While Congressman Allen Boyd faces a primary fight with Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, the veteran congressman has also drawn a host of challengers from the right.
With Boyd voting for President Barack Obamas health-care legislation in a district that backed his opponent, Sen. John McCain, in 2008, a field of Republicans and conservatives believe the time is ripe to knock Boyd out of Congress.
Allen Boyd is not listening to the citizens of the district, said Barbara Olschner, an attorney and former professional tennis player running for the Republican nomination.
The large number of candidates sends a clear signal that Americans are not going to stand by, said David Scholl, an Air Force Academy graduate who is also running for the Republican nod.
Despite Boyds sizeable campaign fund, with more than $1.5 million cash on hand at end of the first quarter of 2010, some Republicans maintain that this election cycle is the best opportunity to defeat him due to his key role in backing Obamacare and his primary fight with Lawson.
If we cant beat him now, said one Republican strategist who did not want to be identified, well never be able to do it.
Steve Southerland, a funeral home owner from Panama City, has started off his bid for the Republican nomination by raising $200,000 and assembling a campaign team. Southerland is hoping his business experience translates into electoral success. He supports lowering taxes and cutting regulations to get the economy going again.
Eddie Hendry, a pharmaceutical representative based in Tallahassee, is also running in the Republican primary. Hendry, who ran for the Republican nomination in 2008, is calling for less taxes, cracking down on illegal immigration and supporting energy independence, including expanding oil drilling in the Rockies and in Alaska.
We have a total lack of leadership in Washington, especially at the congressional level, said Hendry. Hendry said that his experience in the military and in business gives him the experience needed to help lead the nation.
I want to take America back for our kids, said Hendry. Im a big supporter of the FairTax, which is the biggest economic stimulus we can give.
Brian Brooks from the Hendry campaign said his candidate will be launching major fundraising efforts in the next few weeks.
Olschner, who has called Santa Rosa Beach home since 1977, is hoping her experience as an advocate will help her connect with voters.
I know what it is to fight for people, said Olschner. Thats what we need right now.
Scholl spent almost three decades defending the country, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. I have a proven record of being successful under extremely challenging conditions, he said, pointing to his record at the Air Force Academy and in the service.
Scholl said his record of service is what makes him stand out from the pack. You dont see a tremendous love of country in individuals in Congress, said Scholl, who signaled out Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts as putting their own interests ahead of the nation's.
Allen Boyd is a decent man who has served his country, said Scholl, who added that the congressmans legislative record was not a successful one. He has not shown himself to be a leader.
Scholl said his familiarity with defense issues and offshore drilling separates him from the field of Republicans. He said he supported offshore drilling as long as it did not hinder military operations in the Gulf or Floridas tourism.
We cant jeopardize the bases or the beaches, said Scholl.
Ron McNeil, a political unknown from Miramar Beach, is also running in the Republican primary.
There are some conservatives running for the seat outside the Republican Party.
Conservative activist Paul McKain, a retired firefighter, is running for the seat as an independent and has raised more than $35,000 for his congressional bid.
The one thing that really makes me stand out is I cannot represent a party, said McKain. I could not take a loyalty oath which puts your loyalty to the party and not to the people.
Pushing for smaller government, lower taxes and controlling the borders, McKain said the Republicans offered conservatives promises on these issues but do not deliver.
Theyre so afraid of the next election that they dont push the hard issues, he said. Im running on Ronald Reagans values, and not just running on them; I will make them happen.
Conservative activist and accountant Dianne Berryhill left the Republican primary contest to continue her congressional bid as an independent. Berryhill said her chief priorities would be reforming Congress, including abolishing pork barrel projects, slashing congressional salaries and retirement perks.
Ive signed a contract with the voters, term limiting myself for eight years, she said. Im not looking for a career.
Berryhill said that other concerns for her were national security and reforming social programs.
Ray Netherwood, a retired Air Force officer who worked in health administration, is running as a write-in candidate.
Other candidates had considered entering the raise. Carl Meece, a retired aerospace engineer, pulled out of the race in February. Charlie Ransom, a former assistant attorney general and legislative staffer, dropped out of the race April 30.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859
