***Updated*** Only in Florida: Congressional candidate Marleine Bastien robbed at gunpoint
Marleine Bastien, one of nine Democrats running in Tuesday’s primary for the Miami-based seat of U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, was robbed at gunpoint this morning as she was leaving her car to enter a campaign event at a North Miami church.
Bastien’s sister, with her at the time, was also robbed.
Bastien’s campaign manager reports tonight that “both women are strong and doing well considering their experience today.”
Adds campaign manager Matt De Vlieger: “Marleine is just taking a little rest right now, and is looking forward to moving on in these final days of the campaign. It’s a tough race and each day brings something new–like today– but Marleine isn’t going to let that stop her. “
***Update*** Campaign manager Matt De Vlieger sent me this e-mail:
By now, many of you have heard the news–that Marleine and her sister Tahira were robbed at gunpoint this morning as they were about to leave Marleine’s car to enter a community event.
I want everyone to know that both women are strong and doing well considering their experience today.
The news came as a shock to us all. With the election on Tuesday, Marleine obviously already has a lot on her plate. What happened today is something we could never have anticipated.
We are happy that Marleine is safe and with family, friends and supporters. She wanted me to let everyone know that she is very appreciative of your kind words and prayers. Thanks to North Miami Commissioners Scott Galvin and Jean Marcellus, Police Chief Stephen Johnson and North Miami Beach Councilman Frantz Pierre for coming to show their concern and support for Marleine at this time.
As far as the suspect; police say that someone matching the description has been reported committing the same types of armed robberies for the past few weeks. One had occurred just 30 minute prior to the incident involving Marleine.
Marleine is just taking a little rest right now, and is looking forward to moving on in these final days of the campaign. It’s a tough race and each day brings something new–like today– but Marleine isn’t going to let that stop her.
I hope I speak for all of us when I say: Marleine, we’re so happy that you’re doing well. Thank you for being our champion–thank you for keeping up the fight, even in the face of adversity! We need a leader in Washington with your resolve and resilience. We’re here to give everything we’ve got for a victory this Tuesday!
[...] Peter Schorsch at Saint Petersblog, news that Marleine Bastien, who’s running for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Kendrick [...]