Obama records radio ad for Murphy’s Senate campaign

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy is running radio ads across Florida recorded by President Barack Obama, who is encouraging Democrats to support Murphy in the U.S. Senate primary Aug. 30.

The one-minute ad was released Monday and is airing statewide. Murphy is facing U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson in the primary. They are seeking the seat now held by Republican Marco Rubio.

In the ad, Obama says Murphy “has been there for me when I’ve needed him” and calls Murphy a strong progressive.

Murphy campaign spokesman Joshua Karp said the ad will run for several weeks.

Rubio said after dropping out of the presidential race that he wouldn’t seek re-election. He is now rethinking that decision. The deadline to get on the ballot is Friday.