Thursday Morning, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, was in Ybor stumping for a colleague, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.
Murphy is engrossed in a bitter primary battle with Orlando area U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and newcomer Pam Keith.
“Patrick and I have worked together to fight for Florida families and make college more affordable in Congress and that is why I am proud to endorse his candidacy for U.S. Senate,” said Rep. Kathy Castor., according to a statement her campaign later sent out. “I trust Patrick to stand up for our priorities. From making college more affordable for our students to defending Social Security for seniors and protecting our environment, I know Floridians can trust Patrick to fight for them. I look forward to the work we will do together when Patrick is our next U.S. Senator.”
Castor's endorsement of Murphy isn't exactly mind-blowing.
As Murphy has been the establishment favorite in the primary for some time now, Grayson has seen extensive controversy over everything from his finances to his personal life, especially in the last couple of days. Murphy, meanwhile, has cited that controversy as a reason not to engage in a single scheduled debate with Grayson, who is considerably more progressive.
"Alan Grayson's words and actions have disqualified him from public service, and I cannot in good conscience give him a platform to promote himself and his campaign," Murphy said in a written statement. "As a result, I will not participate in any forums or debates with Alan Grayson."
Grayson's campaign said Murphy was was exploiting a "very personal family struggle" in an attempt to dodge the debate.
"Alan Grayson, like all of us, is a flawed individual. But he's always been driven to help as many people as he can, especially the most vulnerable. The media, in its attempt to cover his often-controversial style, hasn't always been able to draw a complete picture of the man. Whether it is these allegations, or just his record of legislative accomplishment, the whole story isn't being told," said a campaign spokesperson in a written statement. "Patrick Murphy is exploiting this very personal family struggle for his own political gain. And while Patrick has actually been caught lying about himself and what he's done, Alan has discussed these and any other allegations openly with the press. For the rest of the campaign, he will continue to do that. The same cannot be said for Patrick Murphy."
Murphy saw a boost in the polls recently (probably at least in part due to said controversy).
He said he appreciated Castor's support.
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of Congresswoman Kathy Castor and grateful for her work to represent Florida families,” said Rep. Murphy. “Together, Kathy and I will continue to fight for our shared values, like making college more affordable for students and strengthening our middle class. Our state is better off because of Kathy’s leadership and I am very thankful for her support in my campaign for U.S. Senate.”
The primary is August 30, and the winner will likely face an uphill general election battle against incumbent Senator Marco Rubio, who opted to hold on to his seat after bowing out of the presidential race in March.
