According to an interview in this morning’s edition of POLITICO Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy formally announced his campaign for Senate on Monday, saying he’s ready to fight for the highly competitive seat regardless of whether or not possible GOP Presidential contender, Senator Marco Rubio runs for reelection.
A one-time Republican with a centrist voting record that reflects his South Florida swing congressional district, Murphy said he’s running to put an end to the “hyper-partisanship in Washington” and to focus on problems like preserving Social Security, Medicare and the environment, a classic Democratic platform.
“I’m doing this because I think I can make a difference,” Murphy told POLITICO. “I’m not running or thinking about all the different options — I mean, there are hundreds of different potential people and options to game this out.”
Murphy likes to point out he’s a certified public accountant and understands the numbers. And when it comes to one of the most important aspects of a statewide campaign in expensive Florida, Murphy, who’s been a strong fundraiser as a House candidate, has done the math and figured he can raise the money and win. Contested Florida campaigns can top $100 million.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) have each signaled they support Murphy. Murphy’s wealthy father, Miami developer Thomas Murphy, can be expected to help out, as he has in the past. Democrats hope that Murphy, after defeating tea party darling Allen West and then holding onto his seat in a Republican wave year, can demonstrate the same campaign chops during a statewide campaign.
Here is the complete POLITICO interview..
