Maurice Ferre said today he’ll add his name to the list of Democrats hoping to join the U.S. Senate.

“At a time when Florida faces historic challenges, it’s time to be bold. That is what has defined my entire public service career, and that is what our state needs now in Washington,” said Ferre. “I’m ready to fight for Florida’s future.”

Ferre was Miami first Hispanic mayor, a post he held for 12 years until losing a re-election bid in 2000. He is currently a member of the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority.

Ferre, 74, joins a list of Democratic contenders including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and former North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns.

Photo via Miami Herald.

Read the rest of Ferre’s press release after the jump.

“Wages are stagnant. We are losing population. The cost of living is higher because of homeowners’ insurance rates and taxes. Our quality of life in Florida is at risk,” Ferre said.

“Florida is in trouble and we are not getting our fair share from Washington. Although, Governor Crist embraced President Obama’s stimulus package, Florida is dead last in the allocation of stimulus funds, receiving only about $610 per person. Florida also ranks 45th in education related stimulus dollars so far and 32nd for health care related spending. We are also dead last again in infrastructure dollars for transportation, energy and other construction projects. That is outrageous and unacceptable.” stated Ferre.

Ferre said, “My purpose in the United States Senate will be to lookout for Florida’s future. My campaign will not only be about what I learned yesterday, but rather the opportunities for tomorrow.”

“Job creation, economic stimulus and small business growth aren’t just things that I talk about, they are things that I have done. And, they are precisely what we need right now. I have led during moments of turmoil before and I am ready to be the strong voice for Florida in Washington to pull us out of the crisis that we are living right now.”

Maurice Ferre’s life has been marked by strong leadership that generates results and delivers for the people. As the first Hispanic Mayor of Miami, Ferre focused on creating jobs, improving local infrastructure, attracting foreign investment, and supporting small businesses. His leadership cemented Miami’s place as the business capital of the Americas and led to the development of downtown Miami and Brickell, Miami’s internationally renowned financial district.

Ferre began his career in public service as a member of the Florida House of Representatives and then went on to be elected City of Miami Commissioner and then Mayor for twelve years. From 1992 to 1996, he served on the Miami Dade Board of County Commissioners. Presently, he is a board member of the Miami Dade Expressway Authority.

“Florida has been the promised land for five generations of my family. But, a record level of unemployment, a damaged economy and a shrinking population has our paradise on the brink of disaster. I will not stand for Florida continuing to be last in important measures that affect our families and our quality of life. My mission as a United States Senator is to turn that around and fight for our people so that Florida begins to lead the pack.”

Ferre said, “I am a Democrat but I am already receiving incredible support from Independents and Republicans who know I will be a partner in progress with them.”

A website for the campaign can be found at www.Ferre2010.com/ The campaign can be reached at 305.910.0207.

Ferre, a graduate of the University of Miami, was born in the American territory of Puerto Rico and is married to M. Mercedes Malaussena Ferré. They have been blessed with six children and 13 grandchildren.

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