The empty chair represents U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio who, organizers said, has not responded to their invitation.

TAMPA – A “constituent-hosted” town hall meeting for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, is scheduled for Wednesday (Feb. 22), whether or not he shows up.

Those who do attend will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns on issues including health care, national security and foreign affairs. Organizers said that more than 900 have confirmed their attendance and more than 2,900 have expressed interest in attending, but Rubio has not responded despite attempts to contact him by email, phone, social media and regular mail.

“We are looking forward to providing a forum for constituents to share their concerns with Sen. Rubio,” event organizer Melissa Gallagher said. “Our invitation to Sen. Rubio remains unanswered, but we will hold the event regardless of whether or not he attends.”

Organizers said that they are everyday citizens who have dealt with resistance in their efforts to meet with Rubio. On multiple occasions, they said, they have visited the senator’s Tampa office only to be greeted by security, police, and barricades barring them from speaking with the senator’s aides.

Gallagher said she called his office to ask when Rubio was holding his next town hall. When she learned Rubio did not have one scheduled, she said she decided to plan one herself and invite the senator.

The town hall will be streamed live on Facebook.

What: constituent-hosted town hall meeting for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 22)
Where: National Association of Letter Carriers, 3003 W. Cypress St., Tampa

For information about the town hall, go to facebook.com.

Town Hall Meeting | Empty Chair | Marco Rubio | Politics | Tampa Bay Reporter

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