Reacting to news that Republican Jeff Atwater will not run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Marco Rubio, Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy said he respects Atwater’s decision.
“Everyone who puts themselves forward for public service has to be able to devote a significant amount of time to the people of this state, and I respect Mr. Atwater’s decision,” Murphy said in an email to FloridaPolitics.com.
Atwater was expected to run for Rubio’s seat once the Florida Republican announces his campaign for president next week.
But Atwater abruptly announced on his Facebook account Saturday that he’s staying put. Atwater was re-elected last November to a four-year term as chief financial officer.
Atwater said he had gotten words of encouragement about running for Senate but that he has concluded that he should remain committed to “only one endeavor.”
Here is Murphy’s complete statement
“Everyone who puts themselves forward for public service has to be able to devote a significant amount of time to the people of this state, and I respect Mr. Atwater’s decision. No matter who runs, this race was and is about giving all Floridians a voice in the U.S. Senate. Our state needs fresh, new leadership, and I look forward to continue sharing my vision across Florida about how we can work together to strengthen the middle class, build an economy that works for all Floridians, and make sure our senior citizens are able to enjoy the retirement they’ve earned.”
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Material from Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press was used in this post.
