Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus Endorses Mucarsel-Powell

/in , /by

Miami – The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, the Florida Democratic Party’s official representatives to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied community, endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in her race to unseat Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo.

 

“Debbie has shown a tireless commitment to our nation’s core values of equality, opportunity, and respect, regardless of who you are or who you love,” said Terry Fleming, president of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus. “In Congress, we know that Debbie will continue to fight for LGBTQ Floridians as she stands up to discrimination and opposes any effort to roll back our hard-won progress.”

 

The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus is a statewide organization with 17 local chapters.  It is committed to educating voters and elected officials, advocating for LGBTQ causes, and supporting candidates dedicated to advancing policies that promote equality and strengthen the LGBTQ community in Florida and across the country.

 

###

Community Newspapers Endorses Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

/in , /by

Miami, FL – Community Newspapers, a regional chain of newspapers that includes the Kendall Gazette and the Cutler Bay News, has endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in her race to unseat Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo.

“The Community Newspapers gives its endorsement to Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the congressional candidate whose life and career has been all about giving back,” the endorsement reads. “Born in Ecuador, Debbie immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with her mother and sisters seeking the American Dream. Now, she’s running as the Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House to represent the 26th Congressional District of Florida – to better the lives of those in her community – and to continue to give back.”

The newspaper lists Debbie’s positions on enacting common-sense gun reform, creating an economy that helps all workers, and expanding access to healthcare as some of the reasons to support her in this election.

“Debbie lost her father at the age of 24 to gun violence so she understands firsthand the devastating impact gun violence has on our families and communities,” the editorial reads. “She will fight for common-sense gun safety legislation; work to close the gun show loopholes; and prevent those with a history of domestic violence, terrorism, and mental illness from purchasing guns.”

This month, Mucarsel-Powell was also endorsed by The Miami Herald.

“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is the realer deal for District 26 and will advocate for its residents’ everyday interests,” the Herald’s editorial board wrote.

###

Mucarsel-Powell Edges Curbelo in Latest NYT Poll

/in , /by
MIAMI – With less than two weeks to go before Election Day, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell holds a one-point edge over incumbent Republican Carlos Curbelo, according to a new poll completed Wednesday night by the New York Times. It’s the latest sign that Debbie’s message is resonating with voters in the 26th Congressional District, and that she’s driving the race in these last few weeks as it tightens in her favor.

In the 499-person live survey, completed on Wednesday night, Mucarsel-Powell led with 45% of the vote compared to Curbelo’s 44%. She led strongly among independent voters, garnering 53% of their support, while Curbelo only obtained 33%. To view the complete poll results, click here.
The poll shows the race moved four points in Mucarsel-Powell’s favor since last month, when a similar poll by the New York Times showed Curbelo up by three points, 47-44.
In both polls, a larger share of voters reported they would prefer Democrats to take control of the U.S. House over Republicans.
“The momentum is firmly in Debbie’s favor, and every vote will be crucial as we head into these last weeks,” said Melvin Félix, a spokesperson for the Mucarsel-Powell campaign. “From expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare to supporting responsible, common-sense gun reform, Debbie has worked hard to make sure families in South Florida know they have a clear choice in one of our nation’s most critical and defining elections. From Miami-Dade to Key West, we’ve seen how Debbie’s strong, unifying message is connecting with voters who are eager to send a fresh new voice to Washington.”
The poll was part of a series commissioned by the New York Times to cover the races in some of the most competitive congressional districts across the country. Unlike other similar surveys, poll responses were published and displayed in real time, allowing readers to track results from start to finish.
This most recent New York Times poll in Florida’s 26th Congressional District was conducted between Oct. 19 and Oct. 24. A total of 499 surveys were completed after 26,474 dials were attempted to phones in the district. The margin of error is ±4.9.
Most experts have pointed to Curbelo as one of the most endangered incumbents in the country. And the New York Times survey is only the latest polling boost for Mucarsel-Powell, who surged in several, consecutive recent polls and decisively closed the gap on her opponent as Election Day approaches:
  • A Mason-Dixon poll showed Curbelo up by a single point, 46-45, in early October;
  • Debbie led Curbelo 50-48 in a poll conducted early this month by GBA Strategies, the first poll this cycle in which either candidate got 50% of the vote;
  • She edged Curbelo by one point, 49-48, in a survey of 500 likely voters released by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research;
  • And a similar survey by Public Policy Polling (PPP) showed Mucarsel-Powell leading Curbelo by one point, 45-44.
###

The Feminist Majority Endorses Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

/in , /by

Miami, FL – The Feminist Majority, a national women’s rights organization, has endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in her race to unseat Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo. The Feminist Majority PAC was founded in 2002 and works to support candidates across the country who are committed to equal representation of women and people of color.

“Debbie is a proven feminist champion who has dedicated her life to serving the people of South Florida,” said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority. “Debbie knows first-hand the struggles that immigrant families face and the difficulty that young people have tackling rising education costs. It’s these experiences, together with her non-profit experience and passion for government, that will make Debbie such an incredible Representative for Florida’s 26th District.”

“Across the country, women are standing up to protect our rights and make sure our voices are heard in our communities and in Washington,” said Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. “I am proud to stand with the dedicated leaders of the Feminist Majority in our shared mission to empower America’s women and fight discrimination in all its forms. In Congress, I will work to combat the unprecedented attacks against women, and especially the attacks against women of color, and will seek to build a future of opportunity and equality for all.”

Mucarsel-Powell has also been endorsed by EMILY’s List, Women’s March Florida, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

###

Pride Fund to End Gun Violence Endorses Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

/in , /by

Pride Fund to End Gun Violence, an LGBTQ organization created after the Pulse shooting to advocate gun policy reform, has endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for the 2018 election.

“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has such an amazing opportunity to turn the tide in one of the closest races in the country, while fighting for the safety of Americans and Floridians,” said Jason Lindsay, Executive Director of Pride Fund to End Gun Violence. “After losing her father to gun violence, Debbie has been a fierce advocate for common sense gun regulations in this country.

“She has experienced the effects of lax gun policy and knows how personally devastating gun violence is. Debbie will be an essential voice in Congress in the fight for common sense gun reform,” Lindsay said.

Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (“Pride Fund”) is the only national LGBTQ political organization focused solely on gun violence prevention.

Pride Fund was founded by Jason Lindsay, a gay Iraq War veteran, in the days following the June 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When it occurred, the Pulse nightclub shooting was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Pride Fund supports sensible gun policy reforms while championing LGBTQ safety and equality by advocating for legislation and supporting candidates at the state and federal levels.

###

Curbelo Lies About His Former Senior Aide’s Role In Violent Rally With Hate Group

/in , /by

Miami, FL – During a live debate on WLPG-10 this Sunday, Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo falsely claimed that his former senior aide was not part of a violent mob last Wednesday at an event in Coral Gables, in which members of a national hate group yelled profanities at his opponent, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, during a visit from Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

But here’s the truth: Congressman Curbelo’s former field director and director of constituent services, Kevin Marino Cabrera, was caught on camera violently banging on the door and yelling aggressively at the hate rally in a video posted online.

Curbelo’s former aide was part of a violent rally planned by the chair of the Miami-Dade Republican Party, Nelson Díaz, along with the Proud Boys, a national hate group that saw at least two of its members arrested this week for spreading violence in New York and across the country.

Cabrera’s professional profile describes how he “began his political career (…) as a volunteer for Congressman Carlos Curbelo’s 2014 congressional campaign and subsequently joining the campaign as its Field Director. Kevin later served as the Director of Constituent Services in Congressman Curbelo’s district office,” according to a news report by radio host Grant Stern.

Curbelo (center) with his congressional staff; Cabrera is second from the right.

But this Sunday, Congressman Curbelo tried to deny the connection, falsely saying that “the gentleman she mentioned (Cabrera) was never a senior aide of mine.”

After Wednesday’s hateful rally, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Terrie Rizzo, called for Díaz to resign as head of the Miami-Dade GOP. Meanwhile, Congressman Curbelo and his campaign spent the day spreading divisive rhetoric, tweeting that “the ultra left wants to take over these districts.”

He changed course three days later, telling The Miami Herald on Saturday night that “political intoxication is a serious problem in our society.” But he flip-flopped again on Sunday’s debate, refusing to call for the resignation of Díaz as head of the Miami-Dade GOP, and falsely denying his former staffer’s role in the rally.

Mucarsel-Powell’s campaign responded on Sunday afternoon: “The violence we saw Wednesday has no place in our community, and Congressman Curbelo should apologize for fueling the flames of divisiveness in South Florida to boost his own campaign,” said Melvin Félix, spokesman for the Mucarsel-Powell campaign. “On this issue, as with so many others, Congressman Curbelo’s empty statements show a lack of courage and leadership. His failure to call for the resignation of Nelson Díaz, his failure to denounce his former staffer, and his failure to apologize to Debbie and the other women present Wednesday when given the chance, speaks volumes about a congressman who claims to care about civil discourse.”

###

Carlos Curbelo Refuses to Debate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell on Telemundo

/in , /by

Miami, FL – Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s campaign released the following statement this Friday after her opponent, Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo, refused to participate in a debate on Telemundo 51, which was slated to be taped Thursday night and hosted by Alejandra Molina and Gloria Ordaz.

“It seems Congressman Curbelo would rather spend his days making up accusations on Twitter about debate dodging than actually showing up to debates,” said Melvin Félix, spokesman for the Mucarsel-Powell campaign. “Debbie was looking forward to debating her opponent on Telemundo last night, but Congressman Curbelo apparently declined several invitations to attend. He would rather run a campaign fueled by baseless attacks rather than explain to voters why he voted to give himself and his special interest donors a tax break, all while trying to take away healthcare from 100,000 people in the district.

“However, it comes as no surprise, given the congressman has refused to hold a town hall with members of the community since at least January 1, 2017.”

 

Mucarsel-Powell and her opponent are set to have an English-language debate on WPLG-10 this Sunday, October 21, hosted by Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg. Debbie has also accepted an invitation to debate Curbelo this Friday, October 19, on Caracol Radio with hosts Mario Andrés Moreno and Marcela Sarmiento.

Both candidates have previously faced off in two forums, one in Key West and another in Marathon.

  • Hometown! Forum in Key West (Sept. 17): link

  • Marathon Chamber of Commerce Forum (Oct. 1): link

###

Mucarsel-Powell, Who Lost Father To Gun Violence, Denounces Tone-Deaf Attack Ad Featuring Man Pointing Gun

/in , /by

MIAMI – Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, denounced the latest shameful attack against her placed on television recently on behalf of her opponent, Republican Carlos Curbelo. The ad features an image of a man pointing a gun at the camera, a shameful and tone-deaf attack against a candidate whose own father was slain by a criminal with a gun.

“This is a reprehensible attack on Debbie and her family, especially when her father was killed at gunpoint on a day like today 23 years ago,” said Melvin Félix, spokesman for the campaign. “It’s disgusting that Republicans and Carlos Curbelo are now using violent images on television to keep spreading false narratives and distracting from Curbelo’s shameful record in Washington.”

Debbie’s father was killed by a criminal in Ecuador on October 18, 1995.

Just this week, Mucarsel-Powell released an ad in honor of her father, in which she talks about how she never got to say goodbye to him.

“I never said goodbye. My kids never met their grandfather. And this is the last photo I took with my father because he was killed by a criminal with a gun,” Mucarsel-Powell says in the ad. “So when I tell you I’ll stand up to the NRA to protect our community, you can believe me.”

The ad, titled “Photo,” is the second ad that mentions Debbie’s father; earlier this year, she released one titled “October 18th.”

Debbie is committed to making sure other Americans don’t have to say goodbye to a loved one with a photo. That’s why she’s committed to enacting common-sense gun reform policies, including universal background checks, a ban on military-style assault weapons, and closing the gun show loophole.

She has criticized Congressman Curbelo for taking thousands of dollars from the NRA, and for voting to make it easier for people with mental illnesses to purchase guns.

###

Powerful New TV Ad Focuses On Mucarsel-Powell’s Personal Gun Story

/in , /by

MIAMI – With three weeks to go before the general election, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is releasing her latest television ad this week. Titled “Photo,” the spot talks about how Debbie lost her father to gun violence when she was 24 years old.

“I never said goodbye. My kids never met their grandfather. And this is the last photo I took with my father because he was killed by a criminal with a gun,” Mucarsel-Powell says in the ad. “So when I tell you I’ll stand up to the NRA to protect our community, you can believe me.”

Mucarsel-Powell’s father was shot and killed in Ecuador on October 18, 1995.

Debbie is committed to making sure other Americans don’t have to say goodbye to a loved one with a photo. That’s why she’s committed to enacting common-sense gun reform policies, including universal background checks, a ban on military-style assault weapons, and closing the gun show loophole.

She has criticized Congressman Curbelo for taking thousands of dollars from the NRA, and for voting to make it easier for people with mental illnesses to purchase guns.

This is the second ad that reflects Debbie’s personal connection to the fight for gun reform; earlier this year, she released an ad titled “October 18th.”

###

TRANSCRIPT:

Debbie to camera: I never said goodbye. My kids never met their grandfather.

Debbie to camera: And this is the last photo I took with my father because he was killed by a criminal with a gun.

Debbie to camera: So when I tell you I’ll stand up to the NRA to protect our community, you can believe me.

Debbie to camera: I’m Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. I’m running for Congress, and I approve this message, because no one should have to say goodbye to a loved one with a photo.

###

Commissioner Eileen Higgins Endorses Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

/in , /by

Miami, FL – Eileen Higgins, who was elected in June as Miami-Dade’s newest county commissioner, has endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in the race for Florida’s 26th Congressional District.

“Our South Florida communities continue to need real representation in Washington. I know Debbie will fight for us. She’ll put the health of our residents first, lead on the gun reforms we need to keep our neighborhoods safe, make public transportation funding a reality, and take the necessary steps we need to protect ourselves from climate change,” said Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 5. “We need bold, progressive leaders at all levels of government. I’m excited about all we can achieve for South Florida with Debbie as our next congresswoman.”

###