Unlike other Democrats who are running from U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., has shown no hesitation in embracing her. This week, Grayson announced that Pelosi would campaign with him in Orlando at the end of next week and went out of his way to praise her.
It was Nancy Pelosi who mobilized against and defeated George Bushs crazy notion to risk our Social Security money in the stock market (down by 2 percent today alone, by the way, which would mean $25 a month less for every Social Security recipient), Grayson emailed supporters on Thursday. It was Nancy Pelosi who showed her respect for war-weary Americans by opposing George W. Bushs surge in Iraq, which prolonged the war and set the stage for the chaos there today. It was Nancy Pelosi who insisted on comprehensive and affordable health care for all Americans, when Rahm Emanuel and so many others were willing to throw in the towel after Scott Brown won the special election to replace Edward Kennedy in the Senate.
Nancy Pelosi one of the greatest leaders of our time, and one of the greatest female leaders of any time, Grayson added. Im a very tough audience. But I have enormous personal respect for Nancy Pelosi.
Grayson continues to generally ignore his Republican opponent, Carol Platt from the Osceola County Realtors Association, to focus on national politics. This week, Grayson turned his attention to the Bluegrass State, writing fundraising emails for Kentucky Secretary of State Allison Grimes, the Democratic candidate challenging U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in November.
On Wednesday, Grayson insisted he wanted to expunge Mitch McConnell from public life" and to send McConnell packing off to Grinchland, Ky., or whatever hell-hole he came from.
Back in the Sunshine State, Platt reeled in the support of one of the most prominent Republicans in Florida on Friday when U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., announced he was backing her over Grayson.
"Carol is a principled leader with the ability to work across party lines for the betterment of our community, state and country, Rubio said. We need Carol in Washington because she will fight for Central Florida and to help more people achieve the American dream. She's the kind of uniting voice our state and our country need right now. I'm proud to give her my full support."
"I am so honored to have Sen. Rubio's support, Platt said. He is a fantastic example of the kind of leaders our country needs more of, and I know that with his help, I will defeat Alan Grayson in November."
Rubio wasnt the only Florida Republican to get on board with Platt this week. On Wednesday, state Rep. Neil Combee, R-Auberndale, threw his support behind Platt.
"I cant think of a better person to represent Floridas 9th Congressional District, Combee wrote Platt in his endorsement letter. Your leadership abilities, dedication to serve and the ability to bring people together make you the right candidate.
Im again honored by the endorsement and words of support and encouragement from yet another elected official from our great state of Florida, Platt said. Rep. Combee has done a tremendous job serving Florida and continues to pave the way for great success.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
