Progressive Democrats are urging Florida Congressman Alan Grayson to make a run for the Senate, challenging Rep. Patrick Murphy, who declared his candidacy late last month.
Grayson has reportedly said he’s in no rush to decide, though he is grateful and paying attention to the recruitment effort being mounted by progressive Democrats.
“I don’t have any set date for deciding,” the Orlando Democrat said in a telephone interview Monday afternoon, according to Tampa Bay Times. “I’m waiting and watching as we see what develops with the Republican Senate candidates.” Grayson also is waiting to see if Sen. Marco Rubio launches a presidential bid, which many expect, in about a week or so.
If Rubio decides on a presidential run, it’s unclear whether he would stick to his commitment not to keep a Senate run as a back-up.
Murphy, a onetime Republican, who ousted Republican Allen West in 2012, is viewed as too moderate by the liberal wing of the party. Grayson, a staunch liberal, is loved by Grassroot Democrats.
Grayson had this to say of those seeking to draft him: “I’m very grateful. I pay a lot of attention to what like-minded people want. I understand and join in their sense that we need a true Democrat carrying our banner in 2016, someone who has a proven record of fighting for justice, equality, compassion and peace.”
On Monday, in a conference call with reporters, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida said Grayson had been the preferred candidate among members in an unscientific poll, according to reports.
Today, Murphy received the endorsement of Rep. Frederica Wilson of Miami.
