District 12 (FL) voters have clear options

Source: St. Pete Times

BARTOW — After 12 years in politics, U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam knows how to get a crowd going. At a debate in Bartow on Tuesday, many in the audience applauded the Republican candidate for District 12 when he spoke about Social Security, which he says needs reform.

"Where is your plan, sir?" he asked his opponent without making eye contact, his voice raising.

His opponent, Democratic candidate Doug Tudor, just retired after 20 years in the military and doesn't have a background in politics. He may still get nervous while speaking, but he says the ethics and the integrity he gained in the military would help him in Washington.

By many standards, Putnam has the advantage. He's running for a fifth term. He's the third highest-ranking Republican in the House. And he has raised about $1.5-million more than Tudor.

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/article866775.ece

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I've been passing out Doug Tudor fliers while canvassing for Obama. Doug is an awesome guy. I wish this race would have gotten more national attention early on, but we really have a good chance of defeating the #3 guy in the Republican House if Tudor can raise enough money. If you want to donate to his ActBlue page, you can do so here:

http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19447

Thanks!!! Doug needs DU's support!

I can't even being to describe how much Putnam makes me rage when he comes on CSPAN. Maybe it's just his face, maybe it's his deep conservative upbringing, but whatever it is, I just want to punch him. Maybe it's the fact he reminds me so much of something out of The Crucible.

Regardless, I'd like to see him replaced with a Democrat. Is this seat one of the ones that are being counted as a Dem takeover in the new House count? Just curious what polling/insiders/locals say on his chances.

Not because of the district, which has more registered Democrats (although they are conservative). The only reason is Doug has been having trouble fundraising simply because Putnam has such a big checkbook, and no one thought he could win initially. But he's closing the gap now with grasroots support. Swing State Project just put it on their list of races to watch:

http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3423

That does seem to be a common problem though is with money for a campaign, and being able to get their message out there, especially in congressional elections where money's much more scarce.

I mean, really...

The DCCC told Doug Tudor they wouldn't give him a DIME because he didn't raise enough money. "How much?", Debbie's manager was asked. "$500,000" was the answer.

With under two weeks to go, your contributions can make a difference. Doug's a great guy, a real progressive and fighting against arch-Republican Adam Putnam. You know that guy. You can't stand him. Help us send him packing.

http://www.teamtudor.org

Thanks!

FL-12 is appallingly red, but we CAN DO IT!

It's just that we've never fielded a viable candidate to oppose Putnam. Although the Democrats are conservative around here, they still outnumber the Republicans in the district. And with the Obama ground game fully in play here, there's a great chance Democratic turnout could tip the scales.

and tragically so. I worked on the Kerry campaign, though, and am really enjoying the turnaround with Obama. This time I really think we can do it, especially given our 39% @ Politics in the Park. I hear the Putz was PISSED that Doug did so well.

We're on Lexi's. We probably know each other, if tangentially:-)

I'm Team Captain of Team 5 Sun n' Fun!

You know Eileen. And me:-) Another vet for Obama.

And we need to pick it up here for Doug.

I will check my finances tomorrow