Republicans have failed to secure top tier candidates in the few races they’ve had to recruit for this cycle, and that failure was on full display in Florida last week as Jeff Atwater turned down party leaders for a second time, declining to enter a crowded, messy primary battle that will badly damage the eventual nominee.
Atwater’s ongoing flirtation had offered some hope to those worried about the current field, who will have a difficult time selling their reckless records to Florida voters. And the field – with an eye popping four declared candidates – could get even bigger as recent Maryland resident and failed congressional candidate Dan Bongino expressed his own interest in entering the fray and perennial candidate Bill McCollum continues to consider getting in the race.
The situation in Florida has concerned state and national party leaders for months, and been described as “a clown show” with “the potential makings of a political bloodbath.”
“Republicans should fret about this primary fight, which promises to be expensive, divisive and damaging for their prospects in a seat they absolutely must hold,” said Lauren Passalacqua, DSCC National Press Secretary. “Their field is crowded with Tea Party picks who will struggle in a statewide competition, let alone one against a candidate as qualified and strong as Patrick Murphy.”
