Peter Schorsch
One of the leading Democrats from one generation is endorsing a state House candidate expected to be one of the faces of the next generation of Democrats.
Former U.S. Senator and Governor Bob Graham announced Monday that he is backing Ben Diamond‘s campaign for House District 68.
“More than twenty years ago, Ben was an exemplary intern in my United States Senate office,” Graham stated in a release. “Since then, I have followed his career with great admiration. Ben is an outstanding attorney and citizen who has distinguished himself as a public servant and community leader.”
Graham’s endorsement of Diamond is no ordinary case of one Democrat endorsing another. There’s real history to this announcement.
Concurrent with announcing his campaign, Diamond released a long list of Democratic endorsers, including Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant, House Democratic Leader-Designate Janet Cruz, former Governor Charlie Crist, Sink, as well as St Petersburg Councilmembers Jim Kennedy, Karl Nurse, and Darden Rice.
Pinellas County Commissioners Charlie Justice, Janet Long, and Ken Welch, and Pinellas County Democratic Chair Susan McGrath have also endorsed Diamond.
Even with all of those backers, clearly it meant something special to Diamond to receive Graham’s support.
“I’m so honored to have the support of my mentor and friend Senator Bob Graham,” said Diamond. “I have long admired Senator Graham’s integrity and exemplary service to our state and nation. My internship in his office played a decisive factor in my life, and inspired in me a strong desire to pursue public service. I am truly humbled by his endorsement.”
