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Politics

Congressman for life? Young wins 19th term

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE
Published November 8, 2006

Veteran Republican congressman C.W. Bill Young rolled to an easy victory Tuesday, returning him to Washington for a 19th consecutive term.

Young, 75, beat Democrat Samm Simpson, a political novice who ran on a platform of change in the 10th Congressional District, which includes most of Pinellas County south of Clearwater, plus Dunedin and Palm Harbor.

The powerful Indian Shores politician, who had 66 percent of the vote, credited his victory to loyal supporters.

“If you notice, I didn’t do any television advertising and I didn’t do any radio advertising,’’ he said. “I just have so many people who are committed to helping me, because they believe in me and what I do.’’

Will he run again? “I don’t make long-term decisions,’’ Young said. “Before the next election, I’ll make that decision.’’

Over the years, Young, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, brought millions of dollars to Pinellas County.

“The first big project was to build the veterans hospital at Bay Pines,” he said. “I brought the money to improve U.S. 19. One of the new ones is the new bridge to replace the Treasure Island Causeway.’’

Young said he is most proud of helping to start the National Marrow Donor Program in 1986.

Simpson said she would comment on the results in the morning.

During her grass roots campaign, Simpson, 52, who serves on two Dunedin city government committees, played up her role as a grandmother and said she wanted to help take the country in a new direction.

She was frustrated by her inability to engage Young in a debate.

Young has had no serious challengers since 1992, when he beat Democrat Karen Moffitt with nearly 57 percent of the vote.

It was his closest re-election bid since joining Congress in 1970.

[Last modified November 8, 2006, 06:01:09]