Senate Hopeful Craig Miller Takes a Page from Bob Graham's Playbook

Businessman Craig Miller, who last week entered the Republican primary to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, announced on Thursday that he is taking a page out of the old Bob Graham playbook and will be holding Miller on Main Street events. The first one is scheduled at a pizza place in Winter Park next week.

While he is best known for being the CEO of Ruths Chris Steak House, during his fledgling Senate campaign as well as his unsuccessful congressional bid in 2010, Miller has not been adverse to playing up his humble roots, noting that he washed dishes as a teen and volunteered for service in Vietnam during his years in the U.S. Air Force.

Miller plans to hold two events a month joining Floridians at their workplaces, helping them out at their jobs and learning about their daily experiences. Graham, a former governor and U.S. senator, did much the same thing throughout his decades of public service. Miller said on Thursday that he planned to continue holding the events twice a month if he defeats Nelson come next November.

Over three decades ago, Bob Graham launched his Workdays program that afforded him the ability to stay in touch with hard-working Floridians -- a program that, in my opinion, is needed now more than ever, Miller said on Thursday.So, as Floridians struggle to make ends meet in the face of record unemployment, reckless and wasteful government spending, mounting national debt and the threat of job-killing tax increases from career politicians, Im driven to unveil the Miller on Main Street program. This program will allow me to continue what I've done throughout my career --work alongside hard-working Floridians, listen to their concerns and suggestions, and do everything in my power to make a difference for them and their families.