Mayor Takes On Young

Challenging 38-year incumbent C.W. Bill Young for Congress is daunting, but Dunedin Mayor Bob Hackworth thinks he has the key.

"We're right on the issues," he said.

Hackworth, 53, a Democrat, said Republican policies have failed, from the war in Iraq and energy to health care and the banking crisis.

"I'm running against a congressman who consistently has voted with George Bush. ... I think he needs to be held accountable for the state of where we're at right now," Hackworth said.

Young is the longest-serving Republican in Congress and seeking his 20th term. He has never received less than 57 percent of the vote.

He has steered millions of dollars to Pinellas County, and to Florida, as he gained powerful committee posts in the House.

He serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and was chairman for four years. From 1999-2005, he was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, overseeing the federal discretionary budget.

Young did not respond to repeated requests for an interview.

He makes a case for re-election on his Web site, repeating the theme "making good things happen for our country." The site says Young brings an independent approach to the office, gets results from working with people of many viewpoints, and has developed a reputation for outstanding constituent service.

Hackworth is opposed to more oil drilling, and advocates spending on new energy sources. He said the war in Iraq needs to end and the money spent instead in the United States on infrastructure, which also will create jobs and health care for everyone.

He said the Republican administration manages to find money for the war and bailing out Wall Street, "yet we fail to invest in people and health care and infrastructure."

BOB HACKWORTH

AGE: 53

EDUCATION: University of Florida, bachelor's degree

FAMILY: Married, two children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Partner, H&H Publishing Co.; previously founded a sports marketing and publishing company.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Dunedin mayor, 2006-present; Dunedin city commission, 2002-06.

WEB SITE: www.bobhackworth .com

C.W. BILL YOUNG

AGE: 77

EDUCATION: High school diploma

FAMILY: Married, six children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Former insurance executive

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: U.S. representative from Florida District 10, 1970-present; Florida State Senate, 1960-70.