Mitch Perry
Five state representatives are endorsing Jupiter Congressman Patrick Murphy in his contest for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2016.
Amanda Murphy (D-New Port Richey), Mia Jones (D-Jacksonville), Reggie Fulwood (D-Jacksonville), Cynthia Stafford (D-Miami), and Richard Stark (D-Weston) all came out in support of Murphy on Monday.
“It is a great honor to endorse my friend and fellow Democrat Patrick Murphy in his campaign for U.S. Senate,” said Ms. Murphy, elected to replace Republican Mike Fasano in the state House in a special election in 2014. “I know he will continue to be a champion for the middle class, and that he will continue strengthening the Social Security and Medicare that hardworking Florida families depend on.”
South Florida Representative Stark also made sure to mention Murphy’s support for strengthening Social Security.
“I appreciate all of the work Patrick has done as Congressman to preserve the values all Floridians cherish—justice and opportunity for all,” said Stark. “With Patrick in the Senate, Floridians will have a strong leader fighting to strengthen Social Security, to raise the minimum wage, and to preserve Florida’s beautiful environment.”
“I am honored to have the support of these hard-working State Representatives from so many different parts of our great state,” said Murphy said in a statement distributed by his campaign. “My commitment to the people of Florida is that I will fight for the middle class, day in and day out, and stand up for Medicare and Social Security against attacks from the Tea Party. I thank these great public servants for their endorsements and look forward to continuing this conversation with Floridians across the state.”
On Saturday, Murphy’s top opponent in the Democratic Senate race – Congressman Alan Grayson – criticized Murphy’s support for Social Security and Medicare, saying, “Murphy has announced on CNN that he plans to cut Social Security and Medicare.” It’s a statement he consistently makes on the campaign trail, and one refuted by the Murphy camp.
Previous Florida Democrats who have endorsed Murphy include U.S. Representative Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson. Charlie Crist, Alex Sink and Bob Buckhorn are also backing his candidacy.
