Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Political junkie

For Young, military's the motive

By Times staff writers
Published March 8, 2006

Accepting an award Monday from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores, gave some insight into why he is running for re-election after 36 years in Congress.

"We could have retired quite some time ago," Young told the crowd of 1,400 VFW leaders in Washington, D.C. "But someone needs to lead the charge for those who serve in the military, those who served in the past and those who will serve in the future."

The VFW also gave an award to his wife, Beverly, who wore the "Support the Troops" T-shirt that got her thrown out of the State of the Union address in January.

Beverly was her usual fiery self, telling the VFW leaders that veterans and active-duty soldiers deserve more appreciation. She vowed to keep wearing the shirt.

"The more people tell me I can't wear this, the more I'm going to wear it," she said.

CELEBRITY ON THE MOUND : When Young, who is seeking a 19th term, came to Clearwater last week, he received a rock star-like welcome at the Phillies spring training home opener.

Fans who packed Bright House Networks Field on Friday yelled for Young, who threw out a ceremonial first pitch. A woman shouted from behind home plate, "Congressman Young, support our troops." Young went over and shook her hand.

Before taking the mound for his pitch, Young talked with Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard , who recalled his pitch gone wrong from last year's spring training (the ball went about 5 feet).

Still, when it was Young's turn to pitch, he tossed a perfect strike.

"I've been around long enough not to get nervous," Young said.

PAPER TRAIL : The Pinellas Democratic Party is asking the county government to create a voter paper trail that could prove if the county's electronic voting machines malfunction.

"Touch screen voting systems, used in 15 Florida counties including Pinellas and Hillsborough, might be the greatest in the world, but if people don't trust them, we have to do better," said Carolyn Wadlinger, the Pinellas County Democratic Party chairwoman.

Local Democrats think a paper backup will increase confidence that votes are counted accurately, allowing for effective audits. They also would provide a backup if computers fail.

Twenty-five states already have added a paper trail to the voting system, local Democrats said. Pinellas Democrats will forward their opinion to the state Democratic party, which is considering a similar proposal.

POWER COUPLE : Watch out, Bill and Hillary. Ken and Julie Peluso may be giving you a run for that political powerhouse couple title.

Julie Peluso, 48, recently announced her candidacy for Seat 2 on the Palm Harbor Fire Control Commission. Ken Peluso, who served two terms in that commission seat, is running for Florida House District 48.

Julie Peluso, the president of United Home Mortgage Corp, is a political newcomer with good family connections - the Palm Harbor fire department has endorsed the Michigan native. And so far, Peluso is the only announced candidate to fill Seat 2.

Bill Adair, Nicole Johnson and Aaron Sharockman contributed to this week's Political Junkie. Contact the staff at politicaljunkie@sptimes.com

[Last modified March 8, 2006, 01:42:19]