Even his harshest critics would concede that Bill Clinton has one of the best political minds operating today -- which is why Republicans in Florida should be worried.
Clinton will be in Florida on Sunday to help Charlie Crist and collect a few IOUs for Hillary Clinton which will be cashed in come 2016 when she runs for president again. But Republicans should also note that Clinton will hold rallies with Patrick Murphy and Gwen Graham on Sunday.
Democrats have a thin bench in Florida. Its why Crist had a relatively easy time becoming the Democratic gubernatorial nominee despite having been a Republican not that long ago. Democrats couldnt even find serious candidates to challenge Jeff Atwater and Adam Putnam.
If Crist goes down against Rick Scott in a week and half, Democrats will be hard pressed in the short run to find statewide candidates. Even if she runs for the Senate in 2016, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is too liberal and has shot herself too many times in the foot. While they were rising stars not that long ago, nobody has much interest in seeing the likes of Dan Gelber, Dave Aronberg, Rod Smith and Scott Maddox try again for state office.
Thats why Clintons support of Murphy and Graham matters. These are two Democrats who could be threats to Republicans at the state level.
Only 31, Murphy beat Allen West and looks headed to a win over Carl Domino despite holding a seat in a Republican leaning district. Murphy has gotten good press when hes broken with Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, and more than a few business groups have lined up behind him against Domino, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Murphys not exactly a household name outside his district but hes only a freshman and his star looks ready to ascend.
Graham has one of the most bankable names in Florida politics and hasnt been afraid of relying on it as she challenges Steve Southerland. Despite working for her father Bob and the likes of Howard Dean and John Kerry, Graham has portrayed herself as a political outsider. Even after cheerfully taking money from Nancy Pelosis PAC and the DCCC, Graham has spent months bemoaning the way both parties operate in Washington. Graham has even claimed she wont back Pelosi for speaker. Somehow, Grahams strategy is working, helped in part by Southerland tripping over his own feet. Graham, like Murphy, is also proving herself to be a strong fundraiser. Even if she loses to Southerland, which is certainly possible, expect to hear more from Graham down the road.
Clinton isnt just coming down to Florida on Sunday to help Crist. Hes also looking into the future when, he hopes, his wife is sitting in the Oval Office. Florida will still be the largest swing state on the electoral map and Democrats desperately need to develop a bullpen of strong candidates. Clinton has found at least two Florida Democrats to place a few chips on.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.
