Editorial Title:
Subtitle

By GORDON WAYNE WATTS, for The Register

Note to self: At present, the high bosses have said that there is insufficient data to write an editorial; however, 3 things seem important on which to follow-up:

#1 - In light of the recent death of a case-worker, Shirley Miranda, of Rep. Castor's office -by cancer -it seems appropriate to *re-visit* the reasons why America has a higher-cancer rate & lower life-spans than other countries who spend less on health care than do we.

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2010 TAMPA BAY HOUSE RACES:
U.S. Congressional races heat up in Fla 11th & 12th Districts
The Register

From Staff Reports | The Register
Published: Wednesday, 23 December 2009; 02:41 PM ; Updated: Thursday, 06/23/2011 01:54 pm

LAKELAND, FL -- As America begins its second year under an Obama administration, local federal congressional races are heating up in Hillsborough and Polk counties in Florida. Two districts, in particular, cover large areas of these counties, Districts 11 and 12.

District 11 is represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.11), daughter of Betty Castor, former USF President and Florida Education Commissioner, and Don Castor, a retired Hillsborough County Judge. Representative Castor is seeking reelection for her seat, which covers much of metro Hillsborough County, including Tampa and parts of Manatee and Pinellas counties. District 12, represented by U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.12), once the third-ranking Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, covers most of Polk and parts of Osceola and eastern Hillsborough counties. Putnam is vacating his seat to run for Florida Agriculture Commissioner.

According to the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections and the Florida Divisions of Elections websites, no Democrats have filed to run for the Dist.11 seat; however, Castor, a lawyer,

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Map of U.S. House Districts 11 & 12 in Florida
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To see Gordon Watts' research on cancer, visit the home page, and click on 'health'. Castor, herself, is a strong proponent of beating cancer -as are we all -Republican and Democrat alike -so click that link:

{Click here: GordonWayneWatts.com/#health or GordonWatts.com/#health -click, print out, read, and do. 'Just Do It.'}

#2 - There are rumours that Republican, Dennis Ross was kicked off of one or more committees in the state house due to his being a fiscal conservative; this, if true, would be a good thing; however, insufficient data at the state's website has prevented this rumour from being verified or denied.

UPDATE: The Register has found new information on this subject as of today, Monday, 20 June 2011. On Ross' 'Politician' Facebook page, this was found:

"In 2000 Dennis had an opportunity to run for the State House of Representatives and was elected overwhelmingly. Dennis continued to serve in the Florida House of Representatives until he was term limited in 2008. Throughout his term as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Dennis distinguished himself as a strong proponent of conservative principles and was well respected by members of both parties. In 2007, Dennis, along with his friend Rep. Don Brown, were the only two legislators to vote against the property insurance bill that made Citizens the largest property insurer in Florida. For voting against his party and with his free market principles, Dennis was stripped of his Chairmanship and many said his career was over. But Dennis is a conservative leader, not only of independent thought but of independent action as well."

#3 - On the Democratic side, this reporter has seen a claim on Tudor's website: {(Blog) - (File copy 1) - (File copy 1)} that one of his challengers violated DOD Directives regarding political activities by members of the Armed Forces by actively campaigning, speaking to groups, and requesting monetary contributions to his campaign. Tudor's blog claims that while this candidate was granted a waiver signed by the Secretary of the Navy, which clearly stated that while he could file for candidacy, he was restricted from “open and active campaigning and all behind-the-scenes activities.”

Both on the Republican side and the Democratic side (and the save your life from cancer side) -to be fair to all sides, these issues warrant further investigation.

(editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial, editorial)

Gordon Watts can be reached at 863-688-9880 or Gww1210@aol.com.

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is listed in the Federal Elections Commissions website as an active candidate.

Republicans running for this seat include Eddie Adams, Jr., an architect and designer who previously won the Republican primary and lost to Castor; Tony Buntyn, an Information Tech Security Engineer and Colonel in the US Air Force Reserve, who was previously vice-commander of the Air Force Cyberspace Command; Thomas Castellano, a local Air Conditioner businessman who has held several positions in the Tampa Chamber of Commerce; Herb Coachman, a former Navy veteran, who is collecting signatures by hand to qualify; and, Scott Thomas Keller, a former talk show Host and 2012 Presidential Candidate.

Democrats running for U.S. House Dist.12 include Lori Edwards, Polk's Supervisor of Elections; Randy Edwards (no relation), an ex-Congressional Aide and USMC Veteran; and, Doug Tudor, a retired Master Chief Yeoman (Surface & Aviation Warfare) for the U.S. Navy and winner of the last Democratic Primary who lost to Adam Putnam in the general election.

One Libertarian is running for this seat: Thomas Snider, an officer at Valrico State bank.

Republicans vying for their primary include John Lindsey, Jr., a local Tea Party Activist; Dennis Ross, a former State Representative; and, Randy Wilkinson, a long-time Polk County Commissioner. Both Ross and Wilkinson are prevented by Term Limits from running for reelection.

The general election in District 12 (Polk, eastern Hillsborough, etc.) will feature the Democrat nominee, the Libertarian, and the Republican primary winner in a rare 3-way contest next year.

Steven Craig Stanford (R) and Bradley Kallhoff (R) both reported to The Register that they were dropping out of the primary for districts 11 and 12 respectively. Stanford's website said that he was dropping out to give Buntyn a better chance of winning. In District 12, State Representative, Baxter Troutman (R) and former State Senator, Rick Dantzler (D) were mentioned in local media as possible candidates, but when contacted by this paper, Dantzler and an aide of Troutman both reported that they were not running for the U.S. House seat.

The Register contacted the candidates regarding their stance on selected issues. What follows is their responses to six (6) media inquiries:

QUESTION 1: Why is your website not detailed on where you stand on many issues? (Editor's Note: This may not apply to all candidates but to be fair was asked of all.)

Responses:

Dist.11

Kathy Castor (D) -In a phone interview with this paper on Nov.25, Connor Davis of Castor's campaign said that they were reworking their campaign website and expected it to be more detailed soon.

Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) -In a phone interview with this paper on Dec.9, Adams pointed out that his website is quite detailed on many issues but said that if a person wanted further clarification, they could call him about it.

Tony Buntyn (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.24, Buntyn gave this response: "Gordon,

First of all Merry Christmas. Next, thanks for linking folks to my website. It was completely redone just 2 weeks ago.

Forgive me for taking so long to reply to your email questions, I hope this answers the mail.

1)   My website is evolving and will contain my position on many issues important to Florida voters. I’m new to this business and am slowly developing a website and organization."

Thomas Castellano (R) -In a recent phone interview, Castellano told this paper that his website is quite up-to-date but that he planned to continue to further update his website with additional details as the campaign progresses.

Herb Coachman (R) -In a recent interview, Coachman told this paper that he planned get a web presence in a timely manner for his run for congress.

Scott Thomas Keller (R) -The Register contacted Keller by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Dist.12

Lori Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Lori Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Randy Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Doug Tudor (D) -In an email response received by The Register on Nov.29, Tudor gave this response: "My website is updated when I have the time to write blogs, but I am very clear on where I stand on the issues. I do have some folks working on a new version of the page, which I imagine will debut sometime in January 2010."

Thomas Snider (L) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.01, Snider gave this response: "Answer: My website is a work in process and my campaign staff a small team, as time goes along, many of the more important issues will be addressed, by me personally, rather than by a staff member. It is also important to note that while understanding a view point on a specific agenda is a warm fuzzy feeling, it is more important to understand the mindset of the candidate and their decision making process. It is in that process that one can get a feeling for how the candidate would vote on an issue that does not, as yet, seem important or even exist."

John Lindsey (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.04, Lindsey gave this response: "My response is the following as related to stance on key issues:
I have pledged the following:
* To oppose the "one size fits all" healthcare madness currently being proposed. I am opposed to "Universal Healthcare" and the Government Option. For the government to take away the right of citizens to choose their own healthcare violates the very principles of our founding documents.
* To oppose all tax increases and will vote for HR 25 the Fair Tax Bill as proposed by Rep. John Linder of Ga. The passage of the fair tax bill would solve most of our economic problems as productivity would be encouraged and not punished by a progressive tax code.
* I will vote to reduce our dependency on foreign and energy resources. We need to eliminate the "red tape" and allow these industries to grow and put US back to work. This is "NO" for Cap and Trade legislation. If we don't get the oil and natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico the Russians and Chinese will.
* Enforce our borders. We need to know who is in our country and if they wish to do us harm.
* If needed I will vote to put a term limit on all elected officials, it is time to get rid of career politicians and restore our constitution."

Dennis Ross (R) -The Register contacted Ross' campaign by email on Nov.26 and again on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Wilkinson (R) -In a phone interview with this paper on Dec.03, Wilkinson said that they were working on the campaign website and expected it to be online soon.

QUESTION 2: Will you be willing to take no 'special' Health care plan beyond what your prospective constituents would get?

Responses:

Dist.11

Kathy Castor (D) -The Register contacted Castor's campaign by email on Nov.25 and again on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) -This reporter spoke with Adams on Nov.24 in person and asked his stance on this issue; Adams responded that he had covered this already in his campaign literature and gave this reporter a copy. Page 2 of a letter dated "November 2009" states that "Congress should not be exempted from the laws they make. No one should be above the law!!!," implying that he would not take a special health care package with his job beyond what citizens were afforded.

Tony Buntyn (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.24, Buntyn gave this response: "2)   No Special Healthcare – I would suggest that Congress have the same healthcare that our Military Retirees get."

Thomas Castellano (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.05, Castellano gave this response: "I am going to answer questions 5 and 6 [Wednesday]. Those are the [main] ones that pertain to me. I will have them to you by Wed., Dec. 9...I'm looking forward being questioned [about the other questions, such as 1-4 and other issues as voters might have]. Campaigns are difficult. The issues are complicated. Accountability is not. It's that simple. There are no shades of shades of gray when it comes to government ethics. You've either done the right thing or you've done the wrong thing.
Kathy castor will be held accountable for her part in bankrupting the country."

Herb Coachman (R) -This reporter spoke with Coachman on Dec.02 in person and asked his stance on this issue but has not received any response as of press time.

Scott Thomas Keller (R) -The Register contacted Keller by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Dist.12

Lori Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Lori Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Randy Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Doug Tudor (D) -In an email response received by The Register on Nov.29, Tudor gave this response: "No, I will accept the coverage that comes with my employment. Additionally, I will campaign for a single-payer system, so that all citizens can enjoy the same coverage."

Thomas Snider (L) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.01, Snider gave this response: "Answer: On this Mr. Watts, I am in agreement with Mr. John Fleming (R-LA) in his introduction of House Resolution 615. While I would prefer to not see this monstrosity of a bill, that does nothing other than put another tether of control on the American, people even pass, I feel that those who pass it should also live by it." -- Editor's Note: H.R. 615 would force congresspersons to take the same plan as their constituents have; it's title proper is: 'Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, federal government run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.'

John Lindsey (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.04, Lindsey gave this response: "I believe that it is not right for elected officials to vote on one Health care system for the people of this country and then exempt themselves from the same system. I also believe that Congress is overpaid and they should not have any raises until the budget is balanced."

Dennis Ross (R) -This reporter spoke with Ross on Nov.24 in person and asked his stance on this issue; Ross responded that he would refuse any health case package that Congress offered unless it was available to all of his constituents.

Randy Wilkinson (R) -Editor's Note: Wilkinson has been quoted in local press as having said he would refuse such a plan: In a story by 'Lakeland Local,' freelance reporter Billy Townsend, formerly with The Lakeland Ledger, in his October 2, 2009 story (Link - Cache 1 - Cache 2), appears objective and unbiased as he is quoted as saying: "Another reason I love County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson is his utter inability to give a one word answer. Now, it’s true, many questions can’t be answered with one word, but this one can: Will you turn down federal government health insurance if you’re elected to Congress?

Here’s how Randy answered that question last week. “If the current system remains in place, I will deny the cadillac health care coverage given to the U.S.Congress.”

Hmmm. Quite a bit of wiggle room there. So let me rephrase. If you win, Randy, the federal government will offer you a number of potential plans. They will also offer you access to socialized care provided by the military. All of this is paid for by me and my family. You, as a good Tea Partying conservative, don’t like it. Thus, will you refuse to accept a federal plan or direct federal care for you and your family? Will you rely on the magic of the private market to provide you with options? This is a yes or no answer, I’m afraid."

QUESTION 3: Will you oppose pouring Federal Tax Dollars into Higher-Ed for things like guaranteed student loans, grants?

Responses:

Dist.11

Kathy Castor (D) -The Register contacted Castor's campaign by email on Nov.25 and again on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time. (Editor's Note: Castor was quoted in the December 22, 2005 St.Pete Times article, "Struggling students get Castor's backing," by Ernest Hooper, stating that: "Castor was not holding out hope that the Senate would alter the House's decision regarding the student loan cuts," regarding a proposed $12.7-billion cut in federal student loans cited by the article.)

Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) -In a phone interview with this paper on Dec.9, Adams said that he is strongly opposed to this for two reasons: Number one, it is a waste of taxpayer dollars to even interfere with the free market in this way, and number two, this is a states' rights issue, something which the contitution does not specifically authorize for the Federal Government's limited powers and into which it really has no business in the first place.

Tony Buntyn (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.24, Buntyn gave this response: "3)   Tax dollars for higher Education - 1) Eliminate the Department of Education and return full control to the States and local School Boards and Parents 2) Student loans should continue to be handled by private industry instead of the Federal Govt."

Thomas Castellano (R) -Editor's Note: See Castellano's answer to question 2 above.

Herb Coachman (R) -This reporter spoke with Coachman on Dec.02 in person and asked his stance on this issue; Coachman responded by providing a copy of his campaign literature, which states in pertinent part that he supports a commitment to 'Reduce tax burden on all Americans' and 'Restrain Federal Spending'.

Scott Thomas Keller (R) -The Register contacted Keller by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Dist.12

Lori Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Lori Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Randy Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Doug Tudor (D) -In an email response received by The Register on Nov.29, Tudor gave this response: "I support federal monies being made available for students of public universities and colleges. I would take the banks out of the student loan business; if a student is going to get a guaranteed loan or grant, then that money would be paid directly to the institution or to the student. There is no reason that a bank should be involved. Additionally, I support public service programs that would allow the graduated student to lessen his or her loan debt through public service."

Thomas Snider (L) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.01, Snider gave this response: "Answer: I believe that education is a State matter and should be handled as the State has the ability and need to handle. The US Constitution does not grant the federal government the authority for the spending of federal dollars on such activities, regardless of the impact to the country."

John Lindsey (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.04, Lindsey gave this response: "I will oppose pouring Federal Tax Dollars into guaranteed student loans and grants. This should be left in the private sector. The Government is not suppose to be everyone's "Sugar Daddy"."

Dennis Ross (R) -The Register contacted Ross' campaign by email on Oct. 21, Nov.26, and again on Nov.30 and spoke by phone with Omar, a campaign aide, who said he got the Oct.21 email about education concerns; however, Ross' campaign has not responded any further as of press time.

Randy Wilkinson (R) -The Register contacted Wilkinson's campaign by email on Nov.26 and again on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

QUESTION 4: Will you support equal bankruptcy protections for students' loans (like credit card users get) -and immediate forgiveness of any overcharge that students were charged?

Responses:

Dist.11

Kathy Castor (D) -The Register contacted Castor's campaign by email on Nov.25 and again on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) -In a phone interview with this paper on Dec.9, Adams respectfully dissented and disagreed with The Register's recent Op-Ed on that subject and said that he paid back his loan, even though it took 15 years, in spite of the hardships associated with both students in general and minorities in particular. Adams pointed out that payment of debts is a 'personal responsibility' issue and said that students were not compelled to enroll in college -and that they had a number of choices for colleges should they chose to get an education. When asked how he could claim to hold a conservative viewpoint on this issue if he supported students being taxed at a much higher rate than students in times past who received a comparably equal -or superiour education, he responded that he did not consider tuition a tax, in disagreement with this paper's recent Op-Ed (link 1 - link 2 - link 3) -and suggested that we should agree to disagree.

Tony Buntyn (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.24, Buntyn gave this response: "4)   Student Loans – People should repay their debts. Bankruptcy protection should not be any different for student loans as for other loans."

Thomas Castellano (R) -Editor's Note: See Castellano's answer to question 2 above.

Herb Coachman (R) -This reporter spoke with Coachman on Dec.02 in person and asked his stance on this issue but has not received any response as of press time.

Scott Thomas Keller (R) -The Register contacted Keller by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Dist.12

Lori Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Lori Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Randy Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Doug Tudor (D) -Editor's Note: Tudor's answer above under 'Question 3' was directed at both both that question and this one.

Thomas Snider (L) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.01, Snider gave this response: "Answer: Bankruptcy is, in and of itself, an issue. But, it is my opinion, that all unsecured debt should be considered the same, regardless of any backside guarantee. But given my above statement, I do not believe the federal government should be participating in these guaranties, so it becomes a moot point over all."

John Lindsey (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.04, Lindsey gave this response: "I would not support equal bankruptcy protection for student loans. Everyone must be accountable for their debts. Most Student loans are (or were) made while in school and were not required to be paid back until after the education was completed. If someone took on more debt than they could afford to pay back, sorry but they need to work out a payback plan. My wife and I paid our loans back. This is not to say that students should incur higher costs for education when the government is actually providing funds to colleges. Higher education is a choice not a right." -- Editor's Note: This reporter was unclear on whether opposition to 'equal bankruptcy protection' quoted by Lindsey meant that he opposed any bankruptcy protection at all or just opposed equal treatment, and called him back for clarification; it is this reporter's recollection that he said that he did indeed support students being held accountable for their loans but not with any more penalties or restrictions than that of credit card debts.

Dennis Ross (R) -The Register contacted Ross' campaign by email on Oct. 21, Nov.26, and again on Nov.30 and spoke by phone with Omar, a campaign aide, who said he got the Oct.21 email about education concerns; however, Ross' campaign has not responded any further as of press time.

Randy Wilkinson (R) -The Register contacted Wilkinson's campaign by email on Nov.26 and again on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Question 5 - Where do you stand on the current private ballot (aka 'card check') issue for unionization -and why?

Responses:

Dist.11

Kathy Castor (D) -The Register contacted Castor's campaign by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) -In a phone interview with this paper on Dec.9, Adams said that he strongly disagreed not only with the union ballots being made public but also with the concept of unions in general. On the former point, Adams pointed out the a public ballot could not only expose workers to intimidation and arm-twisting tactics from union bosses but also likewise from over-eager big business -and would be bad overall -hinting at a comparison between secret union ballots and secret presidential votes by citizens. In regard to unions, he said that he used to work in a northeastern U.S. state in which, due to local laws and workplace rules, one had to be a member of a union to have a job. Adams said that the unions not only took excessive monies from its members but also did not adequately represent them before the big business interests.

Tony Buntyn (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.24, Buntyn gave this response: "5)   Card Check – Fully opposed to anything other than a secret ballot for Union."

Thomas Castellano (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.09, Castellano gave this response: "I am against Card Check. Card check robs workers of their right to a secret ballot election. Employees are forced to cast their votes in front of union organizers and fellow employees. It also contains requirements that mandate that the Fed Government impose contract terms on private business through a process of mandatory binding interest arbitration. This is an attempt by unions to ultimately put non-union companies out of business. It is also an attempt to increase membership to increase dues. Those dues would be invested in one political party.

The union membership is only 8 percent of the total workforce, yet they control 30 to 40 percent of the politicians in Congress. They control my current representative. (Just look at who her contributors are.) What happens when membership increases to 10 percent and they control 50 to 60 percent of the workforce?

What happens is we move closer to a one political party system. Guess which party!

Basically, unions raise cost on building projects and take away fair competition."

Herb Coachman (R) -This reporter spoke with Coachman on Dec.02 in person and asked his stance on this issue but has not received any response as of press time.

Scott Thomas Keller (R) -The Register contacted Keller by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Dist.12

Lori Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Lori Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Randy Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Doug Tudor (D) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.03, Tudor gave this response: "I support and will vote to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, as I believe it will help to ensure that workers wanting to collectively bargain in their workplace will have a fighting chance against the corporate giants." -- Editor's Note: The Register contacted Tudor for clarification on this reply, since it was not clear whether he supported mandating that workers' ballots for unionization be made public; in an email response received by this reporter on Dec.05, Tudor gave this clarification: "Flash, For decades the employers have used intimidation tactics and outright violence to defeat workers’ attempt to organize. While the EFCA is not perfect, I believe we should err on the side of the workers, which includes having a public ballot. You can view my response to Adam Putnam on this question at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXOq0MDVD6k," where Tudor says: "...as far as the secret ballot, I think we can do in the workplace the same thing we do in the Congress, uh, we make people stand up and be accountable for their vote."

Thomas Snider (L) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.01, Snider gave this response: "Answer: I am definitely, 100% against Card Check. It gives far too much power to one group of citizens over another group (Unions over Business owners) and removes all the protections that workers and business owners have to protect themselves from union actions."

John Lindsey (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.04, Lindsey gave this response: "I am against "Card Check" as it will do away with the concept of the secret ballot. It is ironic that the Unions want to do away with the very thing they fought so hard for. "Card Check" is a way for the unions to increase they membership which has been steadily declining. I would push to de-unionize all federal employees."

Dennis Ross (R) -The Register contacted Ross' campaign by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Wilkinson (R) -The Register contacted Wilkinson's campaign by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Question 6 - Where do you stand on the various (federal) bailouts that have been passed in recent months.

Responses:

Dist.11

Kathy Castor (D) -The Register contacted Castor's campaign by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time. (Editor's Note: Castor was the only Florida Democrat who voted against the recent bailouts -both the 29Sept.2008 Troubled Assets Relief Program 'T.A.R.P.' bailout defeated 228-205 in the House and the 03Oct.2008 'Mortgage' bailout -the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 -which passed 263-171 in the House.)

Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) -This reporter spoke with Adams on Nov.24 in person and asked whether there were any further clarifications he could add to the statements on his websites regarding the bailout -and, seeing none, accepts the online posting. -Editor's Note: Adams has strongly opposed the concept of the various recent bailouts in both his website and YouTube postings, as listed in the additional links section.

Tony Buntyn (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.24, Buntyn gave this response: "6)   Bailouts – Generally against bailouts, I believe in the power of the free market economy. The Government should not get involved in rescuing failing business. When a business fails, even one as large as GM, other businesses will purchase the profitable elements of the business."

Thomas Castellano (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.09, Castellano gave this response:
         "The federal bailout of GM with tax dollars was a waste of taxpayer money. The reason they needed the bailout was because the largest expense GM had was "labor benefits" Their largest "cost of sales" was health care. Has any of that Changed? All that was achieved with the bailout was a delay on the inevitable. GM will fail. They have already asked for more bailout money. Then they say they will payback a billion dollars but it was the bailout money that they are paying back. Not profits from sales.
         If GM were allowed to fail, what would happen is what happens to small businesses everyday. Everything is auctioned off and the other automobile manufactures would have purchased property, machinery, different parts divisions and would have started to employ some of the people who would have lost jobs. This Bailout was nothing more than a payoff to the unions who caused the problem in the first place."
         Look at Chrysler. Fiat stepped up to the plate to buy them out or merge. That should have happened with GM and in my opinion would have happened to GM.
         Now, the tax payer is on the hook for billions.

The 2nd Stimulus Package
I am totally against the stimulus package. Especially when there were no strings attached. Some banks were even forced to take the deal. AIG's first item on their agenda was to have a big party. Then, they started paying bonuses to their exec's. Never mind the people who lost billions of dollars of investment money because of AIG. They should have been paid back first. Then, if there were anything left, "Have a Party."

Bank of America took the money and bought Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch lost billions of investment dollars. Most of those dollars were retirement investments for people like me, and included me. What does Merrill Lynch do? They pay bonuses to their exec's. To hell with the taxpayer who funded the bonus. The taxpayer got burnt twice. First by the mismanagement of their investments and then by their tax dollars used to bailout and then helping buy the banks out.

None of the Stimulus money has reached down to the "Little People" IE: the taxpayer. The banks received the money and kept it. They are hoarding it. They should be on the television show "HOARDERS".

Small businesses haven't received a dime. Banks are not lending the money. So, small businesses are laying off to the tune of 10.2 percent and small business bankruptcies are up 23 percent. In Hillsborough County the unemployment rate is 11.7 percent.

Government does not create jobs. Businesses create jobs. Businesses need customers who spend money. When the banks and financial institutions who were given money with the expectation of it trickling down to the taxpayer keep it, then small business doesn't get the customers needed to hire people who will pay taxes.

I am against TARP.

I am against Cap and Trade.

What I am for is knowing where my tax dollars are going. I am for accountability. I am for less government. I am for the American people.

ps: is anything ever "off the record?"
TOMMY CASTELLANO
CASTELLANO AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING., INC.
"KEEPING YOU COOL WHEN THINGS GET HOT." "

Herb Coachman (R) -Editor's Note: See Coachman's answer to question 3 above.

Scott Thomas Keller (R) -The Register contacted Keller by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Dist.12

Lori Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Lori Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on her voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Edwards (D) -The Register contacted Randy Edwards by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Doug Tudor (D) -In an email response received by The Register on Nov.29, Tudor gave this response: "Wall street bailouts would never get my vote, though I do believe that increased federal spending is necessary to reverse the damage caused by 30 years of Reaganomics. I believe, though, that prior to any monies being allocated, we have to have a tough regulatory system in place to ensure the monies are not subjected to fraud, waste, or abuse. I advocate the return of the Civil Conservation Corps and the Public Works Project, so that shovel-ready projects can proceed – creating jobs and repairing our failing infrastructure."

Thomas Snider (L) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.01, Snider gave this response: "Answer: I am against them, one and all. I’m a firm believer in the free market system and believe that if the company makes decisions that bring about its failure, it should fail. Regardless of its size and ‘importance’ to the American economy, it should be allowed to fail. Other companies who are well run will step in and pick up the pieces and will learn from the mistakes of the predecessor. All we do by providing these bailouts is tell those who made the mistakes that it is fine, we can make others pay for your mistakes, and they learn nothing of value from the action. It is key to remember that mistakes are a natural part of being human, but so is learning from those mistakes, making themselves better in the process."

John Lindsey (R) -In an email response received by The Register on Dec.04, Lindsey gave this response: "It is time for this country to once again support "Capitalism" and the "Free-enterprise System" NO more bailouts!!!! People (companies) have to be free to "succeed" or "fail" without government interference. The government cannot decide who wins and who loses in the economy. It is deplorable that Communist nations are moving to capitalism and the US is moving towards socialism."

Dennis Ross (R) -The Register contacted Ross' campaign by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

Randy Wilkinson (R) -The Register contacted Wilkinson's campaign by email on Nov.30 and left messages on his voice mail but has not received any response as of press time.

----

On The Net:

Present Congressional Candidates:

U.S. House, District 11

Kathy Castor (D) - Castor.House.gov / CastorForCongress.com / Facebook.com/KathyCastor
Eddie Adams, Jr. (R) - AdamsForCongress.org / YouTube.com/EddieAdamsJr / Letter: (Mirror 1) / (Mirror 2)
Tony Buntyn (R) - TonyBuntyn.com / "Tony Buntyn For Congress" (Facebook)
Thomas Castellano (R) - CastellanoForCongress.com / CastellanoAir.com / AirCastellano.com
Herb Coachman (R) - Flyers: (Mirror 1) / (Mirror 2) (Left-click in Internet Explorer to magnify)
Scott Thomas Keller (R) - "Scott Keller for Congress 2010 and the best possible future" (Facebook) / ScottKellerForPresident.org / WRHammons.com/keller-for-congress.htm

U.S. House, District 12

Lori Edwards (D) - PolkElections.com / Edwards2010.com
Randy Edwards (D) - RandyEdwardsForCongress.org / "Randy Edwards for Congress" (Facebook)
Doug Tudor (D) - TeamTudor.org / YouTube.com/DougTudorDotCom / YouTube.com/Tudor4America / Tudor-Putnam Debate (Tudor's copy) / Tudor-Putnam Debate (Watts' copy) / Tudor-Putnam Debate (Cache 1) / Tudor-Putnam Debate (Cache 2)
Thomas Snider (L) - SniderForCongress.com / WRHammons.com/snider-for-congress.htm Editor's Note: The WRHammons page incorrectly lists Snider as a Republican; he is a Libertarian.
John Lindsey (R) - Twitter.com/JohnLindsey
Dennis Ross (R) - ElectDennisRoss.com / "The OFFICIAL Dennis Ross for Congress Facebook Group" (Facebook)
Randy Wilkinson (R) - Polk County Commissioner, Randy Wilkinson (Polk-County.net) / Twitter.com/YourVoiceInDC / YourVoiceInDC.com

Other persons mentioned in article:

Rick Dantzler (D) - FVSLaw.com/Bio/RichardDantzler.html
Bradley Kallhoff (R) - RHammons.com/kallhoff-for-congress.htm
Adam Putnam (R) - House.gov/putnam / AdamPutnam.com / Facebook.com/AdamPutnam
Steven Craig Stanford (R) - SteveStanford.us
Baxter Troutman (R) - Profile for Rep. Troutman (MyFloridaHouse.gov)

Other off-site resources:

Federal Elections Commission: FECgov
Florida Department of State, Division of Elections: Election.DOS.State.Fl.us
Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections: VoteHillsborough.org
Polk Supervisor of Elections: PolkElections.com

Misc. News Media

Politics 1: Politics1.com/fl.htm / PoliticsOne.com/fl.htm
The Green Papers: Fla 2010 Midterm Election / Fla 2009 General Election
DC Political Report: DCPoliticalReport.com/FL.htm
US Elections: USElections.com/fl/fl.htm
Open Congress: Wiki.OpenCongress.org/wiki/FL-11 / Wiki.OpenCongress.org/wiki/FL-12 / OpenCongress.org/wiki/FL-11 / OpenCongress.org/wiki/FL-12

Local Navigation:
* http://www.GordonWayneWatts.com
* http://www.GordonWatts.com
* http://GordonWayneWatts.BlogSpot.com
* http://www.YouTube.com/GordonWayneWatts
* http://Gordon_Watts.Tripod.com/consumer.html



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