It makes no sense for Tudor to go after Edwards. Voters do not know Edwards and it remains to be seen if he will raise enough money or get on the ballot. Lori Edwards is who Tudor should be focused on. She is the frontrunner and has a huge fundraising advantage over Tudor. The only thing Tudor is accomplishing is giving Randy Edwards free publicity.
My take is Tudor is really disturbed a fellow military veteran is running in Democratic primary for District 12.
Below is the confusing press release:
Subject: Press Release from Doug Tudor for U.S. Congress
PRESS RELEASE
October 14, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Doug Tudor
Doug Tudor for U.S. Congress
Edwards Candidacy Called Into Question
RIVERVIEW, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14, 2009
Democratic U.S. House candidate Doug Tudor publicly called on fellow candidate Randy Edwards to withdraw from the race for the open seat in Florida's 12th Congressional District.
Tudor claimed, "By actively campaigning, speaking to groups, and requesting monetary contributions to his campaign, Major Edwards is in clear violation of Department of Defense Directives regarding political activities by members of the Armed Forces."
Over the course of the past week, Edwards addressed various gatherings of Democrats. He did so at the Florida Democratic Party's annual conference in Orlando this past weekend, as well as speaking to the Polk County Democratic Executive Committee in Bartow on Monday night and the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club in Brandon on Tuesday night. At each event, Edwards declared that is still on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he solicited monetary contributions to his campaign.
"Anyone with even the slightest knowledge of military regulations knows that having a strict ban on military members injecting themselves into partisan politics is vital to the sanctity of America's civilian-led military," said Tudor. He continued, "As a retired Navy Master Chief, it disturbed me to see an active-duty Marine officer trying to gain such an important office, who either didn't know any better or deliberately violated the regulations."
Edwards was granted a waiver signed by the Secretary of the Navy, which clearly stated that while he could file for candidacy, he was restricted from "open and active campaigning and all behind-the-scenes activities."
Though Edwards' infractions are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92, "Failure to Obey Order or Regulation," Tudor stated, "I don't want to see this junior officer punished. I just want to ensure that the political autonomy of our nation's great military isn't called into question, whether by intent or by ignorance."
The regulation governing "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces" is Department of Defense Directive Number 1344.10 dated February 19, 2008. It is available on the web.
The regulation governing "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces" is Department of Defense Directive Number 1344.10 dated February 19, 2008. It is available on the web.
Update: Off-the-record emails i had reveal the Tudor campaign and Democratic Party establishment had little communication about the allegations against Edwards. Apparently, the Tudor campaign and DEM party have a cold relationship.
I sent Randy Edwards an email and hoping for a reply.
Confusing? Please...
ReplyDeleteEdwards is running for Congress whereby he will be voting on issues that affect the entire world. If he is willing to break military code and law - and lie about it - you don't think we should discuss that?
Doug has served this country with honesty and integrity and he has every right to be upset that someone who is wearing the uniform less honorably is asked one simple question: why? Why can Randy Edwards lie about his authorization to campaign? Why can Randy Edwards run around in complete violation of the US Military Code?
These are serious questions of character and integrity. Await Randy Edwards response for politicizing his military position and the military itself. Isn't that what Bush did?
I think this is more than a fair set of questions - and Randy Edwards needs to answer them.
Confusing? Don't think so. I had the same concerns as Tudor when Edwards spoke at the Polk DEC meeting. He asked for money at the meeting in a public building . . .another violation. If he can not be trusted to follow the rules . . .
ReplyDeleteAt this point it is an accusation. My problem is the Tudor press release did not provide proof. I'm looking into the story now.
ReplyDeleteSo now your issue isn't the question or accusation but the fact that the candidate should play the part of the press and military officials?
ReplyDeleteSorry, but it sounds like you have an axe to grind against Tudor.
Michael, I'm confused. What part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92 do you not understand?
ReplyDeleteAre you surprised that a retired Master Chief was alarmed that an active-duty officer put the Navy, and Dept of Defense, in a precarious position?
Or do you seriously think that the 20+ years Tudor served our country and the many Commanders; protecting them, their offices, officers and the the DOD as a whole was "just a job"?
Maybe you're confused as to what a Master Chief's duty is?
It is not a campaign that Doug Tudor seeks to protect. It is our military leaders and the reputation of our esteemed Dept of Defense, the Navy, specifically.
btw, I think it is amazing that a regular American, who happens to be running for office remembers that there is more to life than simple politics.
I get attack of the Tudor supporters every time I write something the Tudorheads don't like. It is not my job to get Tudor elected. Until I get confirmation about Randy Edwards's military status I am going to view the press release with skepticism. Edwards is a potential primary candidate against Tudor. That means accusations by the Tudor campaign should by investigated.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 9:11. Seems as though Hussey has an interest in the BlueDog DINO L. Edwards. I'd have hoped not.
ReplyDeleteSeems as though Hussey has an interest in the BlueDog DINO L. Edwards. I'd have hoped not.
ReplyDeleteI think Lori Edwards is going to win. Regardless of what anyone in this thread think. I wrote so in the past.
"I'm looking into the story now." Yeah...the need for you to fact check is a common thread with your posts!
ReplyDeleteConfusing? Can I possibly buy you a dictionary? Confusing? What was confusing about that?
OHHHH I know why you were confused...you lose all good sense when you see Doug Tudors name and that is unfortunate Mr. Hussey. Doug is a great candidate and was only doing what he felt was right, someone who really cares about politics and the law would have had respect for the fact that there was a possible violation, especially in such an important race. Randy Edwards spoke at the Polk DEC Monday night and clearly said that he still worked at McDill Air force base. He said that, there is no doubt about it.
So I have to ask again, what was so confusing? Is it because YOU didn’t have YOUR facts straight? Or could it just be that you are so "disturbed" because Doug, a military veteran is running in a Democratic primary for District 12 against Lori Edwards? You obliviously are a supporter of hers since you seem to have deemed her the "frontrunner" because of her HUGH fundraising advantage over Tudor.
Guys maybe one of you can help me out... Is there some sort of poll that I have missed out on? I wasn't aware that Lori Edwards was the leader of the Democratic Primary in my District 12!
Great, now I am confused!
Then maybe Hussey shoulda checked the facts before jumping to conclusions.
ReplyDeleteArticle 92 gave you an idea that Tudor knew exactly what he was talking about, with confirmation.
All we need is a blogger jumping to conclusions and not checking facts before writing a scathing review. Confirming the opinion that we're just a bunch of kids in Mom's basement, wearing our jammies and eating orange-crumbly crap.
Tudorheads . . .really . . .you do have an ax to grind. I am just about done reading your blog. Good luck with the DINO's you are helping to elect.
ReplyDelete...and SHAME ON YOU once again for publicly attacking another democratic candidate. Go ahead keep doing what your doing, we all associate you will Lori Edwards, and that isn't going to help her! I for one will work hard for her IF she wins the primary, because I am a democrat and I don’t turn my back on my party…even if she is a blue dog.
ReplyDeleteBlue dogs are NOT Democrats.
ReplyDelete9:40 - Preview is your friend.
ReplyDeleteThis diary isn't about L. Edwards. It is by a "pajama-clad" diarist jumping to "amazement" entirely too soon.
This comment thread is hysterical.
ReplyDelete...and SHAME ON YOU once again for publicly attacking another democratic candidate.
It isn't my job to carry water for Democrats.
Blue dogs are NOT Democrats.
The Blue Dogs are part of the caucus. The part that takes shitloads of health care money and buckles under pressure.
Edwards is running for Congress whereby he will be voting on issues that affect the entire world. If he is willing to break military code and law - and lie about it - you don't think we should discuss that?
Are we going to ask to see Edwards birth certificate? If Edwards is in the wrong then it will come out shortly. I am not going to take the word of anonymous commenters.
Me thinks Hussey is a joker. A laugh a minute with the diversion antics of a Young Republican. I'm out.
ReplyDeleteNo knowledge to be gained here.
9:40 stands by what he says, but thanks 9:46
ReplyDeleteFor the record, Tudor's press release is talking about Randy Edwards and not Lori Edwards.
ReplyDeleteLori Edwards is the blue dog in the race who is nothing more than a republican. She is against unions, public option, and GLBT rights.
Randy Edwards as demonstrated in several meetings over the last week is an ego maniac who doesn't know about the basic issues he would vote on if elected.
For those who say we should never attack another democratic candidate in public: don't you have to actually be a DEMOCRAT? You are all jokes and this is why the republicans lost so badly over the last two cycles: they circled the wagons instead of running the right type of people and getting them elected.
You know, Mike, I find it so interesting that you grand stand and slam one dem for bringing up legitimate questions regarding a primary opponent because they didn't do the job of a journalist to "substantiate claims" made.
ReplyDeleteAnd you then jump to conclusions about his relationship with the party. What proof do you have to substaintiate your claims of a "cold" relationship?
There is a fine line between speculation and reporting something as news while you all the while have malicious intent.
So, let's hear it: what proof do you have???
And you then jump to conclusions about his relationship with the party. What proof do you have to substaintiate your claims of a "cold" relationship?
ReplyDeleteI am not going to get into off-the-record discussions. I will say I am 100 percent certain the Tudor campaign has a "cold" relationship with the DCCC and FDP.
LMAO - oh, sure we will trust you, Mike, but no one else.... because you couldn't possibly have a hidden agenda...
ReplyDeleteCurses! Smarter than That discovered my secret agenda for world conquest.
ReplyDeleteWhat is hysterical is the fact that everything Huessy says he is upset about, he turns around and does the exact same thing.
ReplyDeleteHermano, Huessy, it is called deflection. Learned about it in 5th grade forensics class and you suck at it.
Get a life.
Why isn't anyone debating the fact that neither Lori or Randy Edwards are democrats? Lori hates the unions, GLBT community and is in the pocket of insurance companies. Hell, the blue dogs have already given her the green light.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there is Randy. What a hot mess that man is. I say lets hash out where these two land on issues and make it a real debate on substance.
This is so bizarre that a husband and wife would run against each other.Do Randy and Lori hate each other?
ReplyDeleteLori Edwards is a Democrat?
ReplyDeleteShe hates unions, won't state where she stands on the public option and is fully backed by the Blue Dog Caucus.
I ask again, she is a Democrat? Really?
She is as much of a democrat as any corporatist, who is in the pockets of special interest, could possibly be.
What's worse than a republican? A blue dog.
Hey Mike-when did doing the right thing become the wrong action? As a Veteran, I expect the Master Chief and every other service member past or present,to take immediate action to correct illegal and unethical behavior of other service members. It's the UCMJ in case you haven't heard.
ReplyDeleteMaj Edwards--many young men and women are serving with honor and integrity around the world. If you are still on active duty and actively campaining, you deserve to be punished to the fullest extent that the UCMJ allows.
Here is the link of the video of Randy campaigning and, oh, by the way - admitting he addressed the entire Florida Democratic Party convention in Orlando and in his words "as a candidate"!!! What a hoot!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTtdNwhpauQ
LMAO!!!
Mike, dude - you have been silent on any follow-ups. Did you enjoy the video of the non-campaigning, campaigning, retired, not retired republican, who is AKA Randy Edwards???
ReplyDeleteMike, Dude - WTF? Did you enjoy the vid of the non-campaigning, campaigner? Why so silent?
ReplyDeleteUpdate: Major Edwards dropped out of the race on January 20th, quoting some bullshit about taking a special assignment during wartime.
ReplyDeleteTudor was right to expose this phony hero, and now he's gone from the race. Good riddance to a sorry excuse of a Marine officer.