“Many are worried about Southerland, who’s trying to beat back a ferocious challenge from Democrat Gwen Graham, the daughter of ex-Florida Sen. Bob Graham. Southerland has raised less campaign money than his opponent — typically an ominous sign for an incumbent — and his first TV ad was panned by strategists as awkward and ineffective,” said Politico.
Southerland, whose district in the Florida Panhandle includes the state capital of Tallahassee, is No 9 on Roll Call’s list of the 10 most vulnerable representatives. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried the district by 8 points in 2012 but both parties regard the race as competitive. Says Roll Call: “The reason Southerland is in trouble? His rival: attorney Gwen Graham. Behind the scenes, Democrats and Republicans say the daughter of former Sen. Bob Graham is the best Democratic recruit of the cycle.”