Boring Ass Ed Turanchik Internet Ad

Why is Tampa mayor candidate Ed Turanchik spending money on internet ads that no one will watch? At the time of this post, this ad has only been viewed 107 on Youtube.

The ad itself is a bunch of people know one knows and I include Pushing Rope hater Doug Tudor in that category. I wrote that Tudor can not get elected to Congress. Tudor sent out an email calling me a Blue Dog. Tudor ended up losing the district 12 Democratic primary. What his hysterical is Tudor is the biggest name in his horrible ad. One would guess that Turanchik's years of using the public sector for bizarre schemes (Olympics in Tampa) to fatten the wallets of corporate cronies would produce heavyweight endorsements. You guess wrong.

The ad looks as if it was filmed in a vampire's basement. Was the director trying to make a campaign ad or do a remake of David Fincher's Se7en. It wouldn't hurt if someone turned on the lights. The viewer should at least be able to see some random person talk about how much Turanchik supports things that poll well.

Doug Tudor Attacks Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

I have repeatedly said Doug Tuder can not win Florida District 12. Appparently, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz sent out a mass e-mail asking Democrats to support Tudor's primary opponent Lori Edwards. The Tudor campaign found out about the e-mail and is using it for fundraising purposes. I doubt it will do much good. According to OpenSecrets.org, Tudor has only raised $34,274.

Tudor has alienated the Democratic establishment. I have had my own misgivings with the establishment. I am also not running for Congress. Tudor needed the establishment for fundraising and endorsements. Instead, he operated his campaign without communicating with the DCCC and Florida Democratic Party. Tudor shouldn't act shocked that Wasserman-Schultz is supporting Edwards.

From Tudor's e-mail:

Over the next several days, I am going to send you a few more notes outlining why Debbie, who is in a safe D+13 district, is supporting a Conservative. Trust me, it is not the first time she has backed candidates that are opposed to the hope and change for which we worked so hard for in 2008. With your $20.00 contribution, we can send a clear message that it should be her last.

Man, this guy is vindictive. Tudor is obsessed with a Democrat representative from another district. That is much like Tudor's weird attack on Randy Edwards; a unknown candidate who withdrew from the race before he even really started. I don't want a person with Tudor's temperment anywhere near public office.

Another point is what hope and change did Tudor create in 2008? Tudor lost the District 12 general election to Adam Putnam by 16.8 percent. Tudor didn't help Barack Obama win Florida. So I really like to know how he is creating hope and change by attacking every Democrat he feels that dissed him?

Update: At the time of this post; Doug Tudor's ActBlue site has raised $170.00. That isn't going to cut it.

Lori Edwards Fundraising Woes

The Doug Tudor and Randy Edwards nonstory has been covered on this blog. The real story is Lori Edward had a bad fundraising quarter.

Roll Call reports Edwards raised only $39,000 in the third quarter. She spent $44,000 during that period. Republican candidate Dennis Ross $144,000. Open Secrets has breakdown of the candidates' fundraising.

Republicans

Dennis Ross

Raised: 381,319
Spent: $126,321
Cash on Hand: $254,997
Last Report: September 30, 2009

Randy Wilkinson

Raised: $6,250
Spent: $2,155
Cash on Hand: $4,094
Last Report: October 01, 2009

Thomas K. Snider

Raised: $198
Spent: $98
Cash on Hand: $100
Last Report: June 30, 2009

Democrats

Lori Edwards

Raised: $141,181
Spent: $64,593
Cash on Hand: $76,586
Last Report: September 30, 2009


Doug Tudor

Raised: $1,486
Spent: $1,750
Cash on Hand: $3,106
Last Report: June 30, 2009

Randy Edwards

No reports on record for this candidate.

District 12 was held by Adam Putnam. The Congressman is giving up his seat to run for Agriculture Commissioner. The district has been red. Edwards would have a difficult time winning the district, if her fundraising was even with Ross's. If Edwards doesn't step up her fundraising the DCCC will give up on her.

Randy Edwards Campaign Response

The Randy Edwards campaign responds to the Doug Tudor press release. The Edwards response doesn't make clear whether he is retired or in active service. Tudor has demanded Edwards withdrawal from the race. Tudor accused Edwards of still being active in the Marine Corps. Edwards web site states he is retired.

Randy Edwards is a nineteen year resident of Florida. He and his wife, Sarita, are raising their two sons, Randolph II, and Nicholas, in Valrico. Randy recently retired as a Marine Corps intelligence officer after nearly 22 years and serving multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia. During his Marine Corps career, Randy also served as a Legislative Assistant and Legislative Fellow in the United States Congress and helped provide disaster aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Randy graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Morehouse College. He holds a masters degree from the National Defense Intelligence College.

Personally, I wish all parties with take a deep breath and chill.

The Randy Edwards campaign response:

Friends of Randy Edwards For Congress find that it is truly disheartening and sad for a career military member, such as Mr. Tudor, would attack a career combat Marine, Randy Edwards for political gain. Mr. Tudor claims are baseless and full of half truths and innuendo. The mere presence of Randy in the race for the 12th Congressional District clearly demonstrates that Mr. Tudor is very concerned about his political future. Friends of Randy Edwards for Congress are confident that Randy has been following the spirit and letter of Department of Defense Directives; he has not and will not direct campaign activities until it is permissible. Randy has attended certain Democratic club meetings, which is permissible under Department of Defense regulations (see paragraph: 4.1.1.3). Friends of Randy Edwards for Congress only support Randy because he is one of the highest caliber individuals devoted to a lifetime of honor, courage, and commitment. Friends of Randy Edwards for Congress will continue to carry the fight until Randy is able speak out publicly on his own behalf.

Friends of Randy Edwards For Congress believe Mr. Tudor's actions clearly show why he is not "fit" to serve as the next representative of the 12th Congressional District and that the potential and promise of Randy's leadership is a threat to him.

Friends of Randy Edwards For Congress will not respond to any additional attacks from Mr. Tudor.

Excerpts from DODI 1344.10:
4.1.1. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may:
4.1.1.1. Register, vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.
4.1.1.2. Promote and encourage others to exercise their voting franchise, if such promotion does not constitute use of their official authority or influence to interfere with the outcome of any election.
4.1.1.3. Join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform, subject to the restrictions of subparagraph 4.1.2.4. (See DoD Instruction 1334.1 (Reference (c).)

4.1.2. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty shall not:
4.1.2.4. Serve in any official capacity with or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.



Sincerely,

Friends of Randy Edwards For Congress

Doug Tudor Attacks Randy Edwards

This is incredible. Doug Tudor is publicly urging Randy Edwards to drop out of the Florida District 12 Congressional race. Tudor contends the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92 restricts Edwards from campaigning. Edwards is retired from the Marine Corps. Furthermore, Tudor doesn't produce any evidence to support his claims.

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.

More On Backlash to Tudor Post

My post "Doug Tudor Can Not Win District 12" is being used as a fundraising pitch the Doug Tudor campaign. That is cool. In the past, the Florida Democratic Party has used my posts for their email updates. My Tudor post isn't being used to surport my thesis that Tudor can not win the District 12 Democratic primary. It is being used for a fundraising pitch.

Subject: You want a Blue Dog?

Michael Hussey seems to think you should. He wrote a blog stating all the reasons Doug can't win this seat. And the list consisted of one issue - money.

With Doug beginning his campaign truly in July, Lori had a five month lead in fundraising. With 13 months to go before the primary, I wouldn't write off Doug just yet. I know you haven't!

Show your support and donate now at http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19447

Doug absolutely prefers to have his contributions come from the voters in District 12!

The current lack of support and leadership from the Congressional Blue Dogs for the health care reform the American people have been pleading for shows us what we could expect from our own Blue Dog Congresswoman in Mr. Hussey's scenario. The time for DINOs is over!

If you'd like to read the blog at Pushing Rope and comment (and I think you will!) click below.

http://pushingrope.blogspot.com/2009/07/doug-tudor-can-not-win-district-12.html

Always Democratically yours,
Rosalind

Actually, I also mentioned "recognition with voters and connections with the Polk County Democratic Party." If by some miracle Tudor beats Edwards - the DCCC isn't going to spend money on Tudor in a red district. Adam Putnam beat Tudor by 16 percent in 2008. Tudor won't have Obama on the top of the ticket in 2010.

This conversation needs to happen. Do we want idealogical purity at the expense of shrinking the party. The Republican base deemed Arlen Specter too moderate and Democrats are now have a 60 member caucus. The Republican base went ballistic over immigration and lost Hispanic voters in the last two election cycles. Lori Edwards is not my ideal candidate. She is better positioned to take on Dennis Ross in the general election.

Finally, Pushing Rope is not a blue dog blog. I understand progressives are upset. I felt the weaknesses of the Tudor campaign needed to be discussed. My old spats with Stick of Fire and Tampa Taxi Shots were WWIII compared to this.

Doug Tudor Can Not Win District 12

Susan Smith is attempting to increase support of Congressional candidate Doug Tudor over Democratic candidate Lori Edwards. Down With Tyranny has also endorsed Tudor. Why must the netroots back candidates that can not win?

Edwards is the Polk County Supervisor of Elections. She has more name recognition with voters and connections with the Polk County Democratic Party. Tudor is not even mentioned on the Polk County Executive Committee web site. Progressives should be very clear on this. Tudor has no chance of beating Dennis Ross in the general election. Acording to OpenSecrets.org, Ross has raised $236,889. Edwards has raised $102,636. Here is what should tell any astute political observer that Tudor should drop out. Tudor has only been able to raise $1,486.

I like Doug Tudor and would love to see him get elected to Congress. It isn't going to happen. The netroots needs to get behind Edwards. We not not always agree with her. We certainly won't agree with Ross. FriedGator is behind Edwards' candidacy.

I caught grief for backing Christine Jennings over (then) netroots darling Jan Schneider. Jennings ran a now infamously close election with Vern Buchanan. Schneider ran as an independant in 2008 and hindered Jennings' chances in her rematch with Buchanan. Schneider knew she couldn't win but decided to pull a Ralph Nader. Another netroots darling, Samm Simpson, endorsed Ron Paul.

Does any progressive believe Tudor can beat Edwards in the primary? Does Tudor honestly think he has a chance against Edwards? Why must we continue this charade? Edwards will win the primary and if progressives want District 12 to turn blue they are going to have to back a blue dog Democrat. I don't care if Tudor drops out. Tudor isn't running a strong enough campaign to damage Edwards. Sad but true.

Update: Tudor is now listed as a candidate on the Polk County Executive Committee web site.

Doug Tudor Rally In the Park

Congressional candidate Doug Tudor will hold a campaign rally in the park. Tudor is running against Republican incumbant Adam Putnam.

When: October 16, 2008
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m
Where: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland

Email Rosalind Moffett at rosalind@teamtudor.org for more information.

Doug Tudor Press Release

Congressional candidate Doug Tudor sent out a press release attacking incumbant Adam Putnam.

“During my 20 years in the Navy, I learned what a conflict of interest is. Mr. Putnam’s receipt of monies from entities which his subcommittee is supposed to oversee is a blatant conflict of interest. Mr. Putnam apparently doesn’t understand the concept, or he is operating in direct violation of it,” Tudor said. He continued, “I call on Mr. Putnam today to take one of three actions: return the money, donate it to charity, or recuse himself from the upcoming bail-out vote. To do any less shows his utter contempt for the integrity we citizens expect of our lawmakers.”

Open Secrets has a complete break down of the industries contribing to Putnam's campaign.

Tudor has run a good netroots campaign and will be a stronger candidate next time he runs. Dictrict 12 is solidly red and Putnam is one of the most powerful Republicans in the House. A good showing by Tudor could lead to future Democratic establishment backing.