Democrat Rep. Patrick Murphy said Wednesday will not debate Rep. Alan Grayson, his chief rival in the primary battle for a Florida Senate seat, after domestic violence allegations against Grayson surfaced recently.
{mosads}”Over the last week, I have heard from many people, including survivors of domestic abuse, that Alan Grayson’s continued presence in this race is an insult to the countless Floridians whose lives have been affected by this kind of violence. When a survivor of domestic abuse comes forward, we owe it to them to listen with an open heart,” Murphy said in a statement Wednesday.
“Alan Grayson has refused to address these issues. Alan Grayson’s words and actions have disqualified him from public service, and I cannot in good conscience give him a platform to promote himself and his campaign. As a result, I will not participate in any forums or debates with Alan Grayson.”
Democratic Party leaders and groups have called on Grayson to abandon his campaign for Marco Rubio’s Senate seat after media reports showed his ex-wife repeatedly accused him of abuse over a two-decade period.
The Grayson campaign has denied the charges, with his attorney calling Lolita Grayson a “disturbed woman.”