a declared candidate, you can’t always do them well. That’s a unique opportunity I may have."

Comments

I'm sure Marco Rubio will do well in whatever position he chooses.

[BillParcells]

Smart move by Rubio

RE-ELECT MAYOR CARLOS ALVAREZ

[Sammy]

Where can he be scarier, politics or as a media comentator?

[Stav]

Wow, I met this guy when he came up to campaign in New Hampshire, not the sharpest knife in the wood block! But, that probably makes him a perfect pundit.

And unfortunately, what better position than pundit to build an audience and run for higher office. Sigh.

[Fred]

I wish he would just go away until he grows up a litt.e...we need leadership, not temper tantrums.

[TiredoftheBull]

I'm sure Rubio will do whatever is best for himself, just as he did in the florida house. When will you morons ever get rid of the corruption? Oh that's right, never. you'll just keep electing the same crooked losers that steal your money.
dopes