The five Democratic candidates for Congressional District 11 (Tampa-St. Pete-Bradenton) debated on live radio last night, courtesy of WMNF 88.5 FM. Afterward, the frontrunner, Kathy Castor, again came under fire from her opponents trying to gain some traction in the race.
Al Fox called her "Cowering" Kathy in a strongly worded and name-calling news release sent out just before midnight:
I just ended a radio debate with all of my opponents, including Kathy Castor, who has refused to participate in all the other debates. I now know why. I am more convinced than ever our chances are surprisingly good to dismantle the Castor machine.
We are issuing this press release tonight to expose her weaknesses, such as her stance on the War in Iraq. Tonight she touts one stance that said “we must bring our troops home,†yesterday it was “intensive diplomatic effort at the time our commanders in the field are advising how to redeploy our troops,†and two months ago, she said “Immediate pull out? No!†How can she have three positions in two months?
During tonight's debate, it was obvious why she has chosen not to participate in other debates. Her demeanor was that of a sophomoric, inexperienced candidate. On numerous occasions she scurried through her notes, nervously reading her responses word-for-word while chanting her window-dressed mantras. It certainly is not the picture one gets from her press releases which suggest she is an expert on everything, including sliced bread! But for her family name and out-of-state special interest money, she would not even be a contender in this race.
Perhaps Fox was trying to take attention away from his admission last week that he's been removing yard signs critical of his pro-Cuba stance. Fox told the St. Petersburg Times that he regularly picks up trash that is on public property.
