Rep. Meek Announces Senate Bid

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), in announcing his campaign for Senate on Tuesday, tied himself to President-elect Obama and his “change” agenda.

“Thanks to the leadership of President-elect Obama, change has come to Washington. But it won’t be easy,” Meek said during a news conference in Miami Gardens, Fla. “There will be opposition from many powerful forces who have stopped us before. We cannot let obstructionists stand in the way of helping the people of Florida.”

Meek, who is serving his fourth House term, is running for the seat of retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R). Other possible candidates include Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink (D), Rep. Ron Klein (D), Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum (R) and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R).

Meek, in his speech, also stressed his populist leanings.

“I want to be a fighter for Florida with a strong voice that won’t let the special interests stand in the way of what’s right,” he said. “Too many in our country are hurting. Too much is at stake. We have no time to waste.”

He called on corporate executives who have benefited from federal bailouts not to take any more salary or bonus until their businesses are sound and have paid back the government money. He also called for healthcare access for all Americans and measures to address climate change.