Even as national pundits write off his chances to beat U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., in next weeks elections, former state Rep. Carl Domino continues to turn up the heat on the Democratic congressman.
Domino tried, once again, to link Murphy to President Barack Obama and U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Thursday.
Here is the central question of this campaign: Do you want a Republican who will keep Obama in check or Pelosi puppet who rubber stamps Obama's worst policies? Domino asked. Do you want a congressman who will put Florida and country first? Or do you want a congressman who supports awful big-government policies like Obamacare, America being attacked and pushed around in the world, and open borders with amnesty? These are the choices at stake in this election.
Calling himself a battle tested conservative warrior and noting his service in Vietnam, Domino tried to contrast himself with Murphy who he labeled a Pelosi puppet who votes 84 percent of the time for the Obama agenda.
I'm ready to clean up the Obama-Murphy mess in Washington, Domino noted.
For his part, Murphy continues to ignore Domino and focus on the positive. On Wednesday, Murphy launched his 13th campaign TV ad of the election, none of which went after Domino.
Washington is where I work but Florida, thats my home -- always has been, Murphy says in the new ad which features residents of the district. Im always thinking about our water because I know he needs a place to play. I worry all the time about our economy because I know he has to work. In Washington, Im making sure she earns equal pay. And I never forget that you chose me to take care of our seniors. I love this place, and if you could see it through my eyes, youd be proud.
Patrick understands that his job title is representative, and he takes that job seriously, participating in nearly 600 local events since taking office to meet with constituents and hear their concerns, said Anthony Kusich, Murphys campaign manager, on Wednesday. The people of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches know that Patrick is always working hard for them on the issues that matter most.
Despite Murphys narrow win over then-U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., back in 2012, national pundits are starting to write off this race as not competitive.
On Wednesday, prominent political pundit Stuart Rothenberg and Roll Call upgraded Murphys odds against Domino. The race had been pegged as Favored Democratic but now its Safe Democrat.
Domino gets better chances from famed pundit Larry Sabato and the Center for Politics which released their latest round of congressional elections rankings on Thursday. Murphy remains the favorite over Domino as the race stayed Likely Democratic.
On Thursday, Domino maintained the race would be down to the wire.
This is going to be an extremely close election in Florida, driven entirely by voter turnout, Domino insisted. It's vital that we knock on every door, call every registered voter, and get every Republican to the polls.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
