Dr. Dena Minning is running for the congressional seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., with whom she has been romantically linked. Minning had been rumored to launch a congressional bid for weeks now, even as liberal activist Susannah Randolph, a former Grayson staffer, entered the race. Grayson is running for the Democratic nomination to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in 2016.
Over the weekend, Minning brought up her medical background and why it would help her in Congress.
“As a doctor, I have dedicated my life to improving the health of others by treating our nation’s veterans, providing medical care to patients regardless of the ability to pay, and researching cures for deadly diseases such as cancer and Ebola,” Minning noted on Sunday. “In Congress, I will work to ensure that everyone can get the affordable care that they need to be healthy and stay alive. And, I will fight to protect the health of our seniors by expanding Medicare to include dental and vision coverage.
“When I was a young child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor,” Minning added. “I was fortunate to receive a high-quality public school education, right here in Central Florida. I worked hard, I saved my money, and I achieved my dream, becoming the first woman in my family ever to graduate from college. I believe that everyone deserves the same chance to achieve the American Dream, regardless of wealth, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or gender. In Congress, I will fight to end discrimination and push to enact comprehensive immigration reform with a clear path for citizenship. I will work to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education and can access an affordable college education without drowning in debt. I will fight to ensure that your fair day’s work will earn you a fair day’s pay with benefits, including paid sick leave. And, I will fight to protect your hard-earned Social Security benefits when you retire.
“The reason I am running for Congress is to help you, the people,” Minning claimed. “As a doctor, I have healed many peole. In Congress, I can help to heal our country. I will work tirelessly to ensure that you can keep your health, love and be loved, and achieve your dreams throughout a long, good life."
Minning joins a growing Democratic primary field which includes Randolph, attorney and college instructor Valleri Crabtree, former state Rep. Ricardo Rangel and Florida Sen. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee. On the Republican side, engineer Wayne Liebnitzky and Kissimmee City Commissioner Wanda Rentas are already running. State Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, is considering entering the race.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
