Phil Ammann
Outspoken U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson will “probably yes” run for U.S. Senate in 2016, leading to an ideological primary battle against the announced candidate Patrick Murphy, a more centrist Democrat.
Grayson, an Orlando Democrat popular in liberal circles, made the comment during an online Democracy Now! video.
Asked whether he’s planning to run for the seat vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio for his presidential campaign, Grayson said, “I’m giving it a lot of attention. The answer is probably yes, but I haven’t made up my mind yet once and for all. I hope to do that soon.”
The outspoken Grayson would provide contrast to Murphy, a two-term congressional representative from a slightly Republican-leaning district. Murphy frequently crosses the aisle to vote with the GOP on several issues: limiting Obamacare, Dodd-Frank regulations on Wall Street and support for the Keystone XL pipeline.
Murphy gained support from Democratic establishment soon after announcing his candidacy last month, with PAC contributions from several prominent Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and Montana Sen. Jon Tester, current head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Much of Florida U.S. House delegation have come out with Murphy endorsements: Reps. Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson.
Grayson’s comments (below) come at the 46:00 mark.
