A move for Broward Republicans to hold a straw poll in the U.S. Senate race failed Monday night, avoiding for the moment what would have been the kind of tense vote that has taken place in other parts of the state.

But there was lots of tension.

Patrick Castronovo, a Lauderdale Lakes committeeman, made a motion to hold a straw poll to choose between two Republican candidates for Senate in 2010 -- Gov. Charlie Crist and the more-conservative former Florida House speaker, Marco Rubio.

But he was immediately drowned out by Broward GOP Chairman Chip LaMarca, who pounded the gavel and said: ``We have new business at the end of the meeting.''

About two hours into the meeting, LaMarca announced that Crist and Rubio would come to a future meeting but didn't say when.

``Listen to these candidates and make an informed decision,'' said LaMarca, who said in a later interview that he wants them to come to separate meetings in the fall.

The discussion devolved into boos and shouts at times as activists argued about whether to hold a straw poll in the future. Some members walked out in disgust.

Castronovo tried to speak again but was drowned out at times as other participants yelled ``motion to adjourn.'

``How about a Republican not a RINO [Republican In Name Only]!'' yelled out one woman.

Ultimately, the Broward GOP voted to table a vote on a straw poll until members hear from the candidates. That means the vote issue could resurface around November.

At the Sheraton Suites in Fort Lauderdale, the 200-some activists had gathered for a regular party meeting to fire up voters for 2010 statewide and local races. LaMarca stressed the need for unity.

The meeting's official topic was healthcare reform, and the floor was given to a doctor who bashed ``Obamacare'' with a discussion about the history of healthcare and with slides with titles such as ``Democrats' `Jihad' Vs. Pharmaceuticals/Diagnostic Testing.''

The straw poll was the most contentious issue, though. Activists in recent weeks have been e-mailing and calling each other to debate whether to hold one.

``I hear a lot from the Crist side stating there is tremendous support for Charlie Crist and really none for Marco Rubio as far as polls are concerned,'' said Castronovo, a Rubio supporter, in an interview before the vote. ``I would like to get a figure just to see where we stand.''

Party leaders who oppose a straw poll say it is being promoted by only a few activists, particularly one who is not a committee member.

Javier Manjarrés, a Fort Lauderdale Republican who runs the Conservative Republican Alliance, has been pushing county groups statewide to hold polls. Manjarrés said a vote would help the candidates know where they stand and encourage activism.

Several Republican leaders say this isn't the right time to hold a straw poll that could turn away some activists and create internal strife.

``The other party and the media would love to have this happen,'' said LaMarca, who said that he, personally, is not backing either candidate. ``I strongly believe it is divisive. Broward has to take a stand and admit they learned their lesson in 2006.''

In that year, Broward Republicans held a straw poll about whether to support Crist or Tom Gallagher for governor. Crist won, there was a spat about whether the vote was improperly held and those on the losing end felt alienated.

``A lot of people, I never saw them again after that,'' said Richard DeNapoli, a Hollywood Republican who opposes a straw poll.

Though Democrats still hold a 2-1 edge in voter registration in Broward and, therefore, dominate most local races, the Broward Republican Party has the ability to influence statewide races since it has about 242,000 registered voters -- the third-most for a Florida county after No. 1 Miami-Dade and No. 2 Palm Beach, according to July figures from the state Division of Elections.

In Miami-Dade, Republican leaders don't expect a push for a vote at their meeting Thursday. But chairman David Rivera said that some members have suggested it, and it could happen in the future.

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