Keith is running for Congress in Florida's 13th Congressional District.
He is going up against Vern Buchanan, a guy who is more notorious for his corruption and graft than his Congressional record.
This is going to be one hell of a match.
I can't wait.
If there is a blog out there that has covered the political career of Keith Fitzgerald more than this one, I don't know about it. The Spencerian was there from day one.
Of course, I come to the table from a very personal place. You see, Keith is the one who introduced me to Duncan. And Duncan is the one who managed his successful campaign in 2006, and again in 2008. She was his Legislative Aide, too, until Emeline was born.
So you can see how Keith and Angela and the kids are a lot more like family than just another political gig.
Florida's 13th Congressional District is personal to me, too. Keith is the political science professor I talked to in 2002 about Jan Schneider's first campaign for that seat. I learned at lot in that race -- I learned a lot from Keith.
I'm please to see that his announcement today got a lot of play. Here's a quick run-down of some of the coverage:
Coverage from Jeremy Wallace and the Sarasota Herald Tribune is here, and here.
Then read Wallace's piece, Five key factors that will decide Buchanan-Fitzgerald race
The Bradenton Herald
The Statement from the Florida Democrats
The Florida Independent
WWSB ABC 7
Sunshine State News
This got a bit of national play. Here's the link to the story in The Hill. And here's the link to the Washington Independent story.
Read those stories.
And then visit Keith's Facebook page, hit "like". Follow him for campaign updates on Twitter (@GoFitzGo)
Visit www.GoFitzGo.com and sign up for updates.
And please make a donation if you can. Like I said before -- Buchanan's a millionaire. He'll throw as much money at this as he needs to. Keith is going to need our help.
After the embarrassment of Katherine Harris, after the corruption of Vern Buchanan, don't you think it's time for the people of the 13th Congressional District to have real representation in Washington, DC?
From Keith's statement today:
Keith Fitzgerald is running because he believes political leaders in Congress have failed miserably when it comes to standing up for hard working American families, creating jobs, lowering the deficit, and honoring our nation’s seniors by protecting Social Security and Medicare. In announcing his candidacy, Keith Fitzgerald pledged to run his campaign, and serve in Congress, with the honesty and integrity Floridians and Americans expect in their members of congress.
"Getting our country back on track will require electing leaders who can work across the aisle to create jobs, grow our economy and invest in the future of our fellow Americans who just want a fair chance to get ahead," said Keith Fitzgerald. "I’ve worked with small business owners, Republicans and Democrats, to improve the lives of seniors and families here in Sarasota and along the Suncoast, and I want to take that same pragmatic approach to Washington."
In the state legislature, Fitzgerald was a watchdog for taxpayer dollars, who fought to take on corruption and make government more accountable. He partnered with business leaders to create jobs and cut taxes; and worked across the aisle to provide tax cuts for small businesses who invest in green technology. Fitzgerald worked tirelessly to protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling and was a leader committed to making critical investments in Florida’s educational system.
"Instead of focusing on creating jobs or helping families struggling to make ends meet, Congressman Vern Buchanan has tried to end Medicare and protect tax giveaways for big oil while running from one scandal to the next," said Fitzgerald. "His tarnished leadership in a perfect example of what is wrong with Washington, and it’s time for him to go.
"I am running to be the independent leader that the Suncoast can count on. I am going to stand up for the hopes and dreams of Floridians in the coming months, and share my vision for a strong economy by creating jobs right here at home and moving America forward."
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Let's get going. Let's help Keith. Let's get the people of Florida's 13th Congressional District the Member of Congress they deserve.
Keith is running for Congress in Florida's 13th Congressional District.
He is going up against Vern Buchanan, a guy who is more notorious for his corruption and graft than his Congressional record.
This is going to be one hell of a match.
I can't wait.