While former Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., are more likely to be the Sunshine States favorite sons in the 2016 presidential race, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has a prominent Florida Republican as a major fan and political ally.
U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., voted for Paul to be speaker of the House on Tuesday. Clawson explained his vote after U.S. House Speaker John Boehner kept the gavel.
Today marked the time for a more conservative, more streamlined and less deal-making way of doing business on Capitol Hill, Clawson said on Tuesday. In business we call this a new set of eyes. In politics they call us the outsiders. That is why I supported my fellow outsider, Sen. Rand Paul, as an alternative choice to be the speaker of the House. Like much of the new blood elected to Congress in recent years, Rand Paul and I share the view that Washington is too big and that protecting our Constitution is paramount. How ironic that viewpoint is now considered outsider, by some.
Clawson laid out his case against Boehner and the Republican leadership.
My disappointment came to a critical mass in last Decembers Cromnibus legislation, which included increased donations for the political parties, allowing the interests of K Street to rise over the concerns of Main Street, Clawson said. Additionally, I was disappointed that the legislation supported funding to untested Muslim rebels in Syria to carry out the mission of defeating ISIS, while nothing in the legislation was done to end the presidents unconstitutional executive amnesty. To me, this was unacceptable and mirrored the lack of vision in the administration's foreign policy.
On the major issues facing our nation, since I took office last June, I have been disappointed time and again by the deals cut that do not reflect the values of Southwest Florida, Clawson insisted. I made the frustrations of my district known loud and clear today.
Paul backed Clawson in the Republican primary back in April as he took on state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and former state Rep. Paige Kreegel in the special election needed after former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., resigned due to cocaine possession.
Washington is desperate for outside leadership, Paul said in his April endorsement of Clawson. Curt Clawson is an outsider who will bring refreshing ideas to the halls of Congress. Today, I proudly stand with Curt Clawson in his quest to restore fiscal stability and common-sense government. Curt will stand with me in defending the Constitution. I urge the voters of Floridas 19th Congressional District to send Curt to Washington. Our nation needs new leadership and the first step in the right direction would be electing Curt Clawson.
"Having the leading voice for freedom, liberty and the United States Constitution in the United States Congress come on board our campaign cannot be overstated," Clawson said in response. "I am truly grateful for the support of Sen. Paul and if elected will join him in the fight to restore fiscal order in Washington
Clawson signed on board with Pauls One Percent Spending Reduction Act, popularly dubbed the Penny Plan, which would reduce the cost of the federal government by 1 percent each year until the budget is balanced. Originally introduced by then-U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., Paul announced in the summer of 2011 that he was backing the measure. Mack, like Paul, endorsed Clawson in the race for his old seat.
Paul is considering running for president in 2016 and has been active in Florida, endorsing candidates including U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., who, like Clawson, opposed keeping Boehner as speaker.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
