Penelas for U.S. Senate

More campaign news, this time of virtually no interest to anyone outside of Florida, Carpetbagger’s former home state.

With Sen. Bob Graham (D) launching a presidential bid, his Senate seat, which is up next year, will be heavily sought after. The race to succeed him, should Graham either appear on the Democratic ticket or retire, will be one of the closest watched Senate races in America.

There are a handful of Democrats considering a run for Graham’s seat, but one has stepped up to the plate that has special interest to me — Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

Yesterday, Penelas formed a campaign committee that allows him to begin raising money for the race. He follows Rep. Peter Deutsch, who represents a heavily Democratic district in the Pembroke Pines area, who began raising funds for the race earlier this year.

There are two reasons that I’m excited about Penelas. First, I like his chances. As a young, enthusiastic Democrat, I think he can generate excitement with his campaign. More importantly, as a Cuban American, he’s one of a very small number of Democrats who can win support among South Florida’s large Cuban population.

Second, and in the interest of full disclosure, I used to work for Penelas while I was in college. He was a great guy to work for and I don’t think I’m sharing any secrets when I say that Penelas has always dreamed of being in the Senate. I think he’s perfect for the job.