Ahead of Patrick Murphy’s closed-door fundraiser today, the Rubio campaign released the following statement:
“Today’s visit is yet another indication of national Democrats trying to prop up their preferred candidate and his struggling campaign. They can try their hardest to help him – but after months of hiding from voters, and getting caught lying about his own resume and Marco’s record, Floridians can’t trust him. Another closed-door fundraiser or Harry Reid-funded TV ad isn’t going to change that.” – Michael Ahrens, Rubio spokesman
Vice President Biden is making his third visit to Florida for Patrick Murphy
Today, Vice President Biden will attend a fundraiser with Murphy in Tallahassee. “For the third time since March, Vice President Joe Biden is returning to Florida to campaign for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy — this time in Tallahassee. A source close to Murphy’s campaign confirmed to the Herald/Times that Murphy and Biden are scheduled to attend a fundraiser together around midday Friday at the home of Don Hinkle, a Tallahassee personal injury attorney and prominent Democratic donor. No details are available about any public campaign stops Murphy and Biden might make while the pair spend the afternoon in Florida’s capital city.” (Kristen Clark, “Biden fundraising Friday in Miami for Wasserman Schultz, in Tallahassee for Patrick Murphy,” Miami Herald, 8/4/16)
In May 2016, Vice President Biden campaigned with Murphy in Orlando. “Vice President Joe Biden charmed a crowded restaurant in downtown Orlando this morning, lending his political stardom once again to the U.S. Senate campaign of Democrat Patrick Murphy.” (Kristen M. Clark, “Joe Biden Charms While Campaigning For Patrick Murphy In Orlando,” Tampa Bay Times, 5/12/16)
In March 2016, Vice President Biden campaigned with Patrick Murphy in Miami. “Democrats need to win back the U.S. Senate and end the dysfunction in Congress, Vice President Joe Biden said Monday as he campaigned in South Florida with a Democratic candidate. Biden and President Barack Obama recently endorsed Patrick Murphy for the Senate seat that Sen. Marco Rubio gave up last year when he launched his unsuccessful run for the GOP presidential nomination. Murphy and Biden stopped at the Jackson Soul Food restaurant near downtown Miami, where Biden praised Murphy as ‘the real deal’ and said the candidate ‘understands the difference between being authentic and being caustic.’… Murphy and Biden also attended a fundraiser in a private home.”(“Biden Campaigns With Senate Candidate Patrick Murphy,” Sun Sentinel, 3/28/16)
Patrick Murphy’s first TV ad features President Obama
In July 2016, Murphy launched his first TV ad featuring President Obama. “U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, on Wednesday launched the first TV ad of his Senate campaign, featuring President Barack Obama, who previously endorsed Murphy. ‘Patrick’s a strong progressive who’s fought special interests on behalf of working families – and won,’ Obama says in the ad, called ‘Strong.’ ‘It’s why they’re attacking him. Don’t believe the negative attacks.’” (Michael Ausien, “Patrick Murphy Releases First TV Ad Featuring Obama,” Tampa Bay Times, 7/20/16)
For the first time ever, Senate Majority PAC launched TV ads in a Democratic primary in order to support Patrick Murphy
In July 2016, Senate Majority PAC announced that in an effort to support Patrick Murphy’s Senate campaign, they would run TV ads in a Democratic primary for the first time ever. “The leading Democratic Senate super PAC is planning to hit the airwaves in Florida next week with its first-ever television ads in a Democratic primary, as it seeks to shepherd a top recruit through a competitive intra-party contest in one of the nation’s foremost battlegrounds. Senate Majority PAC, which was founded by former aides to Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), plans to begin a $1 million television ad campaign next week, the group told The Washington Post. It will air ads on cable and broadcast networks in hopes of helping Rep. Patrick Murphy (D) win the primary.” (Sean Sullivan, “Senate Majority PAC To Hit Airwaves In Florida With First Ever Democratic Primary Ads,” The Washington Post, 7/15/16)
“But the investment is perhaps the clearest sign yet that insurgent liberal Rep. Alan Grayson (D) is a threat to Murphy in the Aug. 30 primary…” “Democrats say they have privately believed they would have to spend money to boost Murphy’s name recognition in a populous state where is he largely unknown outside his congressional district. But the investment is perhaps the clearest sign yet that insurgent liberal Rep. Alan Grayson (D) is a threat to Murphy in the Aug. 30 primary, and by extension, the the (sic) Democratic establishment’s plans for retaking the Senate.” (Sean Sullivan, “Senate Majority PAC To Hit Airwaves In Florida With First Ever Democratic Primary Ads,” The Washington Post, 7/15/16)
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid “wooed” Patrick Murphy to run for Senate
Reid “wooed Patrick Murphy to seek the Florida Senate seat.” “Reid lobbied Feingold to jump into the race for a rematch against Republican Ron Johnson, and the Democrat ultimately did. He wooed Rep. Patrick Murphy to seek the Florida Senate seat, and the party quickly fell in line, even as liberals like Rep. Alan Grayson are still toying with jumping into the Democratic primary.” (Manu Raju, “Harry Reid’s Final Campaign,” Politico, 7/7/15)
The Democratic Establishment has endorsed Patrick Murphy
The DSCC endorsed Patrick Murphy. “The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed Florida Rep. Patrick Murphy for Senate Monday, perhaps trying to head off a primary as a second candidate prepares to enter the race.” (Alexis Levinson, “DSCC Endorses Murphy In Florida,” Roll Call, 5/4/15)
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