It will be the first foray into politics for Rodriguez, a New York-born son of Cuban immigrants.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez told Islander News last week he’s more than ready “to flip this seat blue,” and that he’s not shy of campaigning at the corner.<\/p>\n
“If I spent 40 years as a journalist covering hurricanes, earthquakes, the Panama Invasion, and facing politicians, I can handle this,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez explained in his campaign announcement why he decided to run.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t plan to run for Congress,\u201d he said. \u201cI cannot stay silent. For 48 years, you trusted me to tell the truth and listen to your stories. Today, like so many families, I am concerned that Washington is not delivering for South Florida.<\/p>\n
“… My parents taught me that citizenship is not just a right, it is a responsibility. Now, I am answering that call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since filing for the Aug. 18 primary election earlier in March, Rodriguez has already had several meetings with the public, including some casual conversations this past week at a St. Patrick’s Day party with many of his tennis friends on Key Biscayne.<\/p>\n
“The reaction has been extraordinary,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople are very enthused. They think the district is being poorly served by Maria Salazar, and they agree I’ll do a better job in the district.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Maria Elvira Salazar.<\/p>\n
Photo courtesy of Concordia Summit<\/p>\n
His campaign priorities begin with a focus on affordability.<\/p>\n
“People can’t pay rent, can’t afford a house, grocery prices are high, health insurance is through the roof,” he said.<\/p>\n
Other platforms include stabilizing insurance rates, protecting Social Security and Medicare, supporting small businesses and promoting greater accountability in government.<\/p>\n
Will it be enough to defeat Salazar in November? Possibly.<\/p>\n
This past week, The Miami Times<\/a> reported that Rodriguez has emerged as the primary favorite based on early polling results, showing 43% of likely voters choose him over Robin Peguero (16%) and Richard Lamondin (14%), while 27% say they are undecided.<\/p>\n Former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey had filed last year to run for Congress, but instead dropped out to support Peguero<\/a>. Alex Fornino, another candidate, was not part of that poll since his official campaign website has not been active.<\/p>\n Another poll<\/a>, conducted by a team from Peguero’s camp, showed 43% of respondents would support Rodriguez (and 40% would back Peguero) in a hypothetical election against Salazar, who was supported by 46%, with 11% undecided.<\/p>\n “She’s not going to beat me,” Rodriguez told Islander News. “Why? Because I’ve lived in this district since I was 12. I fit the demographics of the district. People know me, they know I’ve been an honest broker of information and they can count on me to represent them in Washington.”<\/p>\n Key Biscayne residents also can count on him, he said.<\/p>\n “That’s my former home, so I’ll be watching out for their interests,” said Rodriguez, who now lives in Miami. \u201cSouth Florida deserves leadership that shows up, listens and delivers. Our future depends on it.\u201d<\/p>\n Working for CBS Miami, two ABC affiliates, and other early locales after graduating from the University of Miami, Rodriguez earned three Emmy Awards and four Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in reporting.<\/p>\n Asked if now sees politics from a different angle, Rodriguez was quick to reply.<\/p>\n “Absolutely,\u201d he said. \u201cI’m getting an inside look at the campaign system and learning as fast as I can. I’m determined to flip this seat blue.”<\/p>\n Note: To view his candidacy announcement:<\/p>\n