Despite having worked as a top aide for -- and getting the support of -- leading national politicians, Democratic congressional candidate Gwen Graham, whose father Bob served as governor of Florida in the U.S. Senate, continues to insist she is a Washington outsider.
Continuing her bid against U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., Graham took to the airwaves calling for more harmony in Congress with two new television spots.
I'm excited to share our two new ads about the need for cooperation in Congress, Graham informed supporters Monday. That's what the North Florida way is all about: bringing some problem-solving back to Washington in order to break the partisan gridlock that is hurting Florida's middle class families, businesses, and seniors.
But even as their candidate insisted she was a political outsider despite having served as an aide to then-U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and former Gov. Howard Dean, D-Vt., during the 2004 presidential campaign, the Graham camp told the Tampa Bay Times she would be campaigning with her father later this month and into August. The Grilling With the Grahams tour will extend across the district, which sprawls across Big Bend.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) fired back in response Monday, noting that Graham has taken money from groups with ties to U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Despite taking her money, Graham has refused to say if she will vote for Pelosi to be House speaker.
Gwen Graham is trying to deceive voters with big-money TV ads, but North Florida families already know she will be Nancy Pelosis puppet if sent to Congress," said NRCC spokesperson Katie Prill. "Graham needs to explain to voters why she continues to let her campaign be funded by Pelosis campaign arm and why she will support Pelosis liberal agenda in Washington.
Southerland is a top Democratic target and is considered the most vulnerable Republican congressional incumbent in Florida.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com
