Ryan Ray
Many dissident Florida Democrats who resented a perceived “coronation” of Charlie Crist as last year’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee see the same establishment attitude toward U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy as he fends off a challenge from U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson for the Senate.
Those progressives who supported former Sen. Nan Rich against Crist last year might be surprised, then, to hear that Murphy has just endorsed Rich in her run for the Broward County Commission, District 1.
“Nan Rich is widely recognized as a champion for women, children, and the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Murphy in a news release Thursday afternoon. “But her intellect and tenacity have also made her an important voice on a wide range of statewide and local issues.”
“As the first woman elected Leader of the Senate Democrats in Florida, she applied her legislative skills and depth of knowledge on critical issues to become a highly effective progressive voice for all Floridians. Nan has forged relationships with leaders across the state that will be invaluable to her service on the Broward County Commission. I look forward to working with her on the issues that we’re both passionate about for all Floridians,” the glowing testimonial continued.
Rich, in turn, offered kind words of gratitude to the 32-year-old congressman.
“I am grateful and honored to have Patrick’s support,” Rich said, emphasizing his progressive bona fides. “He is a strong Democrat with a record of protecting Medicare and Social Security, fighting for Florida’s environment, and standing up for a woman’s right to choose. I look forward to working closely with Patrick in the coming months to move Broward County, and our state, forward.”
One thing Murphy and Rich have in common: prolific fundraising in South Florida. Rich faces Weston city commissioner Jim Norton, who has raised $17,300 compared to Rich’s $130,913.
