Patrick Murphy, the Democrat running against Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West in District 22, announced moments ago that he also will jump to the new Treasure Coast district to challenge West.

As I wrote last weekend, I view West’s move as a self-serving ploy to get re-elected in a more Republican-leaning district. While Murphy won’t increase his chances of getting elected in the new District 18, I also see him as an outsider moving in. It’s hardly representative democracy.

Isn’t there anyone from the Treasure Coast willing to jump into this race? Or do we have to outsource our representation to South Floridians?

Here’s Murphy’s press release:

Patrick Murphy to Continue Fight Against West in District 18

Party Leaders Wasserman Schultz, Israel, Smith, and Siegal All Express Support

For more information, contact Eric Johnson, (561)246-0379 or ericjohnson19@gmail.com.

 West Palm Beach, FL:  Democratic congressional candidate Patrick Murphy announced today that he will continue his campaign to defeat Tea Party darling Allen West in the newly proposed district 18. 

As of last quarter, Murphy had raised over $1.4 million and had amassed over 15,000 online supporters in his bid to unseat Allen West. 

“I got into this race for two main reasons:  First, I believe the biggest threat to America, our troubled economy, is best addressed by having more people with my experience as a CPA and small business owner in Congress.  Secondly, Allen West and the Tea Party represent an enormous threat to the middle class, seniors, the environment, and America’s economic recovery. There is simply no one more divisive in Congress and it’s imperative we make sure he is not re-elected,” said Murphy.

“Allen West abandoned his constituents to find supposedly safer political ground. Today, our campaign is putting Mr. West on notice:  There is no safe district he can run to,” Murphy stated.

“I have spoken to local and national Democratic leaders, as well as local activists and the support for me continuing my campaign against Allen West is overwhelming.  Over the last year, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the voters in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Northern Palm Beach County and I look forward to building a relationship with the voters of Martin and St. Lucie Counties as well,” added Murphy.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, said “I am so impressed with Patrick Murphy. He has run an energetic, disciplined campaign and has proven to be one of the most formidable fundraisers in the country. I am thrilled he is going to continue to take this fight to Allen West and confident he will defeat him in November.”