As Murphy Gets More Dem Support, Liberals Call for Another Senate Candidate

On Monday, liberals from the Sunshine State called for other Democrats to enter the U.S. Senate race in 2016 besides U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., even as that congressman reeled in another endorsement.

The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (DPCF) weighed in on Monday, calling for other Democrats to enter the race for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubios, R-Fla., seat. Rubio is expected to announce a presidential bid next week instead of running for a second term.

The DPCF called out Murphy as too moderate and insisted liberals were looking for another candidate -- namely U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla. Currently engaged in a nasty divorce in which he accused his estranged wife of bigamy and is seeking an anullment, Grayson did worse against Republicans than Murphy did in a Quinnipiac poll released earlier on Monday.

"When it comes to the race shaping up to replace Marco Rubio, we believe that Floridians are looking for a bold champion who will inspire and engage voters," said DPCF President Susan Smith. "We can't afford to lose more seats to Republicans by running former Republicans, or Democrats who otherwise can't be distinguished from Republicans."

Nancy Jacobson, a Florida activist who sits on the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and no relation to the founder and CEO of No Labels, compared Murphy to U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on Social Security and Medicare, noting his support for Bowles-Simpson.

"Perhaps more than any other domestic programs, Social Security and Medicare represent the core progressive principles of the Democratic Party," Jacobson said. "When Patrick Murphy talks about Social Security and Medicare, he sounds more like Paul Ryan than Elizabeth Warren."

Former Walton County Democratic Executive Committee Chairman Frank Day noted that Democrats ran former Gov. Charlie Crist against Gov. Rick Scott last year and the former Republican failed his new party.

"Florida voters who are looking to vote for a conservative will no doubt prefer the eventual Republican candidate over the Republican-lite one," Day said. "Just ask Gov. Charlie Crist. I remember when Florida Democrats were told we had to rally around Crist because he was the only 'viable' candidate who can raise lots of money. And what happened to Crist? Voters looked at him and his opponent and couldn't tell the difference."

But Murphy keeps reeling in endorsements from leading Democrats including Crist and fellow members of the Florida delegation, including Democrats U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel and Alcee Hastings. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., fell in line behind Murphy.

"Today, I join the chorus of Democratic voices endorsing Congressman Patrick Murphy as the next United States senator, Wilson said on Monday. This gentleman will make a fine senator. Since arriving in Congress, Patrick has distinguished himself as a leader who will work across the aisle to improve the lives of Floridians. He has championed legislation that will create jobs, protect our most vulnerable, and support working families.