American Crossroads welcomes Alan Grayson to Senate race with ‘open arms’

Alan_Grayson_Updated_Headshot copy

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.

Phil Ammann

Phil Ammann is a Tampa Bay-area journalist, editor and writer. With more than three decades of writing, editing, reporting and management experience, Phil produced content for both print and online, in addition to founding several specialty websites, including HRNewsDaily.com. His broad range includes covering news, local government, entertainment reviews, marketing and an advice column. Phil has served as editor and production manager for Extensive Enterprises Media since 2013 and lives in Tampa with his wife, visual artist Margaret Juul. He can be reached on Twitter @PhilAmmann or at [email protected].



#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories