Phil Ammann
Florida’s Democratic establishment might be worried over Alan Grayson entering the U.S. Senate race, but some conservatives are thrilled.
In a statement Thursday, GOP-leaning American Crossroads says they are eagerly awaiting Grayson’s campaign. Communications Director Ian Prior couldn’t be happier that the outspoken liberal will force Democrats to be accountable.
“Washington Democrats may be recoiling in horror as Alan Grayson enters the Florida Senate race,” Prior said, “but American Crossroads welcomes him with open arms.
“Democrats up and down the ticket in Florida are going to have to answer for everything Grayson says,” he explains. “Even more so if this dyed-in-the-wool liberal and Democrat version of Todd Akin ultimately defeats the manicured opportunist and former Republican Patrick Murphy.”
Grayson, an often brusque critic of Republicans, will face fellow congressman Murphy in the Democratic primary to replace Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. Many Democratic leaders see Grayson – who is never afraid to speak his mind — as divisive, with little chance of victory over Murphy in what is already expected to be a tight contest.
Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan, a major Democratic supporter in Florida, spoke with Grayson over email and in meetings prior to Thursday’s decision. Morgan told the Associated Press he encouraged Grayson not to run.
“Alan Grayson right now has a great position in America,” Morgan said on Wednesday. “I told him he’s in a unique position. He is in a safe district, he has a national voice and he serves a lot of good for the progressive cause and he’s unelectable statewide.”
American Crossroads is the super PAC co-founded by influential GOP strategist Karl Rove. The group has been active in promoting conservative candidates in Florida.
Republicans in the Senate race include U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, with Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller also considering campaigns. Both are expected to make announcements soon.
