Mitch Perry
South Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has been a declared candidate for the U.S. Senate for all of 10 days, but he has raised $750,000 since his announcement, his campaign team announced Thursday morning.
Combined with previous fundraising for his congressional seat, Murphy said his campaign raised more than $1.25 million in the first fundraising quarter of 2015, ending the period with $1.6 million cash on hand.
“I am overwhelmed by the enormous support we’re receiving from Floridians across the state,” said Murphy in a prepared statement. “Americans are tired of the hyper-partisanship and constant bickering in the Senate that has led to an unprecedented amount of gridlock, which is keeping us from strengthening the middle class and protecting Social Security and Medicare. We need fresh, new leadership for Florida, and I’m humbled by the trust so many people across the state are placing in me.”
“Patrick has received broad support from across Florida,” said Mandi Karp, finance director for Friends of Patrick Murphy. “Floridians are desperate for a senator who is ready to get to work on Day One to solve the nation’s problems, and they know that Patrick has a record of getting things done for this state.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said this week she expects a contested Democratic primary, and speculation continues to center on Orlando U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson entering the contest. Grayson has been able to raise large sums of money and is independently wealthy. It’s doubtful Murphy’s fundraising totals would intimidate Grayson at this early juncture into opting to forgo the race.
