06.15.2004

Deutsch fires up his Senate run

By ANTHONY MAN and MARK HOLLIS, Sun Sentinel

Softening his persona as an aggressive street fighter, U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch of Fort Lauderdale launched the retail phase of his campaign for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination Monday with talk of issues.

"Today is the start of what is really a five-month job interview. So please take note: I'm here on time -- crisp shirt and resume in hand -- humbly applying for the job of your next U.S. senator," Deutsch said in Fort Lauderdale.

He uttered the same line nine hours later in West Palm Beach.

With Monday's appearances in four cities and in another four planned for today, Deutsch is attempting to convince primary voters that he's better than either of the other two major Democratic candidates -- former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor and Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas -- vying for the nomination to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. The primary is Aug. 31.

"I fit Florida better than any other candidate," he said.

Deutsch sounded themes designed to appeal to key blocs of primary voters -- reducing the ranks of the uninsured and creating an affordable prescription drug plan for seniors -- and tossed out a new one: Florida's poor showing -- 47 among the 50 states -- in per-person federal aid.

Deutsch has been campaigning for more than a year, but until now, the focus has been on activists and contributors. What he called his official kickoff gives him a reason to fly around the state and get his picture on local television news programs and in newspapers. He now is reaching for a broader audience. He expects to start airing his first TV commercials Thursday.

"It's 77 days left and the campaign is starting," he said. "People are just starting to focus on the race."

That's especially important for a U.S. Senate candidate, said Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida.

"The Senate candidates really have a tough time getting people to pay attention to them," she said. The difficulty is compounded by the volume of presidential candidate ads on TV, which make it harder for Senate candidates to stand out, and the Olympics coming in August, when many people will tune out politics.

MacManus also said it's wise for him to come across as a nice guy. "He has come under criticism in the past for his brusqueness."

The candidate's mother, Billie "Beulah" Deutsch, who lives at King's Point in Tamarac, vouched for his personality. "He's aggressive in helping the people," she said. "He's loving and kind and very generous."

Deutsch said people who think he is too harsh usually are on the losing side of political battles. "I'm very comfortable with who I am. I'm going to fight for people," he said, adding that he's never sought office "to win a Miss Congeniality contest."

Full story in June 15, 2004 Sun Sentinel

Staff Writer Karla D. Shores contributed to this report.

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