Challenger to Brown-Waite
A third Democrat, a Largo High teacher, joins the race for the U.S. House seat.
By Times Staff Writer
Published September 19, 2005
Richard J. Penberthy once again will try to win the congressional seat that Ginny Brown-Waite now holds.
Penberthy is the third Democrat to enter the race. Brown-Waite, R-Crystal River, so far has drawn no challengers from within the GOP.
In 2004, Penberthy finished fourth in a four-candidate Democratic primary. Robert Whittel prevailed, then lost in the general election to Brown-Waite.
Brown-Waite represents the 5th Congressional District, which includes all of Citrus, Hernando, Levy and Sumter counties and parts of Pasco, Marion, Lake and Polk counties.
John T. Russell, who placed second in the 2004 primary, is running again. The third Democrat in the race is David Werder. Whittel said he hasn't decided whether he will run.
Penberthy, 51, lives in Wesley Chapel. He moved to Florida about 26 years ago from Buffalo, N.Y.
He teaches social studies at Largo High School and also teaches American federal government one night a week at Pasco-Hernando Community College.
When asked why he is running again, Penberthy had a simple answer: "Nothing's really changed" in the federal government.
The government's primary responsibility is security, Penberthy said, "and I wonder how secure people feel."
The federal response after Hurricane Katrina is a good example, he said. Considering that performance in the wake of a natural disaster, how secure do Americans feel in government's abilities when it comes to preventing terrorism?
Likewise, how secure do people feel about their pensions, the health care system, the federal budget?
"It (the government's performance) wouldn't get a passing grade," the 22-year teaching veteran said.
Penberthy enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1972-74. He also served in the Naval Reserves during the 1980s.
How does Penberthy plan to improve on his 2004 performance? He said the keys to campaign success are ideas, name recognition and raising money. Penberthy said he has the ideas; now he needs to concentrate on the two other areas.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are paid $158,100 per year.