Republicans in competitive congressional races in Florida have a simple strategy in 2014: tie their Democratic incumbents to U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Pelosi remains unpopular across the nation. A Gallup poll released last week finds a majority of those surveyed -- 51 percent -- disapprove of Pelosi while 39 percent approve of her. This reflects a Rasmussen Reports poll taken at the end of August which found 56 percent of likely voters view Pelosi as unfavorable while only 33 percent see her as favorable.
Republicans across Florida are going out of their way to link Democrats in congressional races to Pelosi. Lenny Curry, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), has been very vocal in his desire to invoke Pelosi whenever Republicans can. Earlier this year, Curry went out of his way to hang Pelosi around the neck of Gwen Graham who is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla.
Former state Rep. Carl Domino followed that game plan this week as he continues his campaign for the Republican nomination to take on freshman U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla. Despite Murphys moderate reputation, Domino tried to connect him to President Barack Obama and Pelosi.
The fate of America's economic future is on the line, Domino insisted in an email to supporters sent out on Friday. Obama, Pelosi and Murphy have failed at balancing the government's books. They don't know how to solve our embarrassing fiscal mess and may end up shutting down the government as a result. And they're making a fool of America with their incoherently reckless foreign policy strategy. America -- the most powerful nation on earth -- is retreating, allowing third world dictators to lead the way and jeopardizing American interests at home and abroad and making us less safe.
While Graham has refused to answer if she would back Pelosi to be House speaker, at least one Florida Democrat who is expected to be in a tough race next year is making no efforts to cut ties from her. Pelosi sent out a fundraising email to supporters of freshman U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla., on Tuesday.
I've seen a lot of campaigns over the years, Pelosi wrote. The winning ones always start early, and they never let an attack go unanswered. That's why Joe needs your help. Republicans are terrified of what Joe brings to the table. They know he has what it takes to break through the gridlock and get stuff done, so you can be sure right-wing attacks are headed his way.
Pelosi continued to warn about impending right-wing attacks and urged Democrats to help Joe fight back against right-wing attacks!
Closing out the email, Pelosi offered Garica warm praise. I wish we could have more leaders like Joe in Congress, Pelosi wrote.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
