Phil Ammann
After announcing his bid for Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat, Florida U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy received a warm welcome Monday from Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant.
“Patrick Murphy is a champion for middle class families, and his commonsense approach to the tough issues facing Florida and our country has earned him praise from all corners,” Tant said in a prepared statement. “In Congress, Patrick has focused on strengthening Medicare and Social Security, standing up for our right to vote, protecting women’s rights, growing middle class jobs, and fighting for equal opportunity.
The Jupiter Democrat is the first official candidate for the Senate seat likely to be vacated by Rubio’s imminent presidential bid.
“I am glad Patrick has joined the race for the Democratic nomination to challenge Marco Rubio,” Tant said. “For five years, Rubio has put his partisan ambitions and Washington’s wealthiest special interests ahead of Florida’s middle class families. They deserve better.”
Although Rubio has not officially announced a White House run, he has said repeatedly he would not seek re-election to the Senate if he does. Florida law prohibits candidates from seeking two offices at once on the same ballot.
In 2012, Murphy received the admiration of many in the Democratic Party when he unseated tea party firebrand U.S. Rep. Allen West.
Murphy announced his intentions after two leading Democrats — former Gov. Charlie Crist and Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz — said they wouldn’t run for U.S. Senate in 2016.
