Orlando area Democrat Alan Grayson has a bulls-eye on his chest.
The outspoken freshman Representative was in Hyde Park in South Tampa on Saturday, at a fundraiser hosted by attorney Tom Scarritt and his wife Linda. He says he's halfway to his goal of raising $2 million for his re-election race this fall.
Grayson outraged Republicans last year when he accused the GOP of having a health care plan that "If you get sick, America, the Republican health care plan is this: Die quickly." Such comments have thrilled progressives who support health care reform, but also set off the wrath of conservatives nationwide.
The Orlando area Congressional race he won in 2008 was the first time a Democrat had captured that seat in 44 years, and the GOP wants it back.
That's why they've been desperate to find a viable candidate to take him out. Grayson says his real opponent is the Republican National Committee, saying, "They've said that I'm their #1 target for next year, and a lot of people are rallying to my defense."
This article appears in Jan 13-19, 2010.