Democratic House candidate Gwen Graham is getting a helping hand from talk show host Jerry Springer in her challenge to Rep. Steve Southerland (R-Fla.).
Graham received $5,200 from Springer in October, according to her most recent Federal Election Commission filings.
{mosads}National Republicans suggested the contributions she received from Springer and others, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), indicated she’s out of touch with the district.
“The folks who want Gwen Graham in Congress look like the cast of Celebrity Rehab and not hardworking Florida families. If Gwen is already cozying up to shady characters now, there’s no telling who she will sell out Florida’s vote to if sent to Washington,” said National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Katie Prill.
Springer, best-known for his role as mediator — and sometimes instigator — on his popular eponymous talk show that often features ferocious family fisticuffs and paternity whodunits, is no stranger to Democratic politics.
The former Cincinnati mayor donated money to President Obama’s reelection fight last cycle, and contributed $10,000 to support Charlie Crist’s gubernatorial campaign in December of last year.
Southerland is a top target for Democrats, and the party is excited about Graham, who they feel enters the race with some good will due to her father Bob Graham’s tenure as senator in the state.