The battle for Congressional District 27 between Maria Elvira Salazar (R) and Annette Taddeo (D) is one of the most closely-watched contests in the nation.
But as we get closer to the November midterm election, a recent internal poll shows Taddeo in the lead by a single percentage point. Additionally, it appears as though Rep. Salazar is losing her support among Republicans. The Floridian Publisher Javier Manjarres was able to speak with Sen. Taddeo at Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist's campaign event in Miami this week where she said that as she canvassed neighborhoods, both Independent and Republican voters appear to be turning against Salazar.
Taddeo also said that she was also hearing the same dissent from donors.
Manjarres asks what Taddeo thinks is the reason Independents and Republicans in District 27, which Salazar won in the last election, are turning against her.
"Because she's a liar and a fake," Taddeo says summarily.
"I mean, there are so many lies, including saying that the infrastructure bill is socialism, but then she turns around and sends a letter asking for the money. Then she goes to cut the ribbon, then she takes credit for the money she voted against that she said was socialism," added Taddeo.
@Annette_Taddeo does her best Gloria Estefan impression at a rally for @CharlieCrist . @janellesofia was also in attendance but did not bang on the drums.#FLPol #Florida pic.twitter.com/pyqy0ZvbCt
— Javier Manjarres (@JavManjarres) October 12, 2022
Salazar is not the only Republican to have criticized the bill yet ask for the funding it calls for. Florida's entire Republican congressional delegation, including Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, and Reps. Byron Donalds, Kat Cammack, and Brian Mast.
Taddeo continues, "I mean, enough of playing with the voters. Let's get real and talk about the real issues and win elections not scaring people." Somewhat ironically, Taddeo engages in a bit of fearmongering herself as she says, "and she's the one taking away rights and wanting the government to make decisions for you. So I'm bringing all that out, but I'm also telling my story, and that's why we've seen the movement, we can feel it from the donors' conversations."
She concludes by talking about how she is able to get Republican support through her moderate views and willingness to work across the aisle.
"It's been really... this kind of event is more like supporters, but I'm talking about regular... so many Republicans that have really, like, are supporting financially, supporting openly. I mean, this is cause they know I'm not an extremist, I'm center, middle-of-the-road, I work with everyone to bring us forward. And so that's why I think we're seeing the things we're seeing," concluded Taddeo.
