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Penberthy for Democrats

By Times editorial
Published August 15, 2006

When Rick Penberthy ran for the 5th Congressional District in 2004, he was a long-shot who ran a grass-roots, underfunded campaign and finished last in the four-man Democratic primary.

He deserved better, and Democrats who didn't notice him last time should take a closer look at Penberthy this year. He has honed his message and is determined to give Democrats a viable choice in the general election, which will pit the winner against incumbent Republican Ginny Brown-Waite.

The 5th Congressional District, which has more military veterans than any other district in the country, includes all or part of eight counties, including Hernando, Pasco, Citrus and Sumter. Penberthy, 52, is sincere, knowledgeable and level-headed. His qualifications as a candidate are built around his experiences as a public school teacher for 23 years, a Vietnam veteran, a lifelong Democrat and 30-year resident of Florida who lives in Wesley Chapel.

Penberthy advocates a more comprehensive national health care policy, pulling U.S. troops off the front lines and replacing them with Iraqis and raising the minimum wage. His opponents in this Democratic primary are John Russell, a 50-year-old nurse who also ran in 2004, and David Werder. Russell's platform is not that much different than Penberthy's, but his delivery is strident and lacking his opponent's moderate temperament and willingness to compromise. Werder, a former truck driver and flag pole sitter, is an everyman's crusader who relies more on wit than substance.

The Times recommends Rick Penberthy in the Democratic primary for the 5th Congressional District.

[Last modified August 15, 2006, 05:44:06]