Gordon Watts for Congress - © Copyright 2008-2011, all rights reserved as such: Permission is hereby granted to reproduce part or all of this web page, so long as attribution is given by name and link.

Gordon Wayne Watts for Congress -Officially registered "Write-in" candidate for Dist. 64, Fla. House of Representatives: " Remember - you must "Write in" my name (GORDON WAYNE WATTS) in the blank space if you want to "throw out" the other candidates and get me elected." My name is not going to be on the ballot: You must fill in the oval to the left of the blank space, and print (write-in) my name (and spell it right), to vote for me: "GORDON WAYNE WATTS" ~ UPDATE: This is my old campaign page for the 2008 election cycle; it is outdated, but I'm leaving it up as a source of cool ideas for the current crop of candidates and elected officials.

"Gordon" like FLASH GORDON, the super hero, "Wayne" like John Wayne, the actor, and "Watts" like 100 Watts -or like Bobby Watts, my father, who runs Bobby Watts Speed Shop and Engine Parts. The elections supervisor's office is telling me that you must spell my name correctly, as it appears on the paperwork submitted. (Link: here or here)

*** *** BIOGRAPHY *** ***To top of page
Childhood - lived in Hillsborough County and graduated from Plant City Senior High School, class of 1984, earning a scholarship to Hillsborough Community College, where I went for three consecutive semesters.

Education - I have a double major with honours (BS, Biological and Chemical Science, The Florida State University, 2000) and am valedictorian from electronics college (AS, Electronics Technology, United Electronics Institute, now DBA Fla Metropolitan College, 1988). Both before and after graduation, I have worked part-time jobs, including State Licensed Security Guard, which requires a stiff background check. May 2008 - July 2008 took supplemental theology study for personal enrichment at the “Evangelical University,” at the First Baptist Church of Plant City, and got an “A” in the Intro to Prophecy course.

While looking for jobs in this depressed economy, I took time off from my job search to go to court and directly intervene in the Terri Schiavo case, because of civil rights violations. Although I fought against Jeb Bush’s “Teri’s Law,” in court, on the grounds it was not practical or necessary, I made a better legal argument to get her much-needed medical care and address her illegal placement in a hospice when she was not terminally ill. I lost my case on a slim 4-3 split vote:

* Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus, In Re: GORDON WAYNE WATTS (as next friend of THERESA MARIE “TERRI” SCHIAVO), No. SC03-2420 (Fla. Feb.23, 2003), denied 4-3 on rehearing. (See “Page 5” following.)

My lawsuit did markedly better then The Governor’s similar programme -and all other attempts to save Terri:

* In Re: JEB BUSH, GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA, ET AL. v. MICHAEL SCHIAVO, GUARDIAN: THERESA SCHIAVO, No. SC04-925 (Fla. Oct.21, 2004), denied 7-0 on rehearing. (See “Pages” 6 & 7 following.)

CURRENTLY: I am fighting civil rights violations of a state court system, whose judges and justices insist on not following court rules, and I am also running for Congress.

*** *** IMPORTANT LINKS *** ***To top of page

* Kelli Stargel Wins Florida House District 64, The Ledger, By ROBIN WILLIAMS ADAMS, Published: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.

* Write-Ins Are Right, The Ledger, Letter: By Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D., write-in candidate for Dist. 64 House (Protesting discrimination against write-ins by newspapers and local political organizations), Published: Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 1:40 a.m.

* Write-In Loophole, The Ledger, Letter: By Gordon Wayne Watts, write-in candidate for Dist. 64 House (Speaking out against opponent, Kelli Stargel's exploitation of a loophole in the law that lets her continue to fund-raise & spend big bucks in her campaign when other community needs exist), Published: Friday, October 31, 2008 at 2:29 a.m.

* Showing Real Leadership: Regarding "Return Incumbents To U.S. House" (Our Opinion, Oct. 16):, The Tampa Tribune, (Letters to the Editor) 5th Letter on page: By GORDON WAYNE WATTS, Republican, candidate for Dist. 64 House (alleging that Doug Tudor is more fiscally and socially conservative & deserving of vote, than Adam Putnam; using humour and reference to the bailout), Published: October 19, 2008

* Subject: correction / apology, GordonWayneWatts.com, PRESS RELEASE: Mr. Watts clarifies a misunderstanding regarding the 'Write-In' law loophole, Published: 10/18/2008 9:57:23 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time

* [ STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DIST. 64 ] State Representative, Dist. 64: Kelli Stargel, The Ledger, Editorial, Published: Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 12:40 a.m.

* Stargel Faces Write-In's Smith, Watts, The Ledger, By ROBIN WILLIAMS ADAMS, Published: Published: Friday, October 17, 2008 at 8:50 p.m.

* Subject: Re: Where do you stand on marriage?, GordonWayneWatts.com, PRESS RELEASE: Mr. Watts replies to a voter's questions on Marriage and Amendment 2, Published: 10/17/2008 1:33:11 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time

* Public Forum for Candidates Set, (News Brief) The Ledger, By news staff, Published: Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Summary: On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., The League of Women Voters of Polk County is hosting a public forum for state congressional candidates for the Florida State House and Senate. The meeting is scheduled Polk County Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., in the Polk County Commission chambers, on the first floor.)

* Smith Is A Write-in Candidate For Seat, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Phillip Walker, The Ledger, Letter: By PHILLP WALKER, Republican, former candidate for Dist. 64 House (giving gratitude to friends and competitors for their support), Published: Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Candidates Finding That Four Corners Voters Are Vital for Their Success: Hopefuls for state Legislature realize the importance of this area's views., THE REPORTER, By MIKE GROGAN, Published: Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* New: Time to stop the pretenders, The Ocala Star-Banner, Editorial, Published: Friday, September 5, 2008 at 6:30 a.m., (Excerpt: "Now that Marion County Republican Executive Committee member Tony Tortora's sham write-in candidacy for the County Commission has ended, it's time, once again, to urge state lawmakers to fix the election loophole that mocks our political process.")

* Election Results, Supervisor of Elections, POLK COUNTY, Florida

* Stargel Wins House Primary, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.

* State House District 64: VOTER GUIDE, for the Tue. 26 Aug 2008 Primary, The Ledger

* POLK COUNTY 2008 Primary Voter Guide, for the Tue. 26 Aug 2008 Primary, Other Counties' Guides, Official Website, Christian Coalition

* Write-In Candidates, The Ledger, Letter: By Gordon Wayne Watts, write-in candidate for Dist. 64 House (explaining surprises in the Florida Election Law), Published: Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 1:34 a.m.

* [ STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DIST. 64, R ] C.J. 'Jack' English III, The Ledger, Editorial, Published: Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* The GOP 3: Legislative Candidates Aim Conservative Messages at North Polk, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.

* Tax Plan Not Enough, Candidates Agree, The Ledger, Unsigned report, Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Stargel Leads in Campaign Contributions in District 64, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Monday, August 11, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.

* Contributions in District 64 Race, The Ledger, Unsigned report, Published: Monday, August 11, 2008 at 10:20 p.m.

* USA International Speedway, The Ledger, Letter: By Dr. Alton C. Smith, PhD, write-in candidate for Dist. 64 House (explaining importance of small businesses), Published: Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Term Limits Put New Names on Ballots: One Senate seat and 3 House spots are races affecting Four Corners. THE REPORTER, By Mike Grogan, Published: Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Ambler Shouldn't Spend To Beat Shadow, The Tampa Tribune, Editorial, Published: August 1, 2008 (Excerpt: "A loophole in elections law allows State Rep. Kevin Ambler to campaign against a friend whose name won't even appear on the ballot. If the write-in candidate had not signed up to run, Ambler would have been unopposed.")

* Walker: Businesses Need to Be Nourished, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Friday, July 25, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Stargel: Fresh Perspective an Asset, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Friday, July 25, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* English: Focus on Schools, Insurance, The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Friday, July 25, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.

* Stargel's Wife Will Seek His Old State House Seat, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, Published: Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.

* "Voters Can Strike Back Against Abuses By Write-In Candidates," The Tampa Tribune, Editorial, Published: July 21, 2008

* "Dist. 64 Primary: 'Members Only'", The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, Published: Monday, July 21, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

* "Election 2008 | Florida House District 64: GOP Hopefuls Stress Common Themes," The Ledger, By Robin Williams Adams, Published: Friday, July 18, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

* English Pushes For Seat In House, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, Published: Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.

* "Hold the Phone! It's Getting Crowded in District 64.," The Ledger, POLK POLITICS Blog, By Tom Palmer, June 20, 2007 2:59:43 PM

* "Strip Write-In Candidates Of Power To Close Any One-Party Race," The Tampa Tribune, Editorial, Published: June 30, 2008

* "A Race For All Polk Voters," The Ledger, Editorial, Published: Friday, June 27, 2008 at 6:10 a.m.

* "Election Qualifiers See Some Surprises," The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

* "Republican Activist Will Run for Office," The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, Published: Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.

* "Walker's Got His Political Track Shoes On," The Ledger, POLK POLITICS Blog, By Tom Palmer, Posted May 25, 2007 4:56:52 PM

* "2 Candidates for House Seat Raise More Than the Job Pays," The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, Published: Friday, February 29, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

The Register web resources:

| Gordon Watts - personal website | | Gordon Watts alt. personal website |

*** *** Meet The Other Candidates *** ***To top of page
Since the chart is in alphabetical order, which places Phillip Walter on the far right edge (sometimes hard to see in 800x600 screen resolution), I will list the other candidates in REVERSE alphabetical order to be fair

* I remember Phillip Walker back a few years ago (2004) when he was running for a commission seat, and I called him to talk about the high speed rail. He and I and Sen. Paula Dockery exchanged a few emails as I asked questions about Dockey's proposal. One thing that stands out in my mind was that I was glad that minorities such as Phil (he's African American) were participating in Republican politics in spite of the low numbers of minorities in the GOP. Another thing that I remember was that Phil was glad to share his views and answer questions I may have about the proposed rail project that Sen. Dockery and her husband C.C. "Doc" Dockery were advocating at that time. It was all in the news back then. While I don't know Phil that well, I always appreciated his polite personality and dedication to advocating fiscally responsible and conservative values and a positive atmosphere -even in his eventual defeat in that race. Lastly, when I signed up as a write-in candidate, I had not paid any attention to who all were running, but then I realized that I had slammed the door shut on all registered Democrats who might have otherwise been able to vote for him. I asked Phil if he thought that I had hurt his chances in the primary or if he were offended. He was not even in the slightest bit offended, and that is the true mark of character. In retrospect, I am glad that he was as conservative as he is, because, with only Republicans voting in this race, whether he wins or loses, he will have a strong showing -and it will only lead to positive things in the political ambiance of Polk County. Even though I think I am more qualified on most fronts than all four of my opponents, here, no matter which of us gets in, he or she will be very qualified -but this is a tough job to be sure. Phil has a lot of good ideas and experience -and the patient temperament to look at these issues, so if he gets elected, we will have a qualified voice to speak for us. This is not in doubt as shown by the fact that he is long-time Allstate insurance agent -and has shown dedication, desire, and endurance, all qualities that show excellence.

* I remember Kelli Stargel back a few years ago, as well, when her husband, former Rep. John Stargel, ran in 2002 -and then again in 2006. I vividly remember going to his office shortly after he announced his candidacy and asking him to clarify a few uncertainties. Although I was planning on voting for his opponent, an older gentleman, John struck me as someone who sincerely cared about his constituents -or potential constituents as it may be. I remember how John and Kelli listened as I explained that I wanted a lawyer (John was a lawyer at that time) to go to court about my having been kicked off some property (when I was a student at FSU) because, according to the official police report, someone was offended by a small Native American Indian feather I was wearing to show my ethnic heritage. (As a light-skinned Native American, it is not always apparent I am a minority.) I had attended a Republican function, wearing a feather, to demonstrate to others that the Republicans were NOT prejudiced, as some had said, but somehow it backfired. While John did not feel he had the specialty training to take on my case, he listened patiently and gave me his honest thoughts. Later, when I was illegally denied a mandatory hearing in my attempt to seek enforcement of some Florida recount laws in a race in which I was a voter who was deprived, I asked then Representative John Stargel to look into impeachment proceedings against that particular law-breaking judge. I admit I was greatly disappointed that he did not succeed in initiating hearings, but I honestly feel he made an A-1 effort. His effort was put to the test when he sponsored the failed "Terri's Law" for Terri Schindler-Schiavo in the House, and most certainly made a lot of enemies in the process. Even though I feel I might try harder and be more determined than Kelli, I think that if she somehow got elected, it would be good -as she is most certainly a conservative, pro-life patriot, like myself.

* I also remember my surprise when I found out that there was another "write-in" candidate -and more shocking, was that he was a Democrat. Why would a Democrat slam the door shut on fellow-Democrats in the primary? I am sure it was not intentional, but, since I wanted to know about all the candidates about whom I might vote -and to run against -I called up Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D., a retired former missionary. I was exceptionally glad to hear him tell me that he did not support abortion. He is just as conservative as us Republicans -although he said he disagreed with me about my assessment of him being a conservative. Dr. Smith, who has is Ph.D. in Education, was kind enough to provide me with a PDF document which outlined in detail his stand on the issues -and his biography -for the voters. Even though Dr. Smith is running against me, I see that he is a write-in candidate -and both of us are Christians. He kept his word to send me his position paper, and I will do my best to keep my word to give his candidacy some exposure -even though he is my opponent, it is only honourable. Since Dr. Smith's name will NOT appear on the ballot (like me, the other write-in candidate), and thus it will be MUCH HARDER for people to vote for us, I will take the liberty to give him extra space on my page -above and beyond the other three candidates, whose names WILL appear on the primary ballot -with the primary winner appearing on the General Election Ballot.

Did you catch that? To vote for me -or Dr. Smith, you will effectively take an "essay test," which is fill in the blank, MUCH harder when you have a "multiple choice" ballot with a name right there in front of you.

Remember: We are all running for Dist. 64, Fla. House of Representatives, and to vote for a "write-in" you put the person's exact name on the blank space provided. Moving on...

I have provided a detailed chart with as much information on all five (5) candidates as is reasonably possible, so, please be patient if I omit something or mischaracterize a viewpoint.

Dr. Smith does seem slightly liberal on one point of providing universal health care, which he personally found helpful one time he was ill, but he is still (in my opinion) a fiscal conservative: He will not (I am sure) seek to spend more than we have -as he has suggested in his statements about a balanced budget.

Dr. Smith told me he wanted to run to give voters an alternative choice: He is, indeed, the ONLY Democrat in this race, and I am sad that he could not have gotten past the qualifying fee or required number of petitions to be listed on the ballot.

In closing, while it is VERY unlikely that either of us "write-ins" will win the general election against the primary winner, the constitutional forefathers put in this provision in case the government was getting WAY out of control and a poor person wanted to run but couldn't afford the filing fee. OK, fine, but people are too complacent and apathetic to even vote at all in many cases, let alone vote for a candidate whose name won't appear on the ballot, but all I've got to say is this: If the eventual winner doesn't tackle the problems, the losers (whomever it may be) will say "I told you so," so chose wisely!

Here is a link to the church where is is on staff -and another link showing his missionary work:
* http://newlifeoflakeland.org/Staff.html * http://agts.edu/rapport/2005winter/alumni_news.html

Here are links to his other paperwork:
* DrAltonCSmithEmail.html (Dr. Smith's original email to me.)
* PositionsAndResume.pdf An updated version of his Positions and Résumé (292 KB, a small PDF file)
* PositionsAndResume.doc An updated version of his Positions and Résumé (1.551 MB, a *large* Microsoft Word *.doc file)

* Lastly, I remember calling C.J. "Jack" English because I didn't find as much as I had wanted on his campaign page. Jack didn't know me from Adam, but he was kind enough to take about an hour -maybe more -to clarify his views on some issues. Particularly important was an article by Bill Rufty, The "Lakeland" Ledger's political writer: In this article, Rufty did mention three key areas in which Jack wanted to make some improvements and contributions. The article is here:

"English Pushes For Seat In House," By Bill Rufty, The Ledger, Published: Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.
http://www.theledger.com/article/20070714/NEWS/707140400

I'll let you judge whether Rufty does a good job explaining Jack's views on things -or not!

The bottom line, though, is this: While Rufty didn't explain it to my liking, when I was able to read from the article, Jack was kind enough to fill in the blanks -and provide some VERY good ideas for our community that I hadn't heard anywhere else in recent memory. As you'll see, Jack is only listed on three spots on my chart, but that's all I could find out. (I could not find many "issues" on his own campaign page, much to my disappointment.) But, as much as I don't like that, the three ideas he did clarify to me were very critically important to our community. Water, a "new" take on the FCAT (education), and Florida's role in the insurance industry. Since Jack used to be a licensed real estate agent, he had a running head start on this matter.

Since Jack's ideas were approaches I had not heard about in recent times, but were very good ways to address these problems, I felt it would be disrespectful of me to miss the opportunity to take notes and share his suggestions with others. I hope Jack clarifies on his website or elsewhere what ideas he might have for the roadways (that that one unclear thing in Rufty's article that I overlooked asking him about).

Several places that these issues might be discussed are the "forums" on The Ledger, the columnists sections, their blogs, the candidates' campaign pages, and, of course, the mainstream news media.

While Jack did not know me before I called him that day, he had heard of my father's auto parts business, since he, too, was into racing and cars. I was glad to know several mutual acquaintances and get a friendly reception, so I hope that I am being as productive in what I give back as what I have received.

All in all, I am certain that I have offended some Democrats and Independent voters by 'rudely' slamming the door shut -but had I not done so, this problematic (and stupid) loophole in the law would remain open, and so I am hoping that those Democrats so affected in POLK COUNTY will join hands with me (the voice of the noble "Rule of Law" Republicans) -and join with the various local news media outlets who have rightly decried this abuse of the system -and, together, I think we can make a change, and make for a more positive and friendly political atmosphere than previously before.

Now, just what exactly the proposed law should read is up for debate, but one thing seems clear to me: The entry of a "write-in" candidate should NOT affect the voter pool -whether to open or close a primary from it's previous state. That is manipulation -and gives abuse an open door -one that needs to be shut -no matter who wins these various races.

*** *** ELECTION LAW REFORM *** ***To top of page
UPDATE: Mr. Watts has proposed legislation to correct this loophole in the law and stop this abuse: (Click here)
* Mr. Watts is working with Lawmakers (Minority Democratic Whip, Sen. Dave Aronberg, and local lawmaker, Majority Republican Whip, Sen. Paula Dockery), to close this loophole to prevent this type abuse from occurring in the future -to prevent future victims of the system.
Official Websites:
* DaveAronberg.com
* FL Senate listing - Sen. Paula Dockery (Republican)
* FL Senate listing - Sen. Dave Aronberg (Democrat)
* (Click here for details on Mr. Watts' proposed legislation.)

Florida is always getting in trouble for somehow figuring new ways to disenfranchise voters. Now, a primary can be open or closed dependent on whether a "write-in" candidate slips in and "closes the door." This is plain stupid, because the outcome of a primary can be drastically altered if it is opened or closed to party outsiders. If we close the primaries, pursuant to Florida Law 101.021, then there should be no exceptions. If we make exceptions in some cases, such as ARTICLE VI, SECTION 5(b) of the Florida Constitution:

ARTICLE VI
SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS
SECTION 5. Primary, general, and special elections.--
(b) If all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election, all qualified electors, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the primary elections for that office.

History.--Am. S.J.R. 162, 1992; adopted 1992; Am. proposed by Constitution Revision Commission, Revision No. 11, 1998, filed with the Secretary of State May 5, 1998; adopted 1998.

...then primaries should be open in all cases (or at least open if the only opposition is a write-in candidate) -this would keep "write in" candidates, such as myself, from "changing the rules mid-flight," a good thing, because it would afford some stability -and make the "Rule of Law" less susceptible to the capricious whims of a mere "write-in" candidate -such as myself. Put another way, I was able to "slip in" the back door to change the rules -but I am honest enough to at least try to *lock* the door after myself -if, that is, I am elected and allowed to write a new law to do so.

Additionally, Florida Law 101.021, cited above, is so poorly written that it does not even mention there are exceptions (as shown in the Constitution, also above), and, if you didn't know any better, you would think there are no exceptions: Poorly written laws must be fixed or removed -no matter who wins this election.

*** *** ELECTION FRAUD *** ***To top of page
* If you're a liberal, then I'm your candidate: I did my dead-level best to obtain a recount for Janet Reno in the 2002 Florida Primary. Observe:
Watts v Fla Dept of State, No. SC04-66, appeal from 1D02-5120 and Watts v Fla Dept of State, No. SC03-385, appeal from 1D02-4272 No, I didn't try to help Janet Reno just to get former Gov. Jeb Bush an "easy" opponent: Look at the court's docket: I kept up the fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, long after Jeb was seated! See my court brief for details of my fight to get all the votes counted according to Florida Law -which many people broke that election: Initial Brief (here) or Initial Brief (copy)
* If you're a CONSERVATIVE, then I'm also your candidate: I upheld the rule of law, and don't get all uptight about me helping a liberal democrat, Janet Reno: The law protects her -and, the "Rule of Law" stands above partisan politics -and furthermore, when we don't protect the "Rule of Law," then we effectively say it's OK for us to be mistreated in court.
*** Whether you're a conservative or a liberal, I am fighting for your rights to avoid yet another "Florida Recount" problem -which seems to happen every single election cycle!

*** *** LIFE ISSUES *** ***To top of page
*** TERRI SCHIAVO ***
* If you were upset that Gov. Jeb Bush stuck his nose into the Schiavo matter, I am your candidate: I fought very hard against his legal filings:
AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF BY AMICUS GORDON WATTS in support of Appellee, Michael Schiavo’s petition to affirm (saved copy: here) and Motion to file in support of Michael Schiavo (saved copy: here)
* If, however, you are pro-life, and wanted Terri to live, then I am also your candidate: I lost my pro se bid to save Terri by a 4-3 margin, picking up 42.9% of my panel's vote, in Florida's Supreme Court. My case, SC03-2420, is shown here and a saved copy is here. Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, by contrast, went before the same court in case number SC04-925. Bush's rehearing, unlike mine, was denied by a 7-0 margin, picking up 0.0% of his panel's vote. Thus, my experience and ability to speak with some credibility is shown by the fact that he did markedly better in his rehearing before the same panel than Bush. Governor Jeb Bush's case is shown: here and a save copy is here. I am also listed on page 17 of 25 in this Federal Court's opinion: Court Website Copy or Saved copy of case No. 05-11628. Related case here in the Tampa Tribune. David Gibbs, III, of the Christian Law Firm, lost 2-1 in Federal Court, only garnering 33.3% of his panel's vote.
*** ABORTION ***
* If you are "pro-choice," I am your candidate: I believe in a woman's choice to defend her life, if it is justified, by any means necessary. As a biology student (FSU, with honors, double major, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Bachelor's, 2000), I understand that sometimes things like an ectopic pregnancy can occur, which threaten the life of the mother, with no chance of the baby living. Thus, it is only logical to understand "self-defense" justifies killing the baby, whose development would jeopardize the woman's health.
* If, however, you are "pro-life," I am also your candidate: (abortion appears to be both illegal and unconstitutional) I understand that the baby's "personhood" and requisite moral rights to life are not affected by his or her place of residence. Thus, killing an unborn baby, to avoid prejudicial and partial treatment, should (morally) be treated in no different manner than if he/she were already born. Therefore, killing the baby ("born" or "unborn") for reasons other than legitimate and genuine self-defense, would, logically, be placed in one of the following two categories: Manslaughter or murder.
* (abortion appears to be impractical and a bad idea) "I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born." ~Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980 http://www.quotegarden.com/abortion.html
"I'VE noticed that these people for abortion are ALIVE because someone in THEIR life was AGAINST abortion!" ~ Gordon Wayne Watts (myself, me)
* (abortion appears to be very immoral) "41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:...44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy." LUKE 1:41, 44 (Holy Bible, KJV)
NOTE: It says the unborn John, the Baptist, was a BABY, not a 'blob of tissue.'

*** *** SECOND AMENDMENT ISSUES *** ***To top of page
U.S. Constitution: Second Amendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
The SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES in DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v. HELLER (No. 07-290; Argued March 18, 2008—Decided June 26, 2008) 478 F. 3d 370, affirmed the lower court's decision and held that "1. The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home." (Pp. 2–53)
* If you don't like guns, then I am your candidate: I am not a big fan of guns, myself.
* If you are an avid supporter of the Right To Bear Arms, then I am your candidate: I pledge to do my best to help FLORIDA "catch up" to UTAH'S state laws regarding firearms -because a reasoned review of their state's laws has shown that their methods have reduced or eliminated all college, school, and university shootings. Observe:

"Utah students hide guns, head to class" CNN: Feb. 21, 2008 - http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/20/cnnu.guns/index.html

"Utah only state to allow guns at college" AP: April 28, 2007 - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18355953

For an opposing view, see: "More Guns on Campus?" By Suzanne Smalley, Feb. 15, 2008 - http://www.newsweek.com/id/112174

While the right to bear arms is a good ("wise as a serpent") deterrent to crime, the true solution must (be "innocent as the dove" and) include a change in the heart of the people from sinful to righteous. Only by combining both of these methods will we make practical headway against crime.

"Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves." (Words of Jesus in Red; Matthew 10:16, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version)

"Then He said to them, But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword." (Words of Jesus in Red; Luke 22:36, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version)

"When the strong man, fully armed, [from his courtyard] guards his own dwelling, his belongings are undisturbed [his property is at peace and is secure]." (Words of Jesus in Red; Luke 11:21, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version)

17 Those who built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves so that everyone worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other hand,
18 And every builder had his sword girded by his side, and so worked. And he who sounded the trumpet was at my side.
19 And I said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people, The work is great and scattered, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another.
20 In whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.
21 So we labored at the work while half of them held the spears from dawn until the stars came out.
22 At that time also I said to the people, Let everyone with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that at night they may be a guard to us and a laborer during the day.
23 So none of us--I, my kinsmen, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me--took off our clothes; each kept his weapon [in his hand for days].
--Nehemiah 4:17-23, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version

UPDATE: Although I lost my run for state house, I shall now include something that should have been mentioned then (as a campaign promise / pledge, no less) -and must not be forgotten:

I pledge to do my best to help FLORIDA "catch up" to TEXAS' state laws regarding firearms -because a reasoned review of their state's laws has shown that their methods have reduced or eliminated HIGH-SCHOOL (Columbine-type) shootings -in like manner as the laws referenced above (which pretty much eliminated college Virginia-Tech-type shootings). Observe:

* "In Texas School, Teachers Carry Books and Guns" (By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr., August 28, 2008) New York Times: "Barely 100 students attend classes at Harrold, a tiny town in north-central Texas. But the school board's decision to allow teachers to carry concealed weapons has drawn national attention." - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/29/us/29texas.html

* "Readin', writin', 'rithmetic — and now maybe revolvers: North Texas school's teachers can carry guns" (By JENNIFER RADCLIFFE, Aug. 16, 2008) The Houston Chronicle: 'Thweatt said that despite the outrage from his public school peers, Harrold stands by its decision. The first few months of the new policy have gone smoothly, he said. "We think we have acted cautiously and wisely," said Thweatt. "Others should be free to govern their school districts as they see fit." Thweatt said the small community is a 30-minute drive from the sheriff's office, leaving students and teachers without protection. He said the district's lone campus is situated just 500 feet from heavily trafficked U.S. 287, which could make it a target.' - http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5947050.html

* "Guns for Texas school's teachers" (Saturday, 16 August 2008 02:06 UK) BBC: "Teachers in one part of the US state of Texas are to be allowed to carry concealed firearms when the new school term opens this month." - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7564654.stm

* "Texas Teachers Packing Heat" (August 19, 2008) U.S. News & World Report: - http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/08/19/texas-teachers-packing-heat.html

* "Texas School Teacher Guns" (Categories: Education) Mahalo.com.: "When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that’s when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can’t defend themselves? That’s like saying 'sic ’em’ to a dog." —quoting Harrold School Superintendent David Thweatt, as reported in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram article: "Small Texas school district lets teachers, staff pack pistols" (August 15, 2008) - http://www.mahalo.com/texas-school-teacher-guns

*** *** EDUCATION *** ***To top of page
Problem: Cost of education -even adjusted for inflation -has increased almost 10-fold, and while pork-barrel spending in colleges and universities has increased (e.g., extravagant salaries for their presidents/staff, useless building/lawn decorations, and unnecessary ‘clubs’), quality of education has decreased -because monies are wasted on pork-barrel perks and nonsense. For a more in-depth analysis of this problem, click *here* or here.

Proof of declining quality of education:

* U.S. Teens Trail Peers Around World on Math-Science Test, By Maria Glod, Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, December 5, 2007; Page A07

* U.S. falls in education rank compared to other countries, By Elaine Wu (U-Wire) Story posted: 10-04-2005 07:07, The Kapi‘o Newspress

* U.S. slips lower in coding contest: In what could be an ominous sign for the U.S. tech industry, American universities slipped lower in an international programming contest, By Ed Frauenheim, News.com, Posted on ZDNet News: Apr 7, 2005 9:04:00 PM

Proof of price-gouging: In the 1956-57 school year, a school year of college cost $138, which is $1,093.85 adjusted for inflation, but now, that same year co$ts $10,066, an almost ten-fold increase! (Source: Budgeteer News, By Virgil Swing, May 15, 2008)

Why colleges aren’t motivated to stop to this price-gouging: College loans have no consumer protections (like even credit cards do), but even defaulted loans don’t hurt colleges: The government backs the loan.

A common sense solution: Restore bankruptcy protection to college loans, and when colleges realize that exorbitant prices result in defaulted loans -which they (and not the taxpayer) will have to absorb -then they will have motivation to stop price-gouging students and run the schools like a business. Then, and only then, things like standardized testing will be able to gain traction -with proper funding and removal of motives to waste monies on frivolous perks, and America can once again stand tall in the technological marketplace. Plus, while students should *not* be given a free handout, I believe that those students who were overcharged should experience some level of debt forgiveness, so that Equal Protection is not violated in their differential treatment. Yes, this is a Federal issue, and I’m running for State office, but I have a clear grasp on the ideas -and can properly work with Federal officials to correct this graft and corruption.

In conclusion, how would YOU, my friend, like it if grocery stores and restaurants could charge *you* exorbitant prices for food/water and get away with it -simply because they had Federal backing -and then ruin *your* credit in the process? Vote for Gordon Wayne Watts. For more information, click here.

* * HEALTHCARE (Including: Social Security / Medicare) * *To top of page

HEALTHCARE: The Solution
Our nation is one of the richest in the world -we have some of the most advance medicine and health care in the world, but...

"Americans are living longer than ever, but not as long as people in 41 other countries...Dr Christopher Murray, head of the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, said: "Something's wrong here when one of the richest countries in the world, the one that spends the most on health care, is not able to keep up with other countries."

Source:
* "US tumbles down the world ratings list for life expectancy," The Guardian, Monday August 13, 2007 - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/aug/13/usa.ewenmacaskill
* "US Slipping in Life Expectancy Rankings: US Slipping in Life Expectancy Rankings; Other Nations Improving Health Care, Nutrition," By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer, WASHINGTON, August 12, 2007 (AP) - http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PictureOfHealth/wireStory?id=3471026
* "US Slipping in Life Expectancy Rankings," By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, The Associated Press, Sunday, August 12, 2007; 5:02 AM - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/12/AR2007081200113.html
* "U.S. life span shorter," By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer | August 11, 2007 - http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2007/08/11/us_life_span_shorter

The truth is hard to bear, but if you're ready for the truth (and see: the solution is not that hard), please visit one of my research mirrors, below:

* http://www.GordonWayneWatts.com/consumer.html
* http://www.GordonWatts.com/consumer.html
* http://gordon_watts.tripod.com/consumer.html

Social Security / Medicare
While I do support paying out on those who have paid in to the system, these programs should be 'sunsetted' and eliminated -- for three (3) critical reasons: Illegal, Immoral, and Impractical

(1) Illegal: Actually worse than that - Unconstitutional: The U.S. Constitution does NOT permit, allow, or authorise ANY use of ANY tax monies for these social programs. The argument most commonly used in support of social programs (Social Security, Medicare, Food Stamps, etc.) is the first clause of Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. constitution, which says: "The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States." Notice, if you would, however, that this clause (sometimes called the "General Welfare Clause" or the "Spending Power Clause") does NOT grant Congress the power to pass laws for use of tax monies for the general welfare of the country; this power is reserved ONLY to the states through the Tenth Amendment. Rather, the 'Welfare Clause' ONLY authorises Congress to spend federal monies to carry out the powers and duties specifically enumerated in the subsequent clauses of Article I, Section 8, and elsewhere in the Constitution (e.g., regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, coin Money, establish Post Offices and Post Roads, Armies & Navy, declare War, etc.), NOT to address the infinite needs of the general welfare, such as homelessness, medical care, hunger, etc.

(2) Immoral: This conclusion is based on the three (3) most common religions in the United States, and if you're an adherent of a different religion (other than 1 of these 3), then your mileage may vary, but here are the stark, cold facts: the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions all uniformly reject the government's role in welfare, rather, in favour of placing the duty upon the citizens and/or churches. Click on the "HOUSING / HOMELESSNESS Issues" link here for proof, if you doubt.

(3) Impractical --for three (3) reasons:
(i) There is widespread fraud and abuse in the system --this alone is sufficient cause for the system to fall, since dishonesty and corruption never last. I told you this back in 2004. Observe:

(mirror 1) or (mirror 2). Did anyone heed my warning? In any event ... I told you so.

The abuse is 2-fold: First, case workers were getting laid off and social security offices shutting down, and The Register documented many cases of those workers putting healthy people on the system so they would be able to meet their "case load" quota --and not get laid off. Further proof of that is the Social Security office at southwest corner of 39/Collins and MLK/Haines in Plant city, Florida, which is NO LONGER there: It got shut down -apparently not enough work there for the case-workers. Second, dishonest citizens eager to get 'benefits' when they are not truly disabled complicate the problem.

(ii) Overhead: For every dollar we get out to pay on some disabled or retired person, we must put in a larger amount, say, $1.20, in order to pay overhead costs, rent, utilities, labour costs for case workers, etc.

(iii) Based on the changing demographics, people are living longer than in times past, and, at the rate we're going, Social Security WILL go bankrupt VERY SOON --unless *major* changes are made in Social Security, Medicare, etc. -as I said back in 2004. ("Major" changes would be things like raising the retirement age, increasing payroll taxes, etc.) In fact, it's a Ponzi scheme, since there are more people scheduled to draw on it than are those slated to pay in to the system. (That is why the healthy diet/lifestyle solution above is the ONLY solution to the growing healthcare problem, as the United States slips lower in metrics such as cancer, life-span, obesity, etc. Therefore, the American economy WILL soon crash and burn if Social Security, Medicare, and other social programs are not sunsetted and eliminated. Believe it -or not, but mark my words: It WILL happen.

IN CONCLUSION: Remember when I quoted Dr. Ron Paul above in the ECONOMY section -and adopted his words as mine? ("When I say cut taxes, I don't mean fiddle with the code. I mean abolish the income tax and the IRS, and replace them with nothing.") Well, I'm going to make my *own* quote, and you can quote me on this:

"When I say cut social programs, I don't mean fiddle with the code. I mean abolish Social Security and the Medicare, and replace them with nothing." --Gordon Wayne Watts

PS: If we fixed the economy, then we'd be more able to help the needy, as God and common sense both say.

So, in conclusion, GOD says it's YOUR job --and MINE (conservative, Christian 'personal responsibility') to take in the homeless, hungry, and medical needy, NOT the Government's job. And, I have both FED, CLOTHED, and taken in homeless people before on several occasions: even when I was a poor college student living in campus housing, I took in three (3) homeless people --one for 1.5 semesters --so if I can do it, you can too. Don't argue with God -- you won't win.

I am not telling you what you want to hear, rather: What you need to hear.

'nuff said.

*** *** JUDICIAL REFORM *** ***To top of page
We have all seen judges get out of control: THIS folder (mirror here) has a good example of law-breaking judges. But who keeps an eye on them? "Other" judges, who are probably golfing buddies or the like. A lawmaker's chief responsibility is to uphold the Constitution -and one of the chief principles is the method of "checks and balances," whereby one branch can "put in check" another branch that is getting "out of control," and the way lawmakers put in check the judicial branch is to impeach judges -or that is how it is supposed to work. However, the current batch of lawmakers, while not as bad as the judicial branch, has still not lived up to its duty to throw out bad judges. I mean, when is the last time you have heard of a bad judge being impeached? ANSWER: About as often as you see a Bigfoot -or Wookie... not too often.

CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
ARTICLE III, LEGISLATURE
SECTION 17.  Impeachment.--
  (a)  The governor, lieutenant governor, members of the cabinet, justices of the supreme court, judges of district courts of appeal, judges of circuit courts, and judges of county courts shall be liable to impeachment for misdemeanor in office. The house of representatives by two-thirds vote shall have the power to impeach an officer. The speaker of the house of representatives shall have power at any time to appoint a committee to investigate charges against any officer subject to impeachment.
  (b)  An officer impeached by the house of representatives shall be disqualified from performing any official duties until acquitted by the senate, and, unless impeached, the governor may by appointment fill the office until completion of the trial.
  (c)  All impeachments by the house of representatives shall be tried by the senate. The chief justice of the supreme court, or another justice designated by the chief justice, shall preside at the trial, except in a trial of the chief justice, in which case the governor shall preside. The senate shall determine the time for the trial of any impeachment and may sit for the trial whether the house of representatives be in session or not. The time fixed for trial shall not be more than six months after the impeachment. During an impeachment trial senators shall be upon their oath or affirmation. No officer shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the senate present. Judgment of conviction in cases of impeachment shall remove the offender from office and, in the discretion of the senate, may include disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit. Conviction or acquittal shall not affect the civil or criminal responsibility of the officer.
  History.--Am. S.J.R. 459, 1987; adopted 1988; Am. proposed by Constitution Revision Commission, Revision No. 13, 1998, filed with the Secretary of State May 5, 1998; adopted 1998.

*** *** ENVIRONMENT *** ***To top of page
While things are not as important as people, our management of the environment has been bad. Besides the conventional methods of not polluting the environment, I have one other, unused method: A shift towards a vegetarian diet, surprisingly, would use less resources:

Yes! It's true. From the discipline of Ecology in Biology, we find that it takes approximately 1,000 calories of grain to produce 100 calories of meat, milk, whatever from the ecosystem right below it! I cite for my reference: [BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 5TH EDITION by KEETON & GOULD: (ISBN: 0-393-96223-7) {William T. Keeton; James L. and Carol Gould} Publishers: W. W. Norton & Company, New York and London. pp. 1156-1158.]

"...[O]nly a fraction of the energy at one trophic level can be passed on to the next. This fraction varies from a high of about 35 percent for the most efficient ... to below 0.1 percent..." p.1156; and,

"Given the inefficiency of the energy transfer from one trophic level to the next, it might seem that the earth could support more humans if we all stopped being omnivorous, and lived on a wholly vegetable diet instead of the combined animal and vegetable diet..." p.1157

Now, K & G go on to claim that this veggie view has flaws such as the claim that some areas of the world can support only low quality crops, unsuitable for human consumption and the claim that veggie diets "usually require some supplemental animal protein..." p. 1157. They hang themselves: the key word is 'usually.' I agree that it is hard, but you can get yams, greens, rice, grain, and soy products for protein. Usually, a grain and a lentil constitute a "complete" protein, with sufficient types of the amino acids which comprise [make up] the protein. By the same token (likewise), I take issue with their claim that some areas of the world have problems with some crops. They just need to copy the agriculture techniques of the successful areas: That might require not overworking the soil (rotating the crops and giving the land a "rest" every so often) -and by importing minerals and fertilizers for their crops!

Additionally, we need to use less energy -and seek alternative sources of energy (wind and solar, to name a few).

We have not done these things -and this is a bad mark upon our state -and country.

*** *** RACIAL Issues *** ***To top of page
To begin with, I have experienced racial discrimination, so I know whereof I speak: I am part Native American Indian, and the only stated reason for me getting removed from a motel was my race -nothing else, so disruption, etc. was not a cause -only racial discrimination I experienced:
(main mirror) ~~~ (alt. mirror)

Not only that, I take a 'progressive' stances on the more-recent Mosque issue that exhibits personal responsibility on both sides -not just the side normally taken by so-called conservatives, which defends the right to build a Mosque (defending liberals while upholding Constitutional conservative principles) as the same time as acknowledging that, while legal and constitutional, a Mosque is not necessarily wise (defending conservative principles of personal responsibility and moral rights and wrongs). -- For details on that you can see a cache of a recent exchange here:

(main mirror) ~~~ (alt. mirror)

Since both sides are held accountable, both so-called conservatives and so-called liberals should have reason to support this (my) view, and thereby my view is likely the 'most' correct of all. If you don't support it, then don't vote for me. (Disclaimer: The Twin-Towers/Mosque ussue arose *after* my race ended, and I'm not running anyhow, this election cycle, but I put this in to reflect what i would have said, had I addressed that issue then.)

*** *** HOUSING / HOMELESSNESS Issues *** ***To top of page
Our country is facing a growing homelessness and housing problem. You may not like my idea, but it comes straight from God, so if you don't like it, take it up with Him!

While some would refer a person to a Government Housing program --or, even in some cases, refer them to a homeless shelter (and some churches even DONATE to 'homeless' shelters), that's NOT what THE LORD GOD says on the issue (according to America's 3 major religions) --GOD says something entirely different, and I shall adopt His view as my own:

OLD TESTAMENT: (Accepted by both JEWS and CHRISTIANS)

Isaiah 58:6-7, Holy Bible, (AMP)
6 [Rather] is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every [enslaving] yoke?
7 Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house--when you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from [the needs of] your own flesh and blood?

THE FIVE PILLARS of ISLAM: (Accepted by MUSLIMS)

1. Shahada/Shehada: Affirmation/Profession of THE CREED OF ISLAM regarding God and Muhammad
2. Salat: Prayer 3-to-5 times a day, depending on the authority employed (Qur'anic texts vs. Islamic tradition, respectively)
3. Sadaqa/Zakat: Almsgiving to the poor
4. Siyam: Fasting during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if possible.
* Notice, if you would, that Muslims accept that the CITIZEN, not the GOVERNMENT has the duty to help the poor as an outward sign of genuine inward piety: While there are are two kinds of almsgiving (legal "zakat" and voluntary "sadaqa"), nonetheless, the legal or "zakat" almsgiving is now more or less defunct, because many Muslim states follow western systems of taxation, according to Islamic scholar, Nigosian.

So, thus far, JEWS, and MUSLIMS, and CHRISTIANS all agree and accept that the CITIZEN, not the government, has the duty to take care of the poor.

NEW TESTAMENT: (Accepted by both JEWS and CHRISTIANS) agrees with the above

Matthew 25:31-46, Holy Bible, (AMP) -- JESUS HIMSELF Speaking here, so listen up!
31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory (His majesty and splendor), and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
32 All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them [the people] from one another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats;
33 And He will cause the sheep to stand at His right hand, but the goats at His left.
34 Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a {{homeless wandering}} stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me,
36 I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me [d]with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me.
37 Then the just and upright will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink?
38 And when did we see You a {{homeless wandering}} stranger and welcomed and entertained You, or naked and clothed You?
39 And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You?
40 And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.
41 Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!
42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me with help and ministering care.
44 Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?
45 And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me.
46 Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life.

Lastly, Acts 6:1-3 (Holy Bible) has a small role for the church to help the poor --the CHURCH, not the GOVERNMENT.

PS: If we fixed the economy, then we'd be more able to help the needy, as God and common sense both say.

So, in conclusion, GOD says it's YOUR job --and MINE (conservative, Christian 'personal responsibility') to take in the homeless, hungry, and medical needy, NOT the Government's job. And, I have both FED, CLOTHED, and taken in homeless people before on several occasions: even when I was a poor college student living in campus housing, I took in three (3) homeless people --one for 1.5 semesters --so if I can do it, you can too. Don't argue with God -- you won't win.

I am not telling you what you want to hear, rather: What you need to hear.

'nuff said.

Click on the "HEALTHCARE / Social Security / Medicare" link here to get back to that Issue.

NAVIGATION: To top of page -- Scroll on down for comparison chart...

*Candidate Comparison Chart*To top of page
~X~	2008 CANDIDATES for Florida House of Representatives, District 64
	Me.	Them: In Alphabetical Order.
ISSUES	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) "Write-in" Candidate CAMPAIGN Websites: www.GordonWayneWatts.com/Campaign.html or www.GordonWatts.com/Campaign.html	C.J. "Jack" English (Republican) Name Appears On Ballot CAMPAIGN Website: www.DoYouKnowJack.com	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) "Write-in" Candidate CAMPAIGN Website: http://www.AltonCSmith4FLhr64.com	Kelli Stargel (Republican) Name Appears On Ballot CAMPAIGN Website: www.VoteStargel.com	Phil Walker (Republican) Name Appears On Ballot CAMPAIGN Website: www.Walker08.com
ELECTION LAW REFORM	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) seeks to repeal vulnerable constitutional provision which makes election primaries subject to abuse by "write-in" candidates. He does not think anyone should be able to do what he did, which, while legal, violates the spirit of the law and effectively disenfranchises many voters in the primaries.	-?-	-?-	-?-	-?-
ELECTION FRAUD	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports the Republican principals of "The Rule of Law" that the law be followed and the votes be counted -no matter which party it benefits; the "Rule of Law" is more important than partisan politics. Has fought for recounts in court for two prominent Democratic candidates.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote in regard to fraud in general: "I support strong laws to eradicate fraud and corruption in any government program. No branch or program of government should be exempt from ardent efforts in this regard." (Boldface was in original quote.)	?	?
LIFE ISSUES	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports abortion if it is genuine self-defense; example: to protect the life of the mother -or, in rare cases, if overpopulation threatens the society. Opposes abortion if it done for reasons other than genuine self-defense. Adopts the Biblical definition of a foetus to mean a living person, not a blob of tissue: "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb;" (LUKE 1:41a, Holy Bible, KJV) Opposes abortion for reasons of rape and/or incest; reasoning: It would deprive the civil rights of an American citizen to punish him/her for the crimes of another. Also, biological evidence reveals that, while socially unacceptable in most societies, children born from incest generally have much fewer health problems than is commonly believed, and since we don't permit killing of unborn simply because of birth defects, this also would be unethical and constitute "illegal abortion used for birth control." Supported rehabilitation and medical care and therapy for Terri Schiavo, but opposed the use of "Terri's Law" to do this, when there were current laws on the books addressing this. Opposed the illegal placement of Terri Schiavo in a hospice when she was not terminally ill but merely handicapped. Opposed Jeb Bush's "Terri's Law in court filings.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "I will support legislation that is consonant with traditional, American, family values including the sanctity of life...If a person does not have a living will or any other instructions as to what to do in the event they are reduced to a permanent, vegetative state as determined by two competent medical persons, the nearest of kin should decide whether life support should be withdrawn. The law should also provide definition of the order of kinship."	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "Pro-Family and Pro-Life Families are the core of American society. There is overwhelming evidence that the nuclear family is the best way to raise productive and morally balanced children. (Boldface was in original quote.)	Phillip Walker (Republican) quote from one of his postal mailouts, here: "Phillip Walker will stand up for the unborn..."
SECOND AMENDMENT ISSUES	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports a change in Florida law that would mirror Utah's state law, which successfully avoided any school shooting by allowing students and staff with concealed carry permits to carry concealed firearms on campus. Supports the use of the "Full Faith and Credit" clause to mandate that other states recognize an out-of-state concealed carry permit in the same manner as it recognizes out-of-state marriages and out-of-state driver's licenses. Opposes the illegal confiscation of guns by Louisiana police and supports enforcement of civil and criminal penalties against those city and police officials who violated citizens' civil rights. Supports civil and criminal penalties enforced against the DC city government for violation of the recent US Supreme Court decision permitting fully functional firearms for a means of self-defense in one's home. Supports very thorough training requirements for ALL citizens of ALL ages to ensure proficiency in firearm use -because vehicles are more dangerous and cause more injury/loss of life than firearms -demonstrating that if minors can drive cars, they can also be trained in the less-dangerous firearms to avoid preventable accidents based on lack of training. Supports background checks for all applicants.	?	?	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment. I also support strict enforcement of laws against violent criminals who misuse firearms and will work to improve the criminal justice system."	?
FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUES	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and the right of citizens to petition the government for a redress of grievances. OPPOSES the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" as a muzzle on the First Amendment's freedom of the press.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) supports the "Sunshine Laws" (which guarantee open government and access to public records requests).	?	?
ECONOMY	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) quote: "Let me quote Dr. Ron Paul -and adopt his words as mine: "When I say cut taxes, I don't mean fiddle with the code. I mean abolish the income tax and the IRS, and replace them with nothing." In short, I think that (almost) all of our elected leaders today are tax-and-spend liberals -the Republicans and the Democrats alike. Am I being clear here?" (Italics was in original quote.) Would seek alternative sources of energy (wind, solar, and clean nuclear, to name a few) to become less dependent on oil, while at the same time opening limited off-shore drilling. Would advocate conservation of energy to aid the economy and energy crisis. Would advocate a greater shift in production of fruits and vegetables in proportion to animal products (meat, cheese, eggs, milk), because more calories per dollar can be achieved by a vegetarian diet -based on the fact that much of the byproducts made in animal products are waste-products (e.g., bones, gristle, waste product) and hence inedible, thereby being less cost-efficient than vegetable sources of food.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) supports reimbursing Social Security for monies that the government has "borrowed" from it, and supports a higher Minimum Wage. Supports tighter laws on "shyster mortgage contracts." Supports affordable housing and insurance and a balanced budget at all levels of government.	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "Economy I have always been a fiscal and social conservative. Right now Tallahassee is costing the average family of four close to $15,000 in taxes. I believe our families can spend their own money more wisely than Tallahassee. Florida must remain vibrant and thriving. Our children deserve well paying jobs that will allow them to compete in an increasingly global economy. Property Tax Out of control property tax increases have long been identified as one of the twin threats to Florida's economic prosperity. As your representative in Tallahassee, one of my top priorities will be to bring affordability and fairness back to your property tax bill." (Boldface was in original quote.)	Phillip Walker (Republican) quote: "Lowering Our Property Taxes… As a small business owner and longtime homeowner in Lakeland, I understand the pressing need to lower our skyrocketing property taxes. Higher property taxes damage our economy and our quality of life. As your State Representative, I will make lowering the property tax burden on businesses and homeowners my number one priority. Businessman’s Approach… I understand what it takes to start a new business and build it from the ground up. As your State Representative, I will encourage business development, job creation, and new innovative ways to bolster our economy. In order for Lakeland and the surrounding areas to remain competitive in a world marketplace, we must maintain and expand our local business community." (Editor's note: The boldface was in original quote.)
HEALTHCARE	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports advocacy of healthier diet for Americans as a way of combating rising disease rates, which would save billions in healthcare costs. Supports the notion that prevention is less costly than cure. Opposes universal healthcare on the grounds that other nations who have adopted this model have substandard quality of healthcare and often-times come to the United States for advanced healthcare needs. Supports limited government subsidy of healthcare and social programs.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) STRONGLY supports affordable universal health care; supports funding and expanding health care for children; supports Medicare and Medicaid programs and a complete Medicare prescription drug plan; supports "the right to die with dignity."	?	?
JUDICIAL REFORM	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) would Impeach Law-Breaking Judges Supports reform of the out-of-control judicial system. Would increase the number of investigations of judicial misconduct and exercise constitutional authority whereby lawmakers have the right to initiate impeachment proceedings against judges which violate the laws, rules of the court, or otherwise deny civil rights under the color of law.	?	?	?	?
ENVIRONMENT	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) would advocate a greater shift in production of fruits and vegetables in proportion to animal products (meat, cheese, eggs, milk), because more calories per dollar can be achieved by the same amount of land use with a vegetarian diet -based on the fact that much of the byproducts made in animal products are waste-products (e.g., bones, gristle, waste product) and hence inedible, thereby being less cost-efficient (and thus producing more pollution by-products for the environment) than vegetable sources of food.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "I support the preservation of our environment and our history. Our environment should be valued highly when it comes into conflict with human expansion. Irreplaceable historical sites should, likewise, be valued when threatened by development."	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "I am a 6th generation Floridian. I grew up here and I cherish the land as well as our way of life. I want my children and their children to be able to enjoy it too."	?
INSURANCE ISSUES	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports smaller government and lower insurance requirements to be fiscally responsible and ease the burden on the back of the taxpayer.	C.J. "Jack" English (Republican) supports getting the state government out of the "reinsurance" business, that is, "insurance" for insurance companies, based on the fact that a company that goes out of business should not be bailed out by Florida taxpayers. (Note: Jack used to be a licensed insurance agent before he retired.)	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "I strongly support affordable hurricane insurance. Insurance companies should be the servants of our people, not blood suckers. In fact, our whole insurance system needs reform with a keen focus on availability of affordable insurance for homeowners. For further details on the problem, visit http://www.stormingmad.org." (Boldface was in original quote.) (Editor's note: This website is down and may have been a typo; the correct website appears to be http://www. stormingmad.com/2006/05/ states-in-anyway-so- why-not-really-fix.html, not "dot ORG," which quotes a Sunday, May 14, 2006 editorial by HOWARD TROXLER, St. Petersburg Times Columnist, who suggests that private insurance companies would have to cover the first $100,000, but no more, with the state picking up the rest, based on the reasoning that dumping the "least profitable or highest-risk customers on the government" would not be good business practice and thus bad for the state's economy.)	?	Phillip Walker (Republican) quote: "Much-Needed Insurance Reforms… For too long and for too often, insurance premiums have been on the rise. This has to stop. As the owner of a local insurance provider, I understand the need to enact reforms on, and within, the insurance industry, so our premiums finally start to go down." (Editor's note: Phil is a licensed insurance agent. The boldface was in original quote.)
EDUCATION	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) opposes "unequal" treatment of vouchers (for schools) and Pell Grants (for colleges) and would seek legislation that would mandate they be treated equally and fairly: Either allow both or prohibit both. Would prefer that Vouchers be available to students of ALL schools -not just the "low performing" schools -and be transferable to ANY middle school or high school of the student's choice -in accord with the way Pell Grants are administered: They are available to ALL students who qualify financially and may be used at ANY college or university -public or private -religious or secular. Thus, vouchers should be available to ALL students who are low-income and be allowed at ANY school -religious or otherwise. Supports holding "private," religious, and "home schools" to the same academic standards as public schools to maintain certification. Supports administering the FCAT at beginning and end of school year as a measure of progress. UPDATE: Although I lost my run for state house, I will admit I was wrong on vouchers -and the 'liberals' & 'Democrats' were right to take a *truly* fiscally conservative approach: Although I was right to support equal treatment between vouchers (pre-K through high school) and Pell Grants & Guaranteed student loans (Higher Education, Universities, college), I WAS WRONG to support vouchers AT ALL -for the same reason I was wrong to support and public funding of higher-ed: It distorts the market, feeding an addiction which results in higher tuition and costs -all the while using tax dollars to feed this addiction. See my more resent research on 'Higher-Ed' linked in the education section above -or on my main websites -for details to this disaster in education.	C.J. "Jack" English (Republican) supports "tweaking" the FCAT so it will be administered at both the beginning and the end of a school year, based on the fact that an increase in scores would be a better indicator of teacher abilities than comparisons to other schools which, in some cases, might have unfair advantages (e.g., better pool of students that particular year, more affluent district), since each school is different. I.e., compare apples with apples, not apples with oranges. This just in: The Florida branch of All Children Matter just recently sent a political attack ad (postal mailout) against Jack, accusing him of being "liberal" because he voted against some applications for charter school while a member of the Polk School board. This is, technically, correct, but The Register's editorial board feels ACM is out of bounds for several reasons: #1: They did not give the full story. According to a story by The Ledger of Lakeland, Oct 12, 2005, when English voted against Edward W. Bok Academy, he was in the majority, with the application being denied 5-2, based on an insufficient application. #2: Although English was in the minority, when he voted against Skills Ctr. Polk Co. East and South McKeel Academy (both approved 5-2) and the lone dissenting vote against PCC Winter Hvn Collegiate Charter HS and Our Children's Academy (both approved 6-1), All Children Matter did not explain why English's vote was "liberal" or "bad." #3: Nonetheless, as we go to press, Jack, on his official campaign website, does not give his side of the story or offer a sustentative declaration of where he stands on issues, and all messages left by The Register to get clarification on a July 14, 2007 story by The Ledger on a different issue -how he intends to improve roads -were not returned either. To be fair, Jack spend over an hour on the phone with this reporter answering questions that his website did not answer, and it is hoped he will clarify these other issues before the Tuesday primary. “A major difference: Stargel and Walker support school vouchers to pay for children to go to private, often religious, schools. English, a former school board member, would not.” “"I understand that vouchers are Republican platform, but after 30 years, I don't even agree with my wife all the time. I am a strong proponent of the public school system. …This (vouchers) may help middle class and wealthy students, but they still have to pay some even with vouchers, and poor kids couldn't,'' he said.” -Source: Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) supports: Smaller class sizes, positive uses of FCAT, improving low-performing schools, and better pay for teachers.	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "It is absolutely critical to our success as a nation that we invest wisely and generously in the education of future generations of Americans." “Stargel...support[s] school vouchers to pay for children to go to private, often religious, schools.” -Source: Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.	Phillip Walker (Republican) quote: "Improving Education for the Future… "As a father of three child who all attended local schools, I know how important a good education is to their future success. As your State Representative, I will fight to continually improve classroom performance. I believe we must strengthen vocational schools that teach valuable skills and trades." (Editor's note: The boldface was in original quote.) “...Walker support[s] school vouchers to pay for children to go to private, often religious, schools.” -Source: Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.
INFRASTRUCTURE / GROWTH	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports research into how other densely populated countries (e.g., Japan and China) deal with population issues and balancing environment with growth. Supports exchange of ideas among the candidates on these and other issues since only one candidate will be able to win the election.	C.J. "Jack" English (Republican) supports an increase in desalination plants to assist the current water demand, based on the fact that many dessert areas (examples: Middle East countries) are able to provide almost all of their water needs from desalination of nearby bodies of "salt water," even though they don't have very many local wells.	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "I support the preservation of our environment and our history. Our environment should be valued highly when it comes into conflict with human expansion. Irreplaceable historical sites should, likewise, be valued when threatened by development."	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "Our area has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. Our local citizenry is rightly concerned about the rate of growth and what our communities will look like in future years. Our area must remain a great place for all of us to live, work, and raise our families."	?
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports funding and building of the boarder fence, which was passed into law and opposes the slowness with which President George W. Bush has acted to fully comply with the law in these regards. Supports legalization of all law-abiding and productive foreigners who wish to integrate into our culture and learn the language.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "I support passage and enforcement of responsible, comprehensive immigration laws. America's immigration system is tragically and irresponsibly unendorsed. Our national and economic security is damaged by the government's refusal to act legally. We need a wall from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean to stop the wave of illegal persons and terrorists just walking into our country. We need to support our border patrol people and not imprison them for doing their job. We must punish employers who hire illegal persons. Jobs drew the illegal persons here. The lack of jobs will help send many of them back home voluntarily. No person who entered the USA illegally should be allowed legal entry until all persons who have tried to enter legally have been considered." (Editor's note: Boldface was in original quote.)	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "First, we need to secure our borders. This is a vital national security problem and we need to devote the necessary resources to make sure that our borders are controlled and secure."	Phillip Walker (Republican) quote: "Fighting Illegal Immigration... We must secure our borders. That is the first step towards solving this problem. As your State Representative, I will work with local, state, and federal officials to find a solution that keeps our economy strong, our families safe, and our tax dollars from being used to fund benefits for those who break our laws." (Editor's note: The boldface was in original quote.)
HOMOSEXUAL RIGHTS	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) opposes any form of discrimination against homosexuals; Opposes preferential treatment for Homosexuals. Opposes the legal sanction of "homosexual marriages." Supports the legal sanction of "civil unions," so long as such "civil unions" are legally defined as a "legal contract," which would allow a contract or legal agreement between any number of people as is commonly done with singing groups, law firms, business partnerships, etc., and so long as the legal definition of "marriage" was limited precisely to one man and one woman; reasoning: Biological relationships and long-held cultural standards support this definition because humans, unlike certain animals, are not able to procreate by parthenogenesis, a form of "natural" cloning. * Subject: Re: Where do you stand on marriage?, * (Alternate link) GordonWayneWatts.com, PRESS RELEASE: Mr. Watts replies to a voter's questions on Marriage and Amendment 2, Published: 10/17/2008 1:33:11 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time	“They all [English, Stargel, and Walker] support the proposed marriage amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions.” -Source: Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "I will support legislation that is consonant with traditional, American, family values...and marriage of one man to one woman."	“They all [English, Stargel, and Walker] support the proposed marriage amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions.” -Source: Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.	Phillip Walker (Republican) quote from one of his postal mailouts, here: "Phillip Walker will stand up...against same sex marriages" “They all [English, Stargel, and Walker] support the proposed marriage amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions.” -Source: Florida House Hopefuls Meet in Dist. 64 Forum, The Ledger, By Bill Rufty, LEDGER POLITICAL EDITOR, Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.
TERRORISM	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports limited foreign intervention but opposed "nation building" and excessive occupation of foreign countries because this causes America to be hated by other countries, increases the threat of terrorism, costs American lives, and drains the economy. supports the Second Amendment and conflict resolution training for all citizens -which, combined, would reduce crime and terrorism.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) quote: "The United States of America is in a worldwide, life and death struggle against Muslim extremism and, more broadly, Terrorism. Muslim extremism has unabashedly declared the annihilation of Christian America (their term) as their goal. All possible efforts to resist any such destructive threat should be done as long as threats exist and preferably on territory outside the USA."	?	?
NATIONAL SECURITY	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) supports measures to improve the economy and address illegal immigration, which would, indirectly, protect America's security. National security is also strengthened when education and disease rates are addressed in ways described in other sections of this chart and campaign page.	?	Dr. Alton C. Smith, Ph.D. (Democrat) supports adequate funding for the Florida National Guard, supports improving port and border security, passage and enforcement of responsible, supports comprehensive immigration law, supports all efforts to eliminate our dependency on foreign oil.	?	?
RACE AND DISCRIMINATION	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican), being part Native American Indian (Iroquois and Cherokee) and having encountered racial discrimination solely based on his heritage, understands AND OPPOSES any type of discrimination or degrading treatment. Supports the concept of the death penalty (both as a deterrent to crime and as a moral requirement of society to carry out moral retribution), but opposes the use of the death penalty if false convictions (as shown by DNA evidence) and racial prejudices (as shown by research) are not first addressed. Supports a program by which prisoners partly support their incarceration but opposes expansion of this model because the state would have motive to imprison innocents for financial gain.	?	?	?	?
CRIME	Gordon Wayne Watts (Republican) opposes the expansion of the "Prison Industry" in America based on the fact that America is the world leader in incarceration rates -both in overall numbers and as a percentage of the population. America incarcerates more citizens than even China, a Communist nation with a larger population.	?	?	Kelli Stargel (Republican) quote: "Our children must be protected from predators and criminals. I will continue to fight for far stronger laws to protect children. I will also work to pass laws that strengthen victims rights."	?

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