In what must be a stinging turn of events for Florida’s embattled governor, conservative Marco Rubio defeated the more liberal Gov. Charlie Crist in a straw poll in the latter’s own hometown. It’s yet more evidence that Republicans are unhappy with Crist’s support for Barack Obama’s “stimulus” package and cap-and-trade legislation.

The final vote was 106-54 in favor of Rubio, who consistently wins similar polls by similar margins across the Sunshine State. He’s considered the more conservative of the two candidates, opposing higher taxes, advocating for a reduction in the federal deficit, and pushing for a strong national defense — all policies that have earned him praise and attention from outlets such as National Review and The American Spectator.

On the other hand, Crist consistently draws the ire of his own party. He vocally supported the $787 billion “stimulus” package liberals in Congress passed early last year, which is generally now considered to have failed. His advocacy for the legislation, which was supposed to keep unemployment below 8%, was strong enough that he campaigned alongside President Barack Obama for its passage.

And then there’s the governor’s support for cap-and-trade legislation, intended to reduce carbon emissions by limiting the amount of pollution companies can expel into the atmosphere. Liberals warn the legislation is necessary to stop global warming. Economists generally warn that the legislation will harm the nation’s economy and lead to higher unemployment and prices for consumers.

Rubio, the former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, is a 38-year-old with a list of accomplishments most his age only dream about. He successfully pushed for a reduction in the size of government in Florida, overhaul of the state’s tax system, and many other conservative agenda items. His biography states:

During the two years prior to assuming the speakership, Rubio traveled around the state hosting “Idearaisers” to solicit Floridians’ input on ways to strengthen Florida. The 100 best ideas were compiled into a book entitled “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future” which served as the basis for his term. All 100 ideas were passed by the Florida House. Fifty-seven of these ideas ultimately became law, including measures to crack down on gangs and sexual predators, promote energy efficient buildings, appliances and vehicles, and help small businesses obtain affordable health coverage. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich hailed the effort as “a work of genius.”

Rubio, a Cuban-American, graduated from the University of Miami with a juris doctor, cum laude, in 1996. He also holds a bachelor of science from the University of Florida. Both of his parents were working class Americans who came to the United States after dictator Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba. He currently lives with his wife and four children in West Miami.