 |
|---|
| Congressman Tom Feeney greets John McCain in Central Florida. |
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- After reading reports of comments from a debate among challengers to his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Tom Feeney said from his Washington office that the only candidate worthy of mention was Gaurav Bhola, an Orlando resident, running as an independent candidate.
“Apparently Mr. Bhola was the only candidate talking sense at the debate," Congressman Feeney said of Wednesday's debate at the WCEU studios in Daytona Beach that was televised on the PBS station Sunday night. "He is absolutely correct that the American people want change and that both parties have let them down. In my absence due to my fight for lower gas prices in Washington , I’m glad at least someone at the debate brought up this important point.
 |
|---|
| Congressman Tom Feeney meets with local leaders and constituents in New Smyrna Beach to discuss beach restoration, including NSB Mayor Sally Mackay, 2nd from right. |
Feeney, the Oviedo Republican, whose 24th congressional district includes Southeast Volusia, added, “Our deficit hit an all time high, gas prices are rising, and our borders still are not secure. Both parties are to blame. Hardworking taxpayers know that I have fought against the Bush Administration and Liberal Nancy Pelosi to end illegal immigration, secure our borders, reign in irresponsible spending, and lower your gas prices.
Feeney said Bhola appears to be the only "credible challenger in this race and I’m happy that he brought up the frustrations that common sense Central Floridians face every day.”
With Feeney unable to attend because the House was in session, the challengers took shots at him and each other in the debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
"I've been criticized by some for not having any experience in politics," acknowledged Port Orange resident Jason Paul Davis, a Gulf War veteran who vies against Feeney in the Aug. 26 Republican primary.
The Democratic challengers are Suzanne Kosmas of New Smyrna Beach, who left the Florida Legislature in 2006, due to term limits, who and Clint Curtis of Titusville, a computer programmer.
 |
|---|
| Congressman Tom Feeney and Gov. Charlie Crist at the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Photo courtesy of NASA |
Kosmas said Feeney "wraps himself in a flag" while denying universal health care that could benefit children.
Curtis focused clearly on his party competitor, calling Kosmas a "blue dog" who opposes progress, whereas he would be progressive.
And then there was Gaurav Bhola, the Orlando independent who claims to have experience ranging from biology to financial management. He said candidates from both parties: "The American people want change. Unfortunately, what we've seen the last few years is the Democrats and Republicans won't be agents of those changes."
-----------