With less than a month to go, Democrats are starting to take side as the Florida primary draws closer.
Former U.S. Sec. of State Hillary Clinton’s team has been opening offices across the Sunshine State in recent days as they prepare for the March 15 primary. On Monday, the Clinton campaign was scheduled to open an office in Miami Beach.
"Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who can do all parts of the job of president," said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. "Her life's work shows a leader who has stood up for the rights of women and people of color. There isn't a barrier too big for Hillary to tear down – and that's why we’re organizing Miami-Dade by talking to our friends and neighbors about what's at stake in this election for our state and nation.”
The Clinton camp launched a number of outreach events in recent days, including Tallahassee City Commissioner Curtis Richardson leading efforts to target African-American voters in Leon County.
Down in Orlando, former U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder, D-Col., who briefly ran for president back in the 1988 election cycle, and former Orange County Commission Chairman Linda Chapin kicked off “Greater Orlando Women" on Thursday.
“Hillary understands deeply that women's issue are both family issues and economic issues," said Schroeder. "From providing paid family leave to guaranteeing equal pay for women, Hillary knows that what's good for women is what's good for America. That's why we're excited to launch ‘Greater Orlando Women for Hillary’ to talk to our neighbors and friends about Hillary's plans to continue her lifelong fight for women and girls."
But U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is also starting to make a play for the Sunshine State and rounding up support as well. The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (DPCF) announced it is backing Sanders.
Susan Smith, the president of the DPCF, praised Sanders on Monday.
"Throughout his political career as well as his presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders has proven to be a bold progressive who is ready to fight for the values that DPCF members hold dear,” Smith said. “Like our membership, Bernie views the problems of income inequality, institutional racism and money in politics as structural issues that must be addressed for real change to occur.
“With today's endorsement, the DPCF is joining Bernie's political revolution by working to win the presidency as well as down-ballot races throughout Florida in 2016,” Smith added. “We are committed to running a 100 percent positive campaign in support of Bernie Sanders, and when the primary race is over, we will work our hardest to be sure that the Democratic nominee wins the White House in November."
Polls show Clinton holds a solid lead over Sanders in Florida but, of course, that could change in the weeks to come as other states hold primaries including the important Super Tuesday contests on March 1.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
