Phil Ammann
U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, rumored to be considering a Senate run in 2016, may soon be hearing from Florida state Sen. Joseph Abruzzo about filling Deutch’s 21st Congressional District seat.
Democrats Deutch, from Boca Raton, and Abruzzo, representing Wellington, share many of the same constituents. George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post writes that Abruzzo could be interested in a Congressional seat, particularly if Deutch moves on.
However, there is also talk of U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy mounting his own Senate bid in 2016. If so, Democrats will face the challenge of fielding a viable candidate in Palm Beach-Treasure Coast 18th Congressional District, which leans slightly Republican.
Deutch’s departure could create a vacuum in the Palm Beach-Broward seat, attracting several ambitious Democrats.
Although Abruzzo is well known in Tallahassee for his ability to work with Republicans, he sounds less than enthusiastic about running for Murphy’s seat, if it opens up.
“We are poised to kick off a strong state Senate re-election campaign in May when legislative session concludes,” Abruzzo said in an email to the Post. “At this time, I have not given any consideration running in Rep. Murphy’s district should he decide to run for U.S. Senate.”
The email continues: “Deutch is my congressman … If he decides to move into position to represent our constituency in a better way, then I will speak to my family, our community leadership and Congressman Deutch.
“At this time I am focused on the upcoming legislative session and serving our caucus as Democratic Whip.”
