FL SEN: For Ferre, Menendez's Remarks Were "Decisive Factor" In Bid
It's not the greatest of weeks to be a frontrunner in the FL SEN race.
First, Gov. Charlie Crist's (R) rival for the GOP nod, ex-state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R), disclosed 10/6 that he raked in a competitive $1M in the 3rdQ.
Now, Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-17) has his own primary challenger to worry about -- ex-Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre (D), who formally launched his bid 10/7 a.m.
In a phone interview 10/7 p.m., Ferre told On Call that the remarks of DSCC Chair Bob Menendez last week -- in which Menendez seemingly discounted FL as a pick-up opportunity for Dems -- were the "decisive factor" in his choice to enter the race. Ferre: "You can't write off Florida!"
Although a spokesperson quickly backtracked on Menendez's comments, Ferre -- who is 74 years old and served as mayor of Miami from '73 to '85 -- said he has spoken to three or four "intermediaries" who confirmed that the DSCC chair is doubtful of Meek's chances.
Ferre, on Menendez: "I'm sure they have to say he made a mistake because they don't want to embarrass anybody. But the fact is, that's how he feels. The rumor was all over. ... Bob has been saying that to people all over the country for the last three weeks."
Ferre, who has been out of politics since '96, said he's basing his candidacy on FL's need for a "bold voice" who can ensure the state gets its "fair share from Washington." While he expressed pessimism over Meek's chances of winning in either the primary or the general, he declined to go into specifics. Ferre, asked why he thinks Meek is a weak candidate: "I don't say that. I think the polls say that. ... There are several polls that definitely show that Kendrick Meek cannot win."
Meek spokesperson Adam Sharon dismissed Ferre's claim, noting that Bill Clinton, Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) will be headlining a fundraiser for Meek 10/13.
Sharon: "I think that sends a message to everyone as far as where the DSCC is on this race." Sharon added that Menendez's $5K contribution from his PAC to Meek's bid in the 3rdQ "also speaks volumes" about his support.
Asked how Ferre's candidacy changes the race, Sharon said, "Our approach has basically been what it's been. ... Our focus is on defeating whichever Republican candidate emerges from that primary."
(FELICIA SONMEZ)
Update: DSCC spokesperson Eric Schultz also pushed back on the notion that Dems are writing off FL, noting that as he previously told The Hill, Menendez "misspoke" in last week's briefing. Schultz said that Menendez and the DSCC have been "very impressed" with Meek's candidacy, pointing to Meek's "full-scale" campaign operation and his "impressive fundraising" as proof that he's "putting all the pieces in place." Schultz, on Meek: "He's doing everything right."