District 10 Democrats Say Republicans Vulnerable

Anyone seeking evidence that Democrats are eager to pounce on any Republican officeholder might take a look at the race for Congress in Florida's District 10.

Three Democrats are competing in the Aug. 26 primary for a chance to take on Republican C.W. Bill Young, a 19-term, 38-year incumbent accustomed to little more than token opposition.

Young, 77, who, through committee positions, has steered hundreds of millions of dollars to the district and state, has never received less than 57 percent of the vote since claiming the seat in 1970.

Buts the Democratic candidates in the Pinellas County district sense that this time, Young and the Republicans are vulnerable.

"Sure, I do, based on how wrong they are on the issues," said Dunedin Mayor Bob Hackworth, making his first run for Congress.

"Normal, everyday people are hurting more," said Samm Simpson, making her second run at Young after losing in 2006. "People are angry. People are worried."

Congress "was not intended to be a career with medical care and pensions that no one else has in the country," said Max Linn, who ran against Gov. Charlie Crist in 2006 as a Reform Party candidate. "We have a ruling class."

This campaign finds the three candidates in agreement on many other issues, as well: ending the war in Iraq and spending that money on domestic programs, banning oil drilling off Florida's coast, creating a national health insurance program and exploring a national catastrophic fund to cover losses from hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Hackworth said it begins with ending the war.

"With that relief - $10 billion a month we're spending in Iraq - that money is available to address more urgent issues in our country: the economy, health care, and a responsible and comprehensive energy policy," he said.

Hackworth, 53, was elected to the Dunedin City Commission in 2002 and as mayor in 2006. He is a partner in a family business, H&H Publishing Co., and a graduate of the University of Florida.

"My two opponents have never been elected, have never governed," he said.

Changing Priorities, Strategies

Hackworth proposes investing in infrastructure to rebuild the economy, even if it requires borrowing money now spent on the war. "When you build a bridge or a road or a mass transit system, you create jobs, it benefits Americans and you have addressed future needs," he said.

Linn, a retired financial planner, envisions a similar boost.

"Imagine if you put that back into our economy," he said, pointing to possibilities such as mortgage assistance for those facing foreclosure, energy technology, infrastructure and health care.

Linn, 48, of Treasure Island, said the power to make change is in Congress and that his expertise in finance makes him the best candidate. He said insurance companies make billions of dollars turning away risky coverages, and defense contractors are getting wealthy and getting tax breaks while middle-class Americans struggle to pay for gasoline and health care.

"The way to change it - one way, absolutely - is people need to get involved with the political system," he said. "And in Congress, because that's were the laws are passed."

Simpson, 54, of Dunedin, said ending the war is a chance to reduce the country's debt and to shift national priorities: "We need to restore our defense to defense, not offense."

She said money would be better spent on humanitarian efforts, including aid to war victims in Iraq, along with domestic programs in health care, housing and jobs.

Simpson, a freelance broadcaster, got 34 percent of the vote against Young in 2006 and expects to run stronger this time because she is better known.

Energy Another Top Concern

Each candidate sees energy as an urgent concern, and none sees oil as the answer.

"To suggest we can rely on fossil fuel for the future is not based on any kind of scientific fact," Hackworth said. The push for more drilling, he said, "is an attempt to pander to voters, suggesting it's going to reduce the price of gas by time of the election, and anyone who is a serious student of economics and energy knows that's not going to happen."

Seeking alternative sources is imperative, he said.

Linn said solar energy is a better place to invest, and Sampson said solar, wind, hydrogen and a host of other possibilities need to be explored seriously.

On health care, all three favor a national program that makes it possible for everyone to be insured, especially children.

"People who suggest it's going to be a massive burden on taxpayers are forgetting it's already a massive burden" paying for those who can't pay their own bills, Hackworth said.

Linn and Simpson want to see restrictions on pharmaceutical companies, too. Linn said Congress should prohibit the companies from advertising, which drives up costs.

Simpson wants to see more emphasis on lifestyles - such as exercise, nutrition and food additives. "It's not just health insurance," she said. "All of these things are part of health."

The candidates said they are energized by Barack Obama's presidential campaign, and see a chance to defeat Young by challenging overall Republican policies they see as unpopular and wrong.

They decry the war as immoral, bemoan expanding powers and secrecy from the presidency, and warn about infringements upon civil rights from habeas corpus to the Patriot Act.

"It is Congress that has to regain authority," Simpson said.

"I think people got so jaded, they figure this is just way it is, nothing can be changed," Linn said.

As an incumbent, Young already has more than $700,000 in contributions. Hackworth has reported $71,781 including $45,000 in loans to himself, Simpson has about $21,906, and Linn has $15,890 in independent contributions and another $352,689 in contributions and loans to himself.

"No question it's a David and Goliath," Linn said. "That's where politics is today. People look at the money Young brought into the district, but it's our own tax money."

The Democrats are knocking on doors and speaking to any group that will listen.

"There is no expectation on my part that we match him," Hackworth said. "How we match it is we be right on the issues, we work twice as hard."

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story stated incorrectly the contributions others have made to Max Linn's campaign.