Congressman Alan Grayson drew a packed house Saturday morning at Colony Cottage Recreation Center.
The congressman is hoping to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio in 2016.
The headline-grabbing Democrat appeared on stage wearing his notorious cowboy boots.
Speaking to the Villages Democratic Club, Grayson began by saying it was good to be back in The Villages, calling Florida’s Friendliest Hometown the “electric carts capital of the world.”
He then stated that the event’s turnout marked the largest Democratic group he had spoken to in Central Florida.
Grayson pointed to his legislative accomplishments, arguing it should qualify him for “No-Show Rubio’s” spot in the U.S. Senate.
Hoping to emulate champion of the elderly Claude Pepper, Grayson devoted a good portion of his speech to describing his fight for senior citizens’ rights in regard to Medicare and Social Security, both policies which he said are in place thanks to the Democrats.
Grayson, who founded the Alliance for Aging Research, shared that he had a personal conversation with presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on what next year’s election is all about. Essentially, Grayson said, “Somebody has to protect seniors.”
Grayson told the group that Medicare is cheating them by not offering coverage for vision, hearing and dental care.
“Medicare should cover every part,” he said.
To tackle the issue, the Democratic firebrand is pushing for a bill called the “Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act.” He said the bill attracted 76 co-sponsors within two days of its creation.
He said he also wants to eliminate double taxation on Social Security benefts.
Grayson said he’s ultimately running for the Senate to spread “justice, equality and peace.” He then fired up the crowd by having the audience chant “seniors deserve a raise,” three times, out loud.
Touching on Friday’s tragic terror attacks in Paris, Grayson said America’s policy on ISIS has been “ineffective.”
Though the “Senator with Guts” had a packed room of supporters, outside were demonstrators holding signs in support of Congressman Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is also seeking Rubio’s Senate seat. DeSantis was in The Villages this past week with fellow Congressman Trey Gowdy in tow.
Also this past week, state Rep. Marlene O’Toole, R-The Villages, announced her endorsement in the GOP race to replace Rubio. She supports Lt. Gov. Carlos López-Cantera.
