Could it be that Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) — the freshman Congressman who has become a celebrity for calling Republicans “knuckle-dragging neanderthals” who want people who get sick to “die quickly” — could end up with only a bottom-tier Republican opponent for his swing district in 2010?
As the Orlando Sentinel reports, top potential Republican candidates have been opting out of the race: Former state Sen. Daniel Webster, Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, state Rep. Steve Precourt, and businessman Jerry Pierce.
“That leaves a pair of Tea Party activists — Patricia Sullivan from Eustis and Dan Fanelli of Orlando — and transplanted Miami developer Armando Gutierrez Jr., as likely Grayson foes,” the paper says. “Others are considering bids, but it seems unlikely the GOP will get someone with elected experience.”
Grayson’s vast personal wealth may be acting as a deterrent to Republican opponents. He’s worth at least $31 million, and spent about $2.6 million of his own money in his upset win over incumbent Republican Ric Keller in 2008.
That said, this is a swing district — it voted twice for George W. Bush, then flipped to Barack Obama by 52%-47% in 2008, and swept in Grayson by 52%-48%. So on paper, the GOP should have an opportunity to take this seat back. But will they be able to put up a strong candidate?
Late Update: A national Republican strategist tells us that Bruce O’Donoghue, an Orlando businessman, is seriously considering the race. A message left at O’Donoghue’s office has not been returned.
