As "Fox News Sunday" moderator Chris Wallace pointed out, Gov. Charlie Crist and former Speaker of the House Marco Rubio most certainly are locked in a heated primary battle for the GOP Senate nomination in Florida. Wallace moderated a 42-minute debate between the two, after which the Sunshine State News staff asked for reaction.
Here's how some Floridians -- admittedly, not all objective observers going in -- responded as soon as the debate ended:
"I think it's pretty clear that Gov. Crist won. The governor just seemed to be making it clear that he put Floridians first and his choices did that."
-- Jacob Engels, president of Florida Federation of Teenage Republicans, Orlando
"Marco Rubio was impressive. He won easily. He wasn't so much in my radar before. But I looked at him and listened to him and he was strong and he represented my point of view right down the line."
-- Carlos Jimenez, teacher, Fort Lauderdale
"Gov. Crist was clearly the winner. Philosophically, I don't think the two are very far apart, but on trust and character they are miles apart."
-- Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey
"Charlie Crist won among the senior citizens and small businesses across the state because of his stance on Social Security. But Marco also had a strong showing. He's a true conservative Republican going against big government and Obama. And I think that's the way the House is headed."
-- Rep. Maria Lorts Sachs, D-Delray Beach
"I thought it was a draw. Charlie came across as more aggressive, and that's because he's behind in the polls. I'm glad we're having this vigorous debate because it makes all of the people in Florida winners."
-- Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne
"Rubio was the winner. I think he focused on the issues. Like he said, he would be willing to stand up to Obama on big spending and big government."
-- Valentina Weis, South Florida Tea Party, West Palm Beach
"Crist won the debate because he needs to make up for lost ground and he was on the offensive. He took the shine away from Marco. Rubio sounded like he was running against President Obama. Crist sounds like he's willing to work with the president, which would be more beneficial for the people of Florida."
-- Rep. Kelly Skidmore, D-Boca Raton
"Charlie won because he stuck to the points. Both had negative attacks. They both got their shots in, but Charlie portrayed himself as an effective governor. I was disappointed that neither spoke about international affairs or national defense. Marco's 'tax swap' would have devastated our state."
-- Rep. Carl Domino, R-Juno Beach
"Did you see how Marco put it on the line? Florida wants a Republican senator who will stand up to the liberals in the White House and in Congress. I thought Marco Rubio gave us that choice we're looking for."
-- Joel Casey, accountant, Punta Gorda
