While he hasn't generated as much press as U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, Virginia's Republican rising star, charismatic Marco Rubio has begun to turn heads not only across Florida, but across the nation. And it didn't hurt the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate that House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala endorsed him today. He did so compellingly and with conviction, attacking Rubio's opponent ,Gov. Charlie Crist, for sacrificing principle for ambition.

The big surprise here is the timing. Cretul's move was bold, yes, but also risky. With less than two weeks to go in the session, the speaker is herding a large number of bills through the House. If the governor feels like playing hardball, he can repay Cretul by whipping out his pen and exercising the line-item veto.