Murphy, a congressman from Jupiter, stood by his decision to cancel a debate scheduled before the August 30 primary with fellow U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.
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Plug pulled on TV debate between Murphy, Grayson.
“Over the last week, I have heard from many people, including survivors of domestic abuse, that Alan Grayson’s continued presence in this race is an insult to the countless Floridians whose lives have been affected by this kind of violence.” says Murphy “When a survivor of domestic abuse comes forward, we owe it to them to listen with an open heart”.
Murphy and Grayson also face longshot candidate Pam Keith, a labor attorney. Murphy said allegations Grayson had abused his ex-wife should disqualify him from public service. Grayson’s campaign released a blistering statement from campaign manager Michael Ceraso, who accused Murphy of capitalizing on “some very serious allegations to exploit this very personal family struggle, and for his own political gain”.
In the August 30 primary, Murphy faces U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando and Miami labor attorney and former naval officer Pam Keith.
“I’ve been traveling the state for over a year now, zig-zagging, doing dozens and dozens of events, some big, some small”, Murphy said during an appearance at Hillsborough Community College’s Ybor City campus, where U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa endorsed him.
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But assuming he wins the upcoming primary, Murphy faces a tough fight against the likely Republican candidate, incumbent Sen. The victor will likely face incumbent Marco Rubio in the November general election. Rubio’s main challenger, developer Carlos Beruff, has tried to make an issue of Rubio declining to commit to a debate. Marco Rubio, who opted to run for re-election after a bruising and unsuccessful campaign for the GOP presidential nomination.
