Should I Run for the US Senate?

[Alan Grayson]

You are a supporter. That’s why I send you these notes. Now, I need to ask you an important question.

Should I run for the U.S. Senate?

I’ve been thinking about this decision for a long time.

If I do decide to try to join Elizabeth Warren and other good Progressive Democrats in the Senate, I need to know that I have your support.

If you think that I should run, please let me know, by contributing $20, $50, $100, $250 or even $500 today.

Every day, inequality is soaring. Social Security checks are worth less and less. The minimum wage is stuck at $7.25. America is the only advanced country without paid sick leave and paid vacations. Thirty million of us still can’t see a doctor when we are sick. College education is hopelessly expensive. The yoke of discrimination still weighs heavy on so many necks. And the law itself is up for sale to the highest bidder.

Someone has to fight back. And that “someone” is me.

You are one of many people who serve on the front lines, fighting for justice, equality and peace. People like you were grassroots leaders when Democrats took the Senate and the House in 2006, and took the White House in 2008.

Now we must stand together, and do it all over again in 2016.

My grandfather survived the Great Depression by going to the dump each day, and finding something that he could sell. I worked my way through Harvard by cleaning toilets, and then as a night watchman on the midnight shift. I know what it’s like to struggle; very few of today’s candidates and elected officials do. That’s why I fight so hard to improve the lives of ordinary people.

Your early support, now, will confirm that I can win this race, and make me feel that I’m doing the right thing. Contribute whatever amount you can, and show that you’re on our side. Every dollar counts.

When I returned to Congress in 2013, many Democrats were dispirited and defeatist. But during the 113th Congress, I wrote more bills than any other Member of the House of Representatives, passed more amendments on the Floor than any other Democrat, and had more of my bills signed into law than any other Member of the House, Democratic or Republican. The amendments I successfully passed through the U.S. House of Representatives have sought to transfer millions of dollars from military operations to medical research, increase bilingual housing counseling by 50%, restore almost half of the proposed cuts to HUD’s Housing for the Elderly Program, protect our privacy, and eliminate federal contracts for contractors who have cheated the government previously.

Salon magazine said that I’m the most effective Member of Congress. Business Insider said that I’m the most productive Member. And Time magazine said that I’m a stand-out Member in a do-nothing Congress.

What I’ve shown is very simple: That progressive Democrats can fight – and win! That’s leadership.

What worked in the House can work in the Senate. But only with your support.

Contribute $20, $50, $100, $250 or even $500 today at ActBlue now, and I’ll know that I can count on your support.

The next few days will make the difference. I need to know that I can count on you.

So what do you think?

Should I run for the Senate? And will you help?

Courage,

Rep. [Sen.?]Alan Grayson

[Aerows]

1. Yes, you should.

We need more people that tell it like it is in the Senate.

[boston bean]

2. No.

[Logical]

132. Why?? nt

[mmonk]

3. I'll support you in whatever decision you decide.

Probably a good idea.

[bigwillq]

4. No (nt)

[wildbilln864]

5. most definitely! n/t

[JI7]

6. no

[daleanime]

7. Hell yes....

[MADem]

9. No.

If you win the primary, you will lose the general.

[madokie]

10. Alan I say go for it

We need voices that speak our language. When I say our language I mean that speaks for us the 99% of us

[840high]

11. no

[ohnoyoudidnt]

12. Yes.

[orpupilofnature57]

13. Yes, You, Elizabeth and Bernie were the only forthcoming members of the house, Bless you .

[Doctor Who]

50. Members of the house? Nt.

[orpupilofnature57]

60. Senate sorry . n/t .

Except for Congressman Grayson .

[BainsBane]

14. No.

[Logical]

131. Why? Or just whining? nt

[BainsBane]

145. A few reasons

Florida is a conservative state. I don't believe he can win. I personally am disturbed by the way he has spoken about his wife in the press. Much of that business leaves me very uncomfortable. I no longer live in Florida, so I thankfully wouldn't have a decision to make in the general election. In the primary, I would have supported other candidates over him.

I must say I don't quite understand why he would be raising money now if he isn't even sure if he is running for Senate. What would the money be for?

[SidDithers]

15. You should ask DUers for money...

Maybe post a link to your fundraising page.

Sid

[geek tragedy]

28. "You are a supporter. That’s why I send you these notes."

They couldn't even be bothered to edit the opening. Simple copy and paste from a fundraising email.

[pintobean]

68. Or maybe five links

What does that suggest about what they think of us?

[SidDithers]

72. Do you think the Grayson staffers who posts at DU in his name...

even looks at the replies?

Or do they just count the money when it comes in?

Sid

[pintobean]

73. Count the money

[NanceGreggs]

82. Now THAT literally made me ...

...

Perfect!!!

[FSogol]

84. LOL. n/t

[djean111]

16. Yes, please. I live near Tampa, and I will vote for you.

[NV Whino]

17. Yes... Sort of

Run wherever your voice will be most heard.

Move to California and run against DiFi.

[Le Taz Hot]

22. Newsome's got that one.

I hope.

[DAMANgoldberg]

62. Kamala Harris

the current Atty Gen of CA is running for Boxer's seat. Gavin Newsome is planning to succeed Jerry Brown as Gov., the current Lt. Gov.

[Le Taz Hot]

69. Unfortunately, Villaraigosa

has his eye on the governorship and the CDP does love them some corporate Dems which Villaraigosa definitely is. I've been hearing through the grapevine that Newsome is planning on running for DiFi's seat which will be the same year of the California gubernatorial race so we'll have to see.

Kamala Harris should be a shoe-in for Boxer's seat. Sanchez has been talking about running which, since she's a corporate Democrat, will get the backing of the CDP but I'm not sure if/which seat she'll go for. Personally, I wish all corporate Dems would be challenged in every primary so we can get them the hell out of office and get REAL Democrats in.

[cascadiance]

59. Isn't it Boxer's seat (she's retiring) that is up in 2016?

But I think you'd be a good replacement for her there.

Without Marco Rubio, I think you have a reasonable shot at Florida, without an independent help splitting the vote like one had last time.

Given your leadership against the TPP, I think there's a few states where perhaps even you could help with the primaries against the traitor Democrats in addition to going after winnable Republican seats...

Primarying the traitors:
1) Oregon - Come to our state and primary Senator Wyden if Peter DeFazio doesn't run. He'd be my first choice though if he could run.
2) Colorado - Michael Bennet was one of the traitors. Perhaps primary him.
3) Washington - Patty Murray was one of the traitors. Perhaps primary her.

These states perhaps a good shot at beating a Republican:
1) Illinois - though perhaps Tammy Duckworth should win that one.
2) Indiana - with the Republican incumbent retiring, perhaps this open field might be one to try and win, but I think you might want to team up with someone like John Cougar Mellencamp to help get the votes on your side.
3) Iowa - perhaps they will be sick of having just replaced Harkin with Joni Ernst, and make Grassley more vulnerable to defeat then.

[NV Whino]

81. Kamala Harris will probably get Boxer's seat

We're continually hoping DiFi will retire.

[Roland99]

94. One less warmonger in the Senate would be a good thing!

[merrily]

111. What? And hurt her husband's business opportunities?

[NV Whino]

127. I'm sure that's the main reason she's stayed in the senate.

[Nye Bevan]

18. Definitely not (nt)

[s-cubed]

19. No! Sorry but you would lose. Znt

[bahrbearian]

20. Yes

[Rex]

21. Do you think you can win?

What do you think about your chances, you would know better then any of us.

[nashville_brook]

106. this poll has an unannounced Grayson at 63% over the other guy

http://orlando-politics.com/2015/07/02/gravis-poll-jeb-hillary-grayson-winning-in-florida/

[Rex]

107. Hmmm those sound like good odds.

The Senate is the real seat of power, why not go for it?

[nashville_brook]

112. Grayson is also an effective builder of progressive infrastructure in FL

having a larger piece of real estate to build that infrastructure on would be nothing but buckets of goodness for Florida Dems who care about issues in the state. last couple of cycles he worked on worker's rights issues in his district. i think at the state level he'll be able to really move things.

[Rex]

125. I hope the best for you and Grayson, lord knows you guys need it with Rick Scott running FL.

Criminals running states is scary shit.

[nashville_brook]

115. actually, the Grayson/Murphy race is the Senate race, confusing b/c

they're both congressmen and are identified as such in the article:

On the Democratic side Alan Grayson, who hasn’t officially declared his candidacy holds a commanding lead, with 63% of the vote over declared candidate and fellow Congressman Patrick Murphy.

even more confusing -- there's not a viable Repub candidate right now, so the race is really btw Dems in the primary. And, another corporate Dem is jumping in, which will further dilute the Patrick Murphy vote.

[merrily]

117. Thank you. It is indeed the Senate. I am going to delete my prior post lest it mislead.

[nashville_brook]

118. your post actually helped clarify something that i did have wrong

RE the primary vs the general.

thank you!

[naoya6161]

130. Gravis Marketing right?

That doesn't have a good reputation in polling from what I've heard.

[Le Taz Hot]

23. That would be up to Floridians.

The only thing I know about Florida politics is they helped steal an American presidential election in 2000.

[Roland99]

95. Wasn't due to the electorate

Had the Bush/Cheney chairperson as the acting Secretary of State (same thing in Ohio in 2004). Imagine if the Gore chairperson had been the FL Sec of State?! OMG the poutrage would have been enormous!

[Le Taz Hot]

96. I never blamed the electorate.

I blame the corrupt system in Florida, a corrupt USSC, an even more corrupt FSC plus the weakness of the FDP "Leadership."

[Reter]

24. No, because no BS, you can't win statewide in FL

n/t

[naoya6161]

25. No

You aren't going to win. Especially with all these recent reveals about Cayman funds and your divorce. Sure you might win the primary, but I don't see you winning the general.

[geek tragedy]

26. Copy and paste from a mass email? LAME. And NO, you should not run.

Tend to your Cayman Islands hedge fund instead.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

32. You're a tough customer

[geek tragedy]

34. Everyone knows this isn't really Alan Grayson, but c'mon

People who have their own hedge funds in the Cayman Islands don't need my money

[jmowreader]

47. Alan Grayson is a bona fide member of DU

He joined after his 2010 defeat and posts occasionally. The OP reads like a typical Alan Grayson OP, so I have confidence it's him.

As to the question posited in the OP: yes Alan, you should run for the Senate; no, you should not do it from Florida because you'll probably lose - as hard right as Florida has gone, Ronald Reagan would be considered too liberal to elect statewide. My recommendation is to find a blue state with a Republican Senator up for election in 2016, and establish residency in that state.

I think Ron Johnson in Wisconsin is beatable.

[geek tragedy]

48. So you prefer Grayson to Russ Feingold?

The account is in Grayson's name. The text of this message is a copy and paste from a fundraising email.

[Ed Suspicious]

52. This thread brought out a couple of weird replies. Perhaps he's not aware Russ is running?

I don't know. I can tell you, as a Wisconsinite and one who will be canvasing for Feingold just like I have in the past, I like both but prefer Russ here and Grayson stay at home.

[merrily]

116. Ya think? I love Feingold, too.

[jmowreader]

57. I wasn't aware Russ was running

Alan has done a decent job as a Congressman, or as decent as someone in the minority party in Congress can do at any rate. If he runs for Senate in Florida we lose him in the House for at least two years AND he won't make the Senate because the GOP candidate in Florida could barbecue live babies and eat them on national TV and still win. And so the obvious route to the Senate will involve relocating to a blue state that has a crappy GOP senator, and running a good hard campaign.

However, given that Russ Feingold is running in WI, I'd prefer Feingold to anyone else.

Illinois would probably be better, don't you think? The voters in IL do love electing crooks, so the skeletons in his closet should pose no threat to his chances.

[pintobean]

67. "a bona fide member of DU"?

What is that, and how do I become one?

[FrodosPet]

74. Cough up some cash?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=myaccount&sub=star

[pintobean]

75. The OP has no star

bona fide

[FrodosPet]

76. But he IS a star!

Perhaps there should be a rule that if you come here looking for money, you need to cough up for a Star membership!

All those in favor, say "Aye!"



All opposed, say "Nay!"

[FSogol]

85. Bona fide? No thanks, I'll just stick with being a Gen-u-wine member

[NCTraveler]

88. "The OP reads like a typical Alan Grayson OP, so I have confidence it's him. "

It is a direct copy and past of a fundraising email. I mean direct.

[Logical]

133. Ahhhh, someone needs a nap! nt

[JTFrog]

139. And someone needs to grow the fuck up. n/t

[Logical]

141. Nap time! nt

[NuclearDem]

161. We'll remembe to wake you up for juice and crackers!

[randys1]

27. Of course, yes

[PatrickforO]

30. Well, here's the thing Alan...

I looked at your website, and am in agreement with you on the issues I care about. However, I tried to send you an email and was rejected because I live in Colorado.

It really bothers me that the US House email system is set up like this - I know the Republicans find it convenient, but I as a citizen do not. I strongly believe I should be able to email ANY US Representative or Senator any time I want.

By the way, what's you stance on Social Security? Because I'll tell you mine...I'm 56 and I've paid in full-boat to Social Security for 40 years. Now, Republicans are telling me that we cannot afford Social Security any more and should privatize, and the corporate propaganda meme that has been put out there is, 'it won't exist by the time we get there.' So where do you stand? What's your plan for Social Security?

[nashville_brook]

109. his Blue Dog opponent actually started a "bipartisan" working group to force The Grand Bargain

as for Grayson's stand on Social Security, he's actually well known for fighting against any and all assaults to the program -- whether those assaults come from Rs or Ds.



http://www.jobs-not-wars.org/alan-grayson-speaks-truth-to-power-about-social-security-cuts/



John Fugelsang: You posted . . . that the President’s offer, essentially to cut Social Security benefits for seniors, does break a promise to America’s seniors. Some Republicans, of course, seem to like that. So, will Democrats support it, or will they support cuts to other social programs?

Congressman Alan Grayson: Well, the President specifically said in September 2008 that he would not change the formula for calculating the cost-of-living adjustment. That [would] take $1,000 a year out of the pockets of 90-year-olds. As for whether the Democrats will support it, I don’t know, but I know they shouldn’t. We’ve lined up 35 Democrats here in the House already who say, in the “Grayson-Takano Letter,” that they will vote against any cuts in Social Security, or Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.

John: So let me ask you, is it worth keeping the sequester cuts and foregoing any new revenues, in return for keeping Social Security as it is?

Alan: That’s not a choice that we should ever have to make. Social Security is not responsible for the deficit. The Social Security Fund has $1.9 trillion in it. It’s the largest sovereign wealth fund in the entire world. The Social Security Fund has been operating at a surplus now ever since the fund was founded, ever since the program was founded. We are 25 years away from anything resembling a problem of any kind with the Social Security system. In the next quarter of a century, under current law, the beneficiaries can get all that they’re entitled to. I don’t understand why we’re fretting over what might or might not happen in the year 2037, when we have 25 million Americans who are looking for full-time jobs [right now].

snip

John: With over 80% of the Bush tax cuts made permanent, I would add. So, let me ask you then, sir, for President Obama, is this an elaborate piece of political theater? Is he taking a page out of Dick Morris’ playbook for Bill Clinton by triangulating against House Democrats on this issue? So he can put himself in the middle of the political spectrum, where they say most voters live?

Alan: He may think so, but he’s making a terrible mistake. This is not a ‘Sister Souljah’ moment for the President. In fact, the President, I believe, is soon going to find through public polling that this is a terrible mistake. 90% of Democrats and 80% of the Republicans are against this specific proposal. If you’re talking more generally about cuts in benefits, you find that 80% of the Democrats and 65% of the Republicans are against this kind of proposal. This doesn’t make any sense, either from a policy point of view, or a moral point of view, or even a political point of view. In fact, the President is putting at risk all the progress that we’ve made in identifying the Republican Party as the party in favor of cuts for Medicare and Social Security benefits, and the Democratic Party as the party that will protect the public from the Republicans.

[sufrommich]

31. Ovaltine secret decoder ring says....

S.E.N.D.M.E.M.O.N.E.Y

[H2O Man]

33. Yes.

Of course.

Recommended.

[justhanginon]

35. Nope! n/t

[PeaceNikki]

36. You know, if you actually wanted to discuss this or anything here on DU, fine.

But you all have been spamming my email with your desperate pleas for money, and now your spamming the forum I frequent?

Pffffffft, at least pay for a fucking ad here.

[ananda]

37. Yes!

if not you, then who?

[brooklynite]

38. Um, no...

The marriage situation was bad enough. But the hedge fund?

I'll stick with Patrick Murphy.

[Logical]

134. You mean like Hillarys cheating husband? nt

[brooklynite]

142. I missed something: is Bill Clinton running for office?

[CharlotteVale]

39. Yes!

[eridani]

40. What is your in-state support like?

IF you think it is high enough, go for it.

[rjsquirrel]

41. Count me as a "HELL NO"

And if you have to come to DU begging for support over and over, you have no chance even if you weren't a hypocrite who keeps his money in the Caymans while spouting progressive grandstanding cant (when not flying off the handle in embarrassing displays of immaturity) and asking fools for $20 contributions to a campaign that likely won't happen and has zero chance of success.

[tritsofme]

42. No thanks, Grayson-spambot. But I'm sure his ego will spend millions on a doomed primary bloodying

up the eventual nominee.

[Pastiche423]

43. Yes, please

[LWolf]

44. Yes. nt

[LostOne4Ever]

45. I would vote for you over my current senators, but you are not from my state sorry. nt

[DEMTough]

46. No. nt

[SamKnause]

51. You have my support.

[RandySF]

53. No

[Drunken Irishman]

54. No. You'd lose. Badly.

We need to win.

[Cheese Sandwich]

55. I think it would be cool. nt

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

56. Go for it! Only wish I could vote for you.

[SCantiGOP]

58. No

[RandiFan1290]

61. You have the trolls all worked up

You get my vote!

I definitely will not vote for that smarmy little 'publicon Patrick Murphy.







 

[craigmatic]

63. Might as well you can always fo back to the house if you lose.nt

[msanthrope]

64. No. Sweet Jeebus, no. nt

[Enthusiast]

65. I would love to see you in the Senate!

[B Calm]

66. Why not run?

[RiverLover]

70. I wish this was really Alan Grayson

and not a copy/paste from a fundraising email.

But we need all the progressives we can get in the Senate.

[Ligyron]

71. Maybe...

If you can run for the Senate and still keep your House seat should you lose. I'd love to see Rubio disappear, but your chances of defeating him or Nelson are slim.

[dembotoz]

77. I wish you well whichever you do

Your divorce has been messy and could make you vulnerable.

Most important to keep you in office somewhere.

The house remains a great bully pulpit

[closeupready]

78. Yes, I think so.

[HooptieWagon]

79. Yes.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

80. I've been a supporter and I've cheered you on. But you only come on DU (if it's really you and not

an intern) when you need something. That's not cool.

[Renew Deal]

103. I doubt it's actually him.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

83. You clearly don't have the conservadem woodchuck vote.

[KittyWampus]

98. He clearly has the gullible rube vote though.

[SidDithers]

110. +1...nt

Sid

[Marr]

122. +1, you noticed that trend, too, huh?

[NCTraveler]

86. No. Please no.

Last edited Thu Jul 2, 2015, 10:51 AM - Edit history (1)

And don't attach yourself to someone like EW. You aren't even close to an EW. Very weak attempting to use her to fill your coffers. Well, it is what you are best at. Florida has a ton of excellent progressives without the baggage. Or have you sent your baggage to an offshore account?

You will leave this state in the same position Crist left us in because of his personal ambitions and need for power. Fucked with a republican. Money. You are about the all mighty dollar.

You represent the one percent, don't post here often, can't even make a small contribution to the site with your millions and millions, and simply ask for money.

You seem to think your thoughts alone are worth the money of others, and I'm sure they are to hedge fund managers.

[pintobean]

87. I hope all is well with your family.

[tavernier]

89. I'm a Floridian; convince me.

But please, no more "I cleaned toilets". I've cleaned toilets and worse all my life for a living wage. That doesn't impress anyone. Rather, tell me exactly how you plan to make my state better for me. My son in law is our county's teacher of the year, but drives a car held together by bubble gum and baling wire. I have been a nurse all my working life, but at age seventy I'm still employed because I can't afford to retire. All I get, day in and day out, are pleas for money by millionaire politicians. So apparently the teachers and the nurses of this world have made the wrong career choice.

And yet, we are still waiting for our money's worth in congress.

[nashville_brook]

104. i agree -- this is precisely what campaigns and primaries are for, to convince us

There's too many issues facing Floridians for this seat to just go to whoever...by default. let's see a real debate where we're moved one way or the other by real issues.

[JCMach1]

90. The media will skewer you and your level of popularity would lead

to a close and divisive primary which would cause us to end-up with a Republican Senator. As a Floridian, I have been a longtime supporter.

However, I don't think this is the time.

Consolidate, work hard, and wait for Nelson to retire.

[NCTraveler]

91. Patrick Murphy

"This is a historic day in our nation’s history. For too long, same-sex couples have been discriminated against because of who they are and who they love. Today, that ends. We are a nation that prides itself on the diversity of our citizens, and I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to give same-sex couples equal marriage rights under the law once and for all."

"Today, millions of Floridians can rest easy knowing that the critical funding they need for their health care coverage will remain in place. More Floridians are benefiting from the health care law than anywhere in the country, and while we can continue to work to strengthen the law, it shouldn’t be used as a political football that jeopardizes critical assistance for millions of Americans."

“It is unconscionable that House Republicans would insist on pushing this radical legislation that severely restricts a woman’s right to choose. This decision should rest with a woman and her doctor, not politicians, yet women are forced to defend their right to make their own medical choices year after year. Working families in Florida and across the country deserve better from this Congress than constantly pushing reckless and unconstitutional legislation.”

"Rep. Murphy is a cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation supported by 110 members of Congress. The legislation would help invalidate state laws that compromise women's access to safe, legal abortions and harm women's health."

http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398596

As far as words go, Murphy is more centrist overall than Grayson. As far as actual political contributions to the state, Grayson is invisible, while Murphy tries to make things better.

[djean111]

105. Murphy was a Republican until 2011. And belongs to that New Democrat Coalition - dedicated to

throwing that inconvenient ideology aside and working with the GOP. Which always ends up as doing what the GOP wants to do.
Funny how Liz Warren being with the GOP 20-odd years ago is flung around as a reason to not support her, but someone who switched in 2011 is touted as a Good Democrat. A Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Centrist Production, IMO.

I will not be voting for Murphy.

[NCTraveler]

108. And that is fine.

I actually don't fault you. Just as I wouldn't fault anyone for voting for Mr. Offshore one percenter who has done nothing for this state. Florida is pretty fucked up. I would take Murphy over Grayson any day of the week. Murphy is honest. Grayson is a offshoring one percent swindler who makes the party look bad through his own words and actions.

Patrick Murphy





"This is a historic day in our nation’s history. For too long, same-sex couples have been discriminated against because of who they are and who they love. Today, that ends. We are a nation that prides itself on the diversity of our citizens, and I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to give same-sex couples equal marriage rights under the law once and for all."

"Today, millions of Floridians can rest easy knowing that the critical funding they need for their health care coverage will remain in place. More Floridians are benefiting from the health care law than anywhere in the country, and while we can continue to work to strengthen the law, it shouldn’t be used as a political football that jeopardizes critical assistance for millions of Americans."

“It is unconscionable that House Republicans would insist on pushing this radical legislation that severely restricts a woman’s right to choose. This decision should rest with a woman and her doctor, not politicians, yet women are forced to defend their right to make their own medical choices year after year. Working families in Florida and across the country deserve better from this Congress than constantly pushing reckless and unconstitutional legislation.”

"Rep. Murphy is a cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation supported by 110 members of Congress. The legislation would help invalidate state laws that compromise women's access to safe, legal abortions and harm women's health."

[djean111]

123. I sincerely doubt that Murphy is one iota more liberal than Grayson.

And he was expected to make those remarks. And he is polishing up his image. I have gotten irreversibly cynical, especially when it comes to Florida politics. That New Democrat Coalition gives me great concern, and nothing Murphy says can possibly counter that. A GOPer until 2011. Not for me. I realize I will have zero impact, of course, but at least I will not be enabling.

[NCTraveler]

124. "I sincerely doubt that Murphy is one iota more liberal than Grayson."

My initial post you replied to I made that exact same point. In words, I think Grayson is more ideologically to the left. Probably in his gut as well, his life just doesn't show it. There is absolutely no doubt about that. In actions, Grayson is not even close to left, while Murphy actually is starting to move things in that direction. I believe a vote for Grayson is supporting and enabling the right in this state. He is their best friend.

[Logical]

135. LOL, you mean this guy.....

In 2013 Murphy voted in support of the Northern Route Approval Act, which would have allowed Congress to unilaterally approve construction of the Keystone Pipeline without the approval of the Obama administration. The American Petroleum Institute praised Murphy's vote, saying "it shows that he understands the importance of putting America’s economy and energy future ahead of politics.

[NCTraveler]

137. I never said he would pass a purity test. Not even close.

You might even want to go back and read a line I wrote about his positions in the post you replied to. I referenced it.

And yes, I mean this guy.

"This is a historic day in our nation’s history. For too long, same-sex couples have been discriminated against because of who they are and who they love. Today, that ends. We are a nation that prides itself on the diversity of our citizens, and I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to give same-sex couples equal marriage rights under the law once and for all."

"Today, millions of Floridians can rest easy knowing that the critical funding they need for their health care coverage will remain in place. More Floridians are benefiting from the health care law than anywhere in the country, and while we can continue to work to strengthen the law, it shouldn’t be used as a political football that jeopardizes critical assistance for millions of Americans."

“It is unconscionable that House Republicans would insist on pushing this radical legislation that severely restricts a woman’s right to choose. This decision should rest with a woman and her doctor, not politicians, yet women are forced to defend their right to make their own medical choices year after year. Working families in Florida and across the country deserve better from this Congress than constantly pushing reckless and unconstitutional legislation.”

"Rep. Murphy is a cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation supported by 110 members of Congress. The legislation would help invalidate state laws that compromise women's access to safe, legal abortions and harm women's health."

I wonder which of the two is most familiar with the intricacies of tax evasion by way of offshoring?

[Logical]

138. YOu are like a lot of dems, they get scared of real liberals. Not sure why. nt

[NCTraveler]

140. Your comment is a complete logical fallacy. A true, by definition, fallacy.

"YOu are like a lot of dems, they get scared of real liberals. Not sure why."

I have no fear of one percenter, offshore loving, best friend to republicans, liberals. None. I thank you for telling me what I am scared of though. This goes completely against the idea of logic. "YOu are like a lot of dems, they get scared of real liberals. Not sure why."

https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/

[Rhiannon12866]

92. Absolutely!

Though you'll continue to have my support whatever you decide. And I'm already a regular contributor...

[Zorra]

93. Please do. Pay no attention to the corporatists,

we have a small but inordinately active and vocal Third Way presence here.

[KittyWampus]

97. Why not run for office in the Cayman Islands?

[NCTraveler]

99. Pretty much every single person here agrees this is a sock puppet.

What happens to other known socks?

[BKH70041]

100. Ask your wife.

Ask her "If there's one thing that you want me to do right now, what would it be?"

And then whatever it is, do it.

[closeupready]

149. Because wives should submit to their men-folk?

Switch genders, and that's your argument.

[get the red out]

101. Yes

You are what this country needs. I live in Kentucky so we don't have senators.

[Renew Deal]

102. No.

I want the best chance of winning and between your occasional unprofessional conduct and baggage it will hurt us in the race.

[Logical]

136. "unprofessional conduct"

You mean calling out idiots who are idiots?

You are in dreamland if you think Congress is professional.

[hack89]

113. No. nt

[think]

119. Yes. Why does the Florida Democratic party keep backing recycled GOPers like Murphy & Crist?

[Octafish]

120. ''Be the change you wish to see in the world.''

Ignore the DINOs and live up to your promise.

[asjr]

121. Please move to TN and run for the Senate. I would pound the pavement for you!

[Reter]

156. How much would he lose by?

70-30?

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

126. You should quit fighting in public with your ex if you want to.

You've already lost a lot of respect from a lot of people over the petty way you've treated her and your kids.

You're a multimillionaire. Just give her half and be done with it.

Do that, and people might be more willing to back you in a Senate run.

[steve2470]

153. +1 nt

[TheKentuckian]

128. Yes but keep in mind as you see here the resistance from the corporate wing will be perhaps even

more zealous and desperate to maintain the status quo than the TeaPubliKlans as they line up yet again behind a Republican that finds themselves no longer viable in the regressive circus and doomed to fail against the genuine article while working to drag our party further to the right across the spectrum even if the bullhorn one or two points of essential human decency in the stead of liberal policy at large.

Yes sir, we need you on the larger stage as a country not another homeless country club Republican sacrificial lame but keep in mind there are vipers in our house that will be dedicated to your loss even more so than they would the opposition.

[Gman]

129. At the risk of losing your influence in the House

and possibly your seat to the GOP, I'd like to see you in the Senate. But people in hell want ice water too. I believe FL is purple at worst. So if you think you can get the vote out, which should be heavy in a presidential year, go for it.

[nashville_brook]

159. we've got new district lines *likely* coming and his district is going to safe D

no republican will take that seat in 2016 -- the worry is that a corporate Dem would grab it. And there's a few of those who've expressed keen interest.

for whoever wins it in 2016-- it would be his or hers forever. it's moving from a D+2 to something like D+10 (i need to dig up those numbers). if the state court rules on these district lines before the election, as expected, we'll gain at least 2 seats (Daniel Webster's D-10 seat back -- it used to be Grayson's before redistricting/gerrymandering).

one of the things we lament in FL -- probably everywhere -- is the lack of a bench. we need to "promote" where we can, so our good up-and-comers can move into those positions, and continue the work to develop new leaders.

[Gman]

160. Then I say go for it.

[2banon]

143. Absolutely! And May the Force be with You!

[LittleBlue]

144. Yes

You only live once. Go for it.

[Sancho]

146. Yes!!

I'm in Clearwater. I'd vote for you!! Keep up the good work.

[aikoaiko]

147. I think you should continue to build support in your district and stay in the House.

[sibelian]

148. Up to you, mate.

I think it's not a bad idea, meself...

[yuiyoshida]

150. Yes

Absolutely!

[arcane1]

151. Yes! We will need you there once Sanders wins his new job.

[Adrahil]

152. Nope.

Personally, I dont think you can win a state-wide election in FL. But we still need your voice in Congress. Keep that seat!

[Evergreen Emerald]

154. Dear Rep. Grayson

I have been a fan of yours until I read about your behavior towards your wife/ex-wife--the mother of your children. I know divorce is hard, and the emotions are sometimes too much to bear. But, your children are watching you, and are learning from you.

If what they say is true, about your behavior towards your wife/ex-wife...then stop. You are showing a significant lack of character. I get it--she deserves it--you are in the right and she is in the wrong. Whatever. Act like someone your kids could look up to.

I would never support someone who treated the mother of their children the way you are alleged to have done.

[hrmjustin]

155. Not sure. I like your courage but you you will not be the favorite.

If you run you lose your house seat.

[heather blossom]

157. No

[Daniel537]

158. Support ending the embargo on Cuba and you will have both my vote and money. n/t