As Grayson Considers Political Future, Hes Keeping Tabs on Progressives
Defeated Rep. Alan Grayson is giving his supporters a way to continue promoting progressive values in Congress. The Florida Democrat is a favorite on the left for his outspoken views, and liberals have even been suggesting the frequent cable news guest should get his own show on MSNBC. The Congressman’s spokesman told Roll Call that Grayson is still deciding whether he wants a future in politics, but indications are that he won’t be going away anytime soon.
The Grayson campaign sent an e-mail Tuesday morning encouraging his supporters to send their thoughts to Democratic Reps. Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (Minn.), the new chairmen of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
“I’d like you to get to know Reps. Ellison and Grijalva, and for them to get to know you,” Grayson wrote. “So I’ve set up a webpage — RIGHT HERE — where you can offer a comment, an idea, a suggestion, a hope, or a prayer to these two leaders.” The e-mail takes supporters to a Web spreadsheet where they can give “ideas and advice” to Ellison and Grijalva.
“In January, I will no longer be in Congress. But the truth is that whatever power I have had always came from you. From people with a conscience. Reps. Ellison and Grijalva recognize that, too,” Grayson wrote. “Let them hear from you.”
Despite losing to Republican Daniel Webster on Nov. 2, Grayson has continued to appear on television and to speak about legislation passing through Congress during the lame duck such as tax cuts, unemployment insurance and the DREAM Act.
“He’s continued to try to be a strong voice for the Democrats and the progressive movement in this country,” Communications Director Todd Jurkowski said.
Grayson defeated Republican Rep. Ric Keller in 2006. A lawyer, the one-term Congressman has five children and lives in Orlando. He hasn’t announced whether he will run for office again, but Florida is expected to gain a seat in redistricting and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson is up for re-election.