On Thursday, attorney Jonathan Chane joined the Democratic field running in the crowded race to replace U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., in Congress. Murphy is running for the U.S. Senate in 2016.
“I'm running for Congress and excited to represent Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast in D.C.,” Chane posted on Twitter on Thursday. “Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast deserve a voice in Congress that'll put us first. I know what it takes to make a difference.”
At his new campaign website, Chane played up his local roots and called for more opportunity for the middle class.
“I was born and raised right here in Palm Beach County. It’s more than my home – it’s my heart. This community is where I went to school, played baseball, where I have chosen to grow my family, and where my children now call home,” Chane noted. “I’m running for United States Congress because too many middle-class families face real struggles here in South Florida. The economic recovery is still leaving many of our businesses and families behind. Seniors are often working too many hours to supplement their insufficient pensions and 401{k}s. Schools need more support to prepare our children for success and we need to make better choices for our environment.
“A lifetime here has taught me that even when things are difficult, we find ways to thrive – through hard work, looking out for our neighbors when they need it, and pride in what we do,” Chane added. “It is a place my family has called home for three generations and that I will be honored to represent in Congress.”
An attorney for Greenberg Traurig, Chane has worked pro bono to represent Holocaust survivors suing the German government for reparations. Chane is very active with the local Jewish community, with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and as president the board of trustees of Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens. His mother, Barbara Chane, was the founding president of Temple Judea. During the 2008 campaign, Chane helped Barack Obama’s presidential campaign with legal matters in Palm Beach County.
Chane becomes the fourth candidate running in the Democratic primary. Melissa McKinlay and Priscilla Taylor from the Palm Beach County Commission are already in the race. So is engineer Juan Xuna. St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky is a possible candidate.
On the Republican side, there is a crowded primary shaping up to replace Murphy. Current candidates include former state Rep. Carl Domino who ran against Murphy in 2014; Republican leader and attorney Rick Kozell; activist and veteran Brian Mast; St. Lucie County Commissioner Tod Mowery; Martin County School Board member Rebecca Negron; and businessman Paul Spain who ran against U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., in 2014. Possible candidates include conservative leader and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, who ran for Congress and the U.S. Senate in Maryland; radio talk-show host K.C. Ingram-Traylor; educator Belinda Keiser; former congressional aide Stephen Leighton; conservative pundit Noelle Nikpour; and businessman Gary Uber.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
