Senator Rick Scott’s campaign poked fun at his opponent, former Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) for launching her veterans coalition in front of a small group of supporters, failing to produce a number of how many veterans have supported her, and called out her record on military issues such as servicemember’s pay.
For instance, the Scott campaign brought up the notion that the Congressional Progressive Caucus (which she was in during her time in the House of Representatives) fought to significantly strip down the 2019 edition of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The campaign also claims Mucarsel-Powell voted against increasing military members’ pay and voted for an amendment to “make it harder for us to fight Iran.” It was vetoed by former President Donald Trump (R).
However, Rep. Mucarsel-Powell said this regarding the launch of her coalition:
“I’m proud to have the support of brave Florida veterans who deserve a Senator who will fight for them,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “Time after time, Rick Scott has chosen his extreme agenda over the needs of our veterans. As Governor, Scott vetoed $15 million in funding for veterans’ programs including aid for homeless veterans … and tried to block passage of the historic PACT Act which provides health care to toxic-exposed veterans. Our veterans should be able to not only survive, but thrive in Florida, and they deserve better than a Senator who pretends to support them while actively working against their interests.”
"Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell's sad attempt at copying Senator Scott's veterans coalition is a prime example. The only difference is Senator Scott has hundreds of veterans from across the state endorsing him and his record of supporting our veterans,” said campaign spokesman Will Hampson.
He continued by saying that Mucarsel-Powell is attempting to “lie” about her record on the military.
“Meanwhile, Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell has a couple of liberal activists who are clearly unaware of her anti-veteran record. Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell voted to make it harder to hold Iran accountable, voted against a pay increase for our troops, and even threatened to tank the NDAA and make our troops go without pay if her Progressive Caucus' liberal demands weren't met. While she can continue to lie, her record of fighting against our troops stands in clear opposition of Senator Scott fighting for our troops,” concluded Hampson.
Floridians will have the choice to either reelect Scott to a second term in the Senate or bring in new blood to the junior Senator seat. In the latest AIF poll, Mucarsel-Powell has to make up 10 points between now and Nov. 5.
