UPDATE: Read updated version of this story here, with statement from Rivera.
State Rep. Luis Garcia announced Wednesday that he intends to run for Congress against embattled U.S. Rep. David Rivera.
Launching his campaign from Tamiami Park in West Miami-Dade, Garcia, a former Miami Beach fire chief and city commissioner, said he is not running against anyone but for the people of Florida's 25th Congressional District.
"The people want a change, and I want to be a part of that change," he said from a podium under an arch of red, white and blue balloons to several dozen supporters gathered in a multipurpose room at the park.
Garcia, a Democrat, is the first candidate to challenge Rivera, a Republican whose personal and campaign finances have been under investigation since before he was elected last year to fill the seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
Rivera posted anemic quarterly fundraising numbers last week, a sign that the wide-ranging investigation is taking its toll on the once-prolific fundraiser.
The 25th district, which spans from western Miami-Dade County to eastern Collier County, leans Republican –- though the mammoth district is likely to be redrawn in next year's decennial redistricting.
Still, Garcia is battle-tested as one of only a couple of Democrats to survive a contested state legislative race in 2010. The Cuban-born Garcia, 65, is known as el bombero, the firefighter. The red-and-yellow campaign logo he used Wednesday features a red firefighters’ hat over the "G" in Garcia's name.
In a 20-minute speech, Garcia emphasized his ties to West Miami-Dade, where he grew up after arriving to Miami from Cuba more than half a century ago.
"This district was my home for 31 years," he said. "I have seen this district totally disenfranchised for the last 10 years...This was a successful, middle-class district."
Does Marco Rubio have a girlfriend? Sure does look like it.
Remember Esther Nuhfer? Well here she is in Puerto Rico with our favorite Republican, Marco Rubio.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63622372@N05/5794392008/in/set-72157626753071139/
Posted by: NewFLSenator | July 20, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Where's David Rivera? I don't see him.
Posted by: inquiring minds | July 20, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Rivera, the cocky SOB in 2008 who lectured a group of people gathered at Tally during a workshop regarding illegal immigration.
He lectured us and alluded anyone who opposed illegal immigration was anti-Hispanic.......
He was a hack then and now......hopefully he will be out of politics.....soon
Posted by: George Fuller | July 20, 2011 at 02:27 PM
RUBIO blocked all legislation against illegal immigrants in the house and preferred to call them "undocumented" instead of illegal. Now he conveniently wants e-verify. Typical.
Posted by: Martin Roha | July 20, 2011 at 02:35 PM
It looks like marco is praying at krome detention with a bunch of illegals. He looks so into it. this one the best http://www.flickr.com/photos/63622372@N05/5793788287/in/set-72157626753071139/
Posted by: westchester | July 20, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Hi is this this the Miami Democatic Party chat room? I'd like to level BS accusations at Republicans, is this where I fling the garbage? Why don't you morons focus on Garcia and this race instead of Rubio.
Posted by: Anon | July 20, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Marco Rubio is a coward for not wanting to be seen in public with David Rivera. Rivera has taken all of the heat for Rubio while Rubio basks in the limelight. You should be ashamed of yourself Marco Rubio for throwing David Rivera under the bus!
Posted by: Marco Rubio is a Coward | July 20, 2011 at 03:58 PM
David Rivera is on Eric Cantor's NRCC fundraising list.
Is the Miami Herald going to make that correction or does the Naples Daily News have to do it for you?
Posted by: MDRP | July 20, 2011 at 05:23 PM
Ho ho, who wuldoa thunk it, right?
Posted by: Heaven | July 27, 2011 at 12:30 PM