Florida Democratic senate candidate sees VP Harris buzz impact

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has noticed the buzz around Vice President Harris is impacting the energy in her senate campaign.

“I’ve been getting calls and messages from young voters across the state of Florida that they’re excited about a Harris presidency,” Mucarsel-Powell continued. “We’re seeing a lot of momentum and a lot of energy from young voters.”

Now, her opponent, Senator Rick Scott has increased his attacks on Harris and Mucarsel-Powell. This week, the senator is focused on support for Israel since its prime minister addressed congress today.

“Democrats have not been supportive of Israel. Vice President Harris has not been supportive of Israel,” Scott said.

In a news release, a spokesperson for the Scott campaign sent out a statement.

“Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell needs to tell Floridians why she supports a Vice President who sides with terrorists,” Jonathan Turcotte added. “Democrats are turning their back on Israel, and we’re taking Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s silence as compliance.”

Mucarsel-Powell is pushing back.

“I am a very strong supporter of Israel. My husband is Jewish. I have always been on the side of having Israel defend itself but we have to also have to send humanitarian aid,” Mucarsel-Powell said.

The senator criticized Harris for not being in Congress to listen to the Israeli prime minister Wednesday. Harris is scheduled to meet with prime minister later this week.

“He’s someone, let me remind Floridians, who voted against aide to Israel. Not once but twice,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “I would have absolutely attended the speech made by the prime minister.”

USF Political Expert Darryl Paulson said with the vice president’s growing popularity and the Scott campaign linking Harris to Mucarsel-Powell, it may actually help with democratic voter turnout.

“With Harris as the candidate, the dynamics have completely changed. There is a heightened sensitivity on the part of Democrats. A heightened interest among Democrats with Harris as the candidate and that could certainly impact turnout,” Paulson said.

He also added that the Scott campaign has to be careful with its political attacks.

“He has got to step very gingerly on linking Powell to Harris because it could be counterproductive. It could greatly backfire on his campaign, and he certainly doesn’t want to do anything to tick off the female vote,” Paulson said.

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