The Democratic Party infighting continues in Florida over U.S Rep. Patrick Murphys, D-Fla., bid for the U.S. Senate in 2016. Murphy is running for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is expected to launch a presidential bid next week and not run for a second term in the Senate.
With the leadership of the Florida Democratic Party growing louder about wanting to disband the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida for opposing Murphys nomination, Susan Smith, the president of the caucus, sent an open letter to Murphy on Wednesday, wanting answers for where he stands.
Yesterday, I learned your supporters have organized an effort to eliminate the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, Smith wrote Murphy. In all honesty, I have to tell you that I was shocked by this news and even more dismayed by the implication that you support this effort.
I am writing to you directly so that you will know that our aim is not conflict, but debate, Smith added. We do want to hold your feet to the fire on core democratic principles, but we are not attacking you personally. We don't want a war, we just want a primary.
The truth is that we have some serious concerns about your record on Social Security, Medicare and other key issues that Democrats hold dear," Smith continued. Given your sudden switch from Republican to Democrat just in time to run for office and your past support of Mitt Romney over President Barack Obama, we believe those concerns are justified.
The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida has been adamant in wanting U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., to run for the Senate and he is open to the possibility. The gap between Murphy and the far more liberal Grayson was on display as Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) showcased its latest congressional report card. With a score of 90, Grayson was ranked as the most liberal member of the Florida delegation while, with a score of 50, Murphy was the least liberal Democrat from the Sunshine State.
Despite this opposition, Democrats holding elected office continue to line up behind Murphy. On Tuesday, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn hopped on the Murphy bandwagon.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn is a tremendous leader for Tampa, Murphy noted after the endorsement. He knows what it takes to get things done for the people he represents, and I am honored to have his endorsement in my campaign for the U.S. Senate.
The National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC) looked to fan the fire on the Democratic side, sending emails to the media in recent days and insisting on Wednesday it was getting ugly" for Murphy.
The nasty fight within the Florida Democratic Party over Murphys candidacy continues to escalate, the NRSC insisted, pointing to various media reports on the growing battle on the Democratic side.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
