U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has started his Senate campaign with impressive fundraising and the support of leading Democrats, but U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson continues to leave the door open to a Senate bid of his own.
The seat is currently held by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who has said he will not run for a second term in the Senate if he aims for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Rubio is holding an event on April 13 in Miami to reveal his plans. While most observers expect him to try for the presidency, he has left the door open to running again for the Senate.
Regardless of what Rubio does, Murphy declared for the U.S. Senate last Monday -- and he certainly made the most of his time for the new campaign.
On Thursday, he announced he has raised $1.25 million during the quarter, including $750,000 since launching his Senate bid. At the end of March, Murphy had $1.6 million in the bank, with most of that coming from his congressional coffers which he can roll over to the Senate campaign.
"I am overwhelmed by the enormous support we're receiving from Floridians across the state," said Murphy on Thursday. "Americans are tired of the hyper-partisanship and constant bickering in the Senate that has led to an unprecedented amount of gridlock, which is keeping us from strengthening the middle class and protecting Social Security and Medicare. We need fresh, new leadership for Florida, and I'm humbled by the trust so many people across the state are placing in me."
Murphy has reeled in the endorsements of some leading Democrats, including former Gov. Charlie Crist, and U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, both of whom had garnered some attention as possible Senate candidates. U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel and Alcee Hastings have also gotten behind Murphy.
Grayson continues to leave the door open to a Senate bid of his own and, with a national network of liberal donors, should be able to compete with Murphy in the money chase if he gets in the race.
In an email to supporters this week, Grayson showcased how he has managed to be successful in building a fundraising base.
The numbers build up, and they build up fast, Grayson wrote. During several months last year, monthly contributions comprised around half of our online donations. Thats what made it possible for me to be the only member of the House who raised most of his campaign funds from small donors. Again."
Grayson insisted he and his supporters are establishing a new paradigm for campaign finance through his operations.
On Tuesday, Grayson teased supporters that he could enter the Senate contest. On a Facebook posting he cited a poll showing the Senate race very competitive if Rubio does not run for a second term.
Hmmmmmm, Grayson wrote in his posting on the Senate race. What should I do about this?
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
