Two Good Candidates

The New York Times in their endorsement of Hillary Clinton said she best would “fill the void left by Daniel Patrick Moynihan”.  They acknowledged her record of pettiness, lack of candor, willingness to say anything to get out of a problem.  That is like a toddler working around in dad’s boots.  It will be a long time before Hillary or Rick Lazio or anyone can approach filling the giant Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s shoes.

 This got me to thinking that we have a similar situation.  We have some mighty big shoes to fill as the congressman coming from the 12^th Congressional District of Florida.   We have had a history over the last few years of sending to congress quality people.  Andy Ireland served with distinction. Then came along Charles Canady.  He made a name for himself by proving to be a very respected congressman.  He got himself in the spotlight by being on the House Impeachment Managers Committee.  He was never unprepared, he was articulate and even if you were against the impeachment, you had to respect his effort.  Then, lo and behold he stuck to his word.  He had said “4 terms and out”.  And out he is going!  As this congress ends so will his service to Polk County in Congress at least. 

We are in the middle of selecting his replacement and we have a most interesting choice.  Young vs. Old, ok Mike, older!  Practical Experience vs. Government experience.  And of course, Democrat vs. Republican. 

On the face of it may look like Mike Stedem has the most to offer.  Successful businessman, long history of community service with RESULTS!  In other words he did not just have his name on a number of boards and do nothing.  Mike represents what most voters are looking for; practical experience, business experience and community service.

 So how does this young whipper snapper Adam Putnam at age 26 presume to compete against this resume?  Well, compete he does and with apparently some success.  I think that he just did by not play by the rules… wait, get some experience, your turn will come.  He just went out and Did It!  At this tender age he has already been elected and re-elected, serving four years in the Florida House of Representatives and has moved into a leadership position as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee… very important to Central Florida.  I can’t image me at 22 running for elective office!  And if you listen to Adam as I have on several occasions you know that he is in command of the issues, articulates well and stands up mighty fine to the older and supposedly wiser Stedem.

 So what to do?  I would say that we have a most delightful choice.  Either candidate would serve with distinction and make us proud.  Either candidate would fill Charles Canady’s large shoes.  I might add that I could see Mike or Adam being a statesman in the mold of Daniel Patrick Moynihan sooner that either New York Senate Candidate.  

Obviously, Adam Putnam is going places and we can see big things in his future.  It is too early to say President, but you can see the senate in the future after a few years in congress and he gets a little mature patina.   Mike Stedem is trying to put a cap on his service to our community.  At age 50 he may not be looking beyond congress.  After all being a politician is hard work, and in most cases a lot of slug work.  To work up the ladder it may just be a young man’s game.  I think Adam can put in the effort, but Mike might not want the year around fundraising, town meetings, being away from family to do more that serve in congress for a few years.

 But, still, What to do?  I think that if you feel that Democrats should be in charge in congress, vote for Mike.  If you feel that the Republicans should rule, vote Adam.

But either way, we win.  We have a couple of classy guys on the ballot.  Let’s enjoy it.  We don’t have the tortured choice that a New York Senate voter has!  The New York Times suggests a candidate that has never been elected to anything.  They recommend a candidate who has just moved to the state.  They recommend a candidate that has no accomplishments other than “advocating”!  They recommend a candidate that has flirted with the grand jury for the last 8 years.  

We have a candidate who has not only advocated, but accomplished something.  We have a candidate that has been elected and re-elected.  We did not have to go out of state to find a candidate… Well, some might think Mike Stedem a newcomer after almost 20 years!  And we have a candidate that was actually born and raised in the district.  We have candidates with not a hint of scandal.   

So as Charles Canady ends his congressional service, let’s lift a toast to his quality and give thanks. We can look forward to the continuation of sending another quality congressman to Washington.  A  man that represents good old Central Florida quality.