The Family Values Hypocrisy of Bill Young

The Tampa Bay Times has a fascinating article on the children from the late Congressman Bill Young's first marriage to Marian Ford. Young divorced Marion and had no further contact with the children from his first marriage after 1986. The children from Young's first marriage came forward to tell their story.

This tidbit from the article shows the sham that is GOP family values.

Less than a year later, Young was awarded the Family and Freedom Award from the Christian Voice, the nation's largest conservative religious lobby.

He received the award because of how he voted on "key moral issues."

It's unclear if the Christian Voice knew of the recent upheaval in his private life. After all, newspapers had barely mentioned his divorce and remarriage, let alone the existence of an out-of-wedlock child.

The child is Billy Young. The mother was Bill Young's much young secretary Beverly Angello. Young was still married to Marion at the birth of his child with the woman now known as Beverly Young.

Marion told The Tampa Bay Times that Young wanted to stay married while maintaining a relationship with Beverly. Marion wanted a divorce.

"My attorney said, 'If all of this comes out, the congressman may be in jeopardy of losing his seat. If we can get alimony from him to keep you from letting everybody know about that, that would be beneficial,' " Marian Young said.

"I said, 'Done.' "

The divorce became final Nov. 15, 1985.

A wife and three grown children in St. Petersburg and a mistress and a new born baby in Washington DC. I wonder what Bill Young was thinking when he accepted the Family and Freedom Award from the Christian Voice.

I don't expect Bill Young to be a saint. Things happen in life. People get divorced and the children are often the victims. Bill Young is just as flawed as the constituents he served. What I can't stand is the hypocrisy of his votes on social issues. Bill Young has been married twice but refuses to allow gay people the right to marry. Young has voted against funding that would help single mothers. A man who went decades not speaking to the children from his first marriage had no right to lecture people on family values.

Florida Members of Congress Voting For Government Shutdown

Via Stogie: here is a list of Republicans who voted for a CR bill that would delay Obamacare. This is a nonstarter in the Senate and President Barack Obama would never sign it into law. This vote is just to appease the tea party base of the GOP.

Rep. Jeff Miller [R-D1]

Rep. Steve Southerland [R-D2]

Rep. Ted Yoho [R-D3]

Rep. Ander Crenshaw [R-D4]

Rep. Ron DeSantis [R-D6]

Rep. John Mica [R-D7]

Rep. Bill Posey [R-D8]

Rep. Daniel Webster [R-D10]

Rep. Richard Nugent [R-D11]

Rep. Gus Bilirakis [R-D12]

Rep. W. Bill Young [R-D13]

Rep. Dennis Ross [R-D15]

Rep. Vern Buchanan [R-D16]

Rep. Thomas Rooney [R-D17]

Rep. Trey Radel [R-D19]

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart [R-D25]

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-D27]

Bill Young on David Petraeus Scandal

Rep. Bill Young was briefed by acting CIA Director Michael Morell. What Young said was not encouraging.

"I still don't know where this goes. I have a concern that it might go far deeper than we think. Not the personal issue but the issue as it relates to intelligence and national defense," Young said in an interview Tuesday night.

Young cannot talk about his briefing with Morell. What could be getting the attention of the CIA is Paula Broadwell's comments on Benghazi. Broadwell claimed the attack was a reprisal for the CIA taken two Libyan militia members as prisoners.

"Now I don't know if a lot of you heard this, but the CIA annex had actually -- had taken a couple of Libyan militia members prisoner and they think that the attack on the consulate was an effort to try to get these prisoners back. So that's still being vetted," she said.

That was not reported at the time. The CIA is unlikely to ever confirm such an operation. Another sign that Broadwell received classified information is from the FBI search of her computer.

The contents of the classified material and how Broadwell acquired it remain under investigation, said the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to comment publicly. But the quantity of classified material found on the computer was significant enough to warrant a continuing investigation, the">ad officials told Reuters.

Petraeus was interviewed today and denied he gave Broadwell access to classified information. Broadwell admitted to the FBI that she stole documents. What I would like to know is how Broadwell got a security clearance and only had it revoked after the affair became public.

Jessica Ehrlich Raises $100,000

Jessica Ehrlich had a fantastic first month in fundraising.

ST PETERSBURG, FL - Jessica Ehrlich, candidate for Florida’s new 13th Congressional District, today announced that she raised more than $100,000 in the first month of her campaign. Ehrlich, a Saint Petersburg native and attorney, announced her campaign for Congress on February 27th. In the first month of her campaign, she was also placed “On the List” by EMILY’s List and endorsed by the New Democrat Coalition.

Commenting on her success, Jessica Ehrlich said, “I am overwhelmed and energized by the outpouring of support from Floridians who are desperate for a Representative determined to end the gridlock and infighting that have prevented Congress from achieving real progress on critical issues like strengthening the middle class, our economy, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Pinellas County deserves news ideas and fresh thinking committed to building a brighter future for our residents. In Congress, I will always be an advocate for our hardworking families and seniors.”

Ehrlich is competing against Nina Hayden for the Democratic nomination for the 13th congressional district. The winner will face Republican incumbent dinosaur Bill Young. If you like oork barrel legislation than support Young. If not then support Ehrlich or Hayden.

Jessica Ehrlich Makes Emily's List

Jessica Ehrlich is a Democrat running in Florida's 13th congressional district. Her Republican opponent will be GOP establishment veteran and pork champion Bill Young. Ehrlich has been endorsed by Emily's List.

“Jessica is running a strong campaign to be a leader the people of Florida can count on in Congress,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “A dedicated advocate for job creation, working families, and seniors, Jessica is ready to make sure Washington starts working for the women and families of Florida. A St. Petersburg native, she has the support and experience to win in what is sure to be a hard-fought race against a 21-term Republican incumbent. Jessica is helping lead the charge to take back the House in 2012 and the EMILY’s List community is thrilled to put her ‘On the List’ today.”

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jessica Ehrlich attended Vanderbilt University and Southern Methodist University law school. She clerked for the Mid-Florida Federal Court Chief in 2003. Ehrlich went on to serve as a legislative aide in Washington where she gained valuable experience working with the House Financial Services Committee. A dedicated member of the St. Petersburg community, Erhlich’s top priority is ending the gridlock in Washington in order to create jobs and to help working families and seniors.

I don't see any links to policy positions on Ehrlich's website. Being against Bill Young is not enough. Ehrlich has to articulate what is is for to the voters. Ehrlich worked on congressional committees in Congress. Surely is has ideas on policy. If she doesn't define herself than she will suffer the same fate as Charlie Justice.

Benjamin Kirby is publicly backing Nina Hayden for the 13th district. Erhlich’s Emily's List endorsement has blown Hayden out of the water. Erhlich is the Democratic establishment candidate.

Erhlich's campaign needs to use social media better. Erhlich's Twitter feed only has seven tweets.

Young Beating Justice

Apparently, Peter Schorsch isn't a Charlie Justice fan. I wonder if it is because Mitch Kates worked on Justice's campaign. Schorsch tweets that Bill Young is (unsurprisingly) beating Justice.

By the Way, Congressman Bill Young is crushing Charlie Justice. Good.

I don't know Justice or Kates personally, but like what they have done. Last time I checked Kates was workimng on the Amendment 4 campaign. Justice has been a good State Senator. For some reason his campaign never could catch fire. Progressives like Justice and there was a limited amount of blog coverage for Justice. I'm not sure what the campaign's problem with reaching out to the netroots. Team Justice probably isn't sure either.

Update: Schorch explains his problems with Justice in two tweets. He brings up some good points.

First tweet:

Dude gave up a Senate seat early = Veto-proof GOP majority.

Second Tweet:

Also wrote law allowing candidates to run for federal office without resign to run = VP candidate

Justice is allowed to make the choice of whether to stay or not in the Florida Senate. Schorsch calling him out on those choices and the consequences are fair.

Charlie Justice Campaign Needs Volunteers

Charlie Justice is running for Floor congressional district 10. The seat is currently held by longtime Republican incumbant C.W. "Bill" Young. This is the first time in ages that Young has faced a serious Democratic challenger. The Justice campaign is getting their campaign organized by asking for volunteers. Below is information on how you can help. You can contact campaign intern Kristen Eberts at (727) 896-2010 during office hours.

Just reply to this email or call (727) 896-2010 if you want to volunteer. I'll contact you directly to help you get started!

Here are the ways you can help:

* Phone banking. Contact voters to find out who they're supporting and to raise their awareness of Charlie Justice.
o When: Can be done 9 am-9 pm, 7 days a week.
o Where: At home or at campaign HQ.
o What you need: A cell phone or landline.

* Data entry. Keep the campaign organized by entering information into our database.
o Whenever, wherever. You can even watch TV at home while you enter information!
o What you need: Nothing if you work at HQ; otherwise a computer.

* Driving. Pick up checks from donors, deliver flyers and campaign materials to events, run errands.
o When: Only needed on certain days.
o Where: Come to campaign HQ and we will send you around town.
o What you need: A car and driver's license.

* Donor research. Money makes the political world go round--so we need to find people who are willing to donate.
o Whenever, wherever.
o What you need: Nothing if you work at HQ, otherwise a computer.

* Represent Charlie at local events. Be the face of Justice for Congress! Go to events to hand out literature and answer questions about Charlie.
o When and where: We will contact you about events in your area. You choose which ones to go to.
o What you need: A smile, and transportation to/from events.

* Host and/or help plan a small fundraiser. We will be eternally grateful.
o When and where: It's up to you! At your house, a local restaurant, in a park...
o What you need: Organization.

* Special skills: Do you have any particular skills that could help the campaign?

* Opportunities Coming Later in the Campaign:
o Door to door voter contact
o Planting yard signs
o Other field work and office jobs

Bob Hackworth for District 10

Bob Hackworth is running against incumbant Bill Young. Pushing Rope readers will remember Young's lack of action on the horrible conditions of Walter Reed. Readers will also recall the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir.

"Remember, every time you turn on your water faucet, the water that comes out just might be flowing from the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir that was funded by a Congressional earmark."

C.W. Bill Young

How can we forget, Congressman. Since your vanity project has your name on it.

Hackworth was a city commissioner in Dunedin. He then became Dunedin's Mayor. Hackworth was endorsed in the Democratic primary by the St. Petersburg Times.

Contribute to the Bob Hackworth campaign.

Bob Hackworth on Bill Young's Housing Relief Nay Vote

District 10 congressional candidate Bob Hackworth voices his disapproval of Rep Bill C. W. Young's vote againt the housing relief bill.

(Dunedin, FL)—After threats of a veto to the nation’s most substantial housing bill in decades, President Bush signed the Foreclosure Prevention Act today. This bill provides relief to more than 400,000 homeowners in danger of foreclosure and helps reassure financial markets of the health of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae who control 42% of the nations mortgages. One provision of this Act calls for $300 billion in mortgage relief for troubled homeowners, this will allow these homeowners to transform their high-interest mortgages into government-backed, thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages. The Act also sets a cap of $625,000 on loans made by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which the FHA can insure and allow both institutions to buy back mortgages up to 15% above the median home price. Another provision of the bill gives $3.9 billon to help communities fix-up foreclosed properties.

“With 1.4 million foreclosures, and rising, nationally, and with one home out of 200 in Florida in foreclosure, it is outrageous that Rep Bill C. W. Young, would not support this bill. I find it deplorable that Rep. Young voted against this bill, especially with Florida having such a high mortgage default rate. As our Congressman, he should be trying to help, not hurt during this crisis,” said Mayor Hackworth.

WMNF interviews Hackworth about how he can beat Young. Hackworth tells Arielle Stevenson the election is about change. Hackworth cites his record as Mayor of Dunedin is an asset with voters.

Hackworth is against offshore drilling. He tells WMNF that there will be a negative impact on Florida's beaches. The candidate says he will support a Democratic administration's efforts to end the war in Iraq.

Honor Thy Earmark

Rep. CW Bill Young informs his constituents the power of the mighty earmark.

"Remember, every time you turn on your water faucet, the water that comes out just might be flowing from the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir that was funded by a Congressional earmark."

If it wasn't for Bill Young's earmarks from Bill Young's reservoir you would die of thirst. Carry on with your day and remember the man that giveth water can take it.

DCCC Targets Florida House Seats

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is running ad against Reps. Vern Buchanan, Tom Feeney and Bill Young.

DCCC chair Rep. Chris Van Hollen said the three will be targeted for voting against a proposal to expand health insurance to children. Only 5 Republicans voted for the bill and President Bush has threatened a veto.

"Republicans who continue to vote in lockstep with President Bush and against seniors and children in their districts will be held accountable," Van Hollen said.

Republicans Gus Bilirakis, Ginny Brown-Waite and Adam Putnam also voted against H.R. 3162.

Susan Stanton News

Susan Stanton is one of the finalist for the Sarasota City Manager job. She received a surprising endorsement from the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Stanton met with Republican Congressman Bill Young.

As Stanton and other transgender advocates walked into Young's office about 11:30 a.m., Young told Stanton, "You need to realize that this may be a little awkward for me. I've never dealt with anyone in this situation before."

"This is a little awkward for me, too," Stanton replied.

Young appreciated the candor: "That broke the ice, and we had a nice conversation," Young, R-Indian Shores, said later.

He said he spoke with Stanton mostly about the nondiscrimination bill sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., who is openly gay. Young said he told Stanton he hadn't read the bill but would discuss it with Frank.

"We talked about a lot of things, frankly very personal, about her experience and the things that have been in the newspaper already," Young said.

Young has not said whether he will support Frank's bill. But he said he signed a commitment that a person's sexual orientation and gender identity would not be a consideration in employment decisions for his congressional office.

I will give Young credit for handling the situation with grace and meeting with someone Christian conservatives, in his own party, have contempt for. We should encourage members of the GOP to follow Young's lead.

Stanton also met with Kathy Castor, Mel Martinez, Bill Nelson and Ted Kennedy.

In other news: the hatemongers are trying to get Stanton's few supporters on the Largo City Commission fired. The commission has asked Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats to investigate whether any city officials hid Stanton's possible misconduct. The investigation was launched after a petition was signed by 200 people and delivered to the City of Largo.

These Christian conservatives need to understand the meaning of blowback. They wished to cast out Stanton. The results were making her into a media celebrity who is now lobbying Congress for gay rights. I would hardly call that a victory for the Christian Right.

Unseat Bill Young

Karen Thurman of the Florida Democratic Party is launching a full court press against Rep. Bill Young. The Congressman was silent about the horrible conditions at Walter Reed. Young came up with hard-to-swallow excuses for his inaction.

“We did not go public with these concerns, because we did not want to undermine the confidence of the patients and their families and give the Army a black eye while fighting a war,” Young said.

Florida Democrats is urging citizens to write letters to newspapers in protest against Young.

Bill Young's Lame Excuses

Bill Young offers his reason for not blowing the whistle on Walter Reed.

“We did not go public with these concerns, because we did not want to undermine the confidence of the patients and their families and give the Army a black eye while fighting a war,” Young said.

So Young was supporting the military establishment over the soldiers getting fucked over at Walter Reed. Fan-fucking-tastic!

“What else do you want me to do? I am not going to go into a hospital and push my way into a medical situation,” Young said after the hearing.

Young said he “separates my life as a member of Congress and the work I do on a volunteer basis,” visiting military hospitals with his wife almost every week.

Since Young saw mistreatment of soldiers on me time he was off-the-clock. Well, that settles that. Now doesn't it?

Why Bill Young Remained Silent On Walter Reed

What I get on bloggers about is to pay attention to the details. Think for five seconds before blowing off a story as unimportant. The Washington Post ran a story about the horrible conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Bill Young was quoted in the story.

In 2004, Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.) and his wife stopped visiting the wounded at Walter Reed out of frustration. Young said he voiced concerns to commanders over troubling incidents he witnessed but was rebuffed or ignored. "When Bev or I would bring problems to the attention of authorities of Walter Reed, we were made to feel very uncomfortable," said Young, who began visiting the wounded recuperating at other facilities.

Beverly Young said she complained to Kiley several times. She once visited a soldier who was lying in urine on his mattress pad in the hospital. When a nurse ignored her, Young said, "I went flying down to Kevin Kiley's office again, and got nowhere. He has skirted this stuff for five years and blamed everyone else."

Young said that even after Kiley left Walter Reed to become the Army's surgeon general, "if anything could have been done to correct problems, he could have done it."

The Buzz linked to the story. Susan S started the first comment that set off a negative avalanche for the Congressman. Beverly Young gave a lengthy defense of her husband in the comments. In their defense, Bill and Beverly Young have donated much of their personal time to helping wounded soldiers. That is well-documented. The question is why they didn't do more? A powerful Congressman like Young could hold press conferences and get on talk shows to create pressure to improve conditions at Walter Reed. He didn't.

Republicans go against their best judgement to keep the White House from having to deal with controversy. Party discipline outweighs all other considerations. Salon documented in 2005 that wounded soldiers had to pay for their own meals. One soldier said, "You know they treat us like shit up here."

Young could have held a press conference with wounded soldiers and have them tell their stories of horrible treatment. Instead, he refused to publicly speak out. His loyalty to the White House outweighed his disgust about walter Reed. This explains everything that is wrong with the Republican Party.

Susan S deserves a lot of credit for bringing this story forward.