NYT: Rubio Veers From Tea Party Script

About eight months ago, the New York Times said Marco Rubio could be the "first senator from the tea party."

But in an article published Sunday, the Gray Lady suggests the Republican U.S. Senate candidate is taking a different approach than other tea-party-minded candidates looking to shake up Washington.

Instead of simply being anti-Washington, Rubio is making it a point to support some policies as well.

The solution isnt just to paralyze government, Mr. Rubio said in an interview as he traveled the state last week from here in the Panhandle to Miami. Vote for us because you couldnt possibly vote for them? Thats not enough. It may win some seats, but it wont take you where you want to be.

His course bears little resemblance to those of other insurgent candidates, many of whom hope to ride a combative streak -- and little else -- to Washington. Mr. Rubio is increasingly trying to turn his candidacy into one built more on ideas than outrage, which is why he delivered three detailed speeches in the past week alone on education, veterans affairs and retiree issues.