09.22.2003

MEDIA RELEASE

Deutsch campaigns in Duval County
U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch, a Broward County Democrat, spent yesterday campaigning in Jacksonville for the U.S. Senate.

"In a sense, I've represented Jacksonville for over 20 years," said Deutsch, a 10-year member of Congress and former state legislator, who added that the people and issues he's worked with are a lot like those in Northeast Florida.

He started the day speaking at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, escorted by U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown. Deutsch and Brown moved on to a policy conference for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee also attended by Republican U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw. Deutsch said American support will remain essential to Israel's existence.

"I don't expect to be in the United States Congress the rest of my life, but I do expect to be a member of AIPAC the rest of my life," he told about 70 people at Epping Forest Yacht Club.

He also scheduled private meetings with Democrats, including state Sen. Tony Hill and an evening appearance at an AFL-CIO event. Former state Rep. Mike Langton hosted him during the trip.

Deutsch described the trip as a first step in a 12-month process of introducing himself to Northeast Florida voters, saying he's made or planned similar weekend trips to Orlando, Tallahassee and Brevard County.

His messages in Jacksonville were national and international in focus. They included support for deposing Saddam Hussein but worry over events in Iraq since then; concern about Saudi Arabian ties to terrorism; alarm about the national deficit and loss of jobs since the 2000 elections; and aspirations to improve public education and protect natural resources. Deutsch helped shepherd the Everglades restoration project through Washington.

Deutsch has sparred most with Democrat Alex Penelas, Miami-Dade County's mayor, who also is planning to run for the seat. Former education chief Betty Castor and U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings and Allen Boyd also are plotting bids. None will run if incumbent Bob Graham gives up his presidential campaign to seek re-election.

Deutsch repeatedly has hounded Penelas over how strong the mayor's support for Democrats has been, and accused Penelas of taking illegal contributions. Penelas has denied both accusations. A non-profit group in Washington filed an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar last week against Penelas, a lawyer.

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