Posted on 01/08/2006 10:54:46 AM PST by Clintonfatigued
In November of this year, Americans will vote for candidates for Federal offices, among others. It's vital to the national interest that Republicans at least hold their own this year. There is the real possiblity that another member of the Supreme Court will retire during George W. Bush's Presidency. Bush will try to nominate a Constitutionalist, but he needs enough Senators in his camp to prevent a filibuster.
One of the key U.S. Senate races is in Florida. Democrat U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is seeking reelection and he has made little impression. He can definitely be beaten by a viable candidate. Unfortunately, there are no viable candidates in the running right now.
Congressman Dave Weldon would be a great candidate. And he would no doubt distinguish himself in the Senate. No doubt, many Freepers have heard of Weldon and know of his work and record in the House. I'm not aware of any who disapprove of him.
Here are the advantages Weldon would bring to the race should he enter:
He's a proven vote-getter. He represents a marginal district which had elected Democrats from 1978 to 1992. He has never won by less than 8%, and he has done it without being a RINO. In fact, for years this district had been represented by none other than Bill Nelson himself.
He's a strong conservative without a threatening manner. He's a founder of the Space Coast Family Forum, and has a strong following among church-going voters in the Cape Canaveral area. Weldon himself is very devout. But he has a mild, non-confrontational demeanor which disarms attempts to portray him as a wild-eyed radical.
His professional background is a plus. One, he's a military veteran, an undeniable asset during The War On Terror. Also, he's a surgeon by profession. This is someone who saves lives for a living. How can anyone say he lacks compassion for the unfortunate? Physicians have more concern for others than lawyers and politicians.
He would start out from a position of strength. A poll by Strategic Vision taken on November 30 showed Weldon holding Nelson to a 47% to 37% lead. This is impressive when you consider Nelson's far greater name I.D. His fervent beliefs would give him a base among the conservative grass roots, while his profession, education, and personality would appeal to other voters. His main challenge would to become better-known, but with the support of the GOP establishment & conservative base would make that no problem.
Weldon is clearly intersted in running. He nearly ran in 2004, but agreed to support the administration's choice (Mel Martinez) to better the GOP's chances of victory. Right now, the superior name I.D. of Congresswoman Katherine Harris, who is running, has kept Weldon out of the race. But chances are, he'd run if he were given sufficient encouragement. And the Bush Administration, wanting to win this race, would fall in support. Conservatives would be well advised to encourage Weldon to make the race. If he were to win in November, everyone in the U.S. would ultimately benefit.
If you want to learn more about Congressman Dave Weldon, here's his campaign site: http://www.weldon.org/
You think he will run?
I have no idea. I think if he got assurances of support from Governor Bush and his allies, he would make the race.
I think Weldon would be an excellent candidate, as I have written before. He would certainly be preferable to Foley.
But my first choice is still Jeb Bush.
Jeb Bush is my first choice, too, but it appearsa that he wants to leave public life. Weldon is the best of the available possible candidates.
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