Grayson Finally Getting A Challenger
GOPers have long said Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) is one of the most vulnerable Dems in office, thanks to his penchant for controversial statements. We'd be happy to believe them -- if only they had a candidate actually running against the guy.
Instead, the NRCC has watched as candidate after candidate has backed away from challenging Grayson in his Orlando-based district. Finally, GOPers think they have a candidate committed to the race.
Businessman Bruce O'Donoghue, the head of the Orlando NFIB, gave an interview to a local news channel, hinting he has already met with NRCC officials and is prepared to jump in the race. According to a biography [pdf] he's the head of a traffic engineering company his parents founded.
For the local news story, ex-LG Toni Jennings (R) gave an on-camera endorsement, a development GOPers say is indicative of O'Donoghue's seriousness about the seat and an indication he will have united party support. GOPers expect O'Donoghue to get in the race early next month.
But in spite of Grayson's love of controversy and habit of inflaming the right, O'Donoghue will have a tough race ahead of him. Grayson already had $477,000 in the bank at the end of Sept, and his comments on the House floor -- that GOPers want those who get sick to "die quickly" -- sparked a fundraising surge that netted him more than $500,000 in a month, he reported on his website.
Too, Grayson has showed a willingness in '08 to seriously self-fund his own campaign; he still owes himself more than $1M from that race.
So, he remains a top target, an unabashed liberal in a decidedly centrist district -- it went for Pres. Obama after voting twice for Pres. Bush. Grayson has the money to run an effective campaign, but now, finally, GOPers have someone who could give him a strong challenge.
(REID WILSON)
Armando Gutierrez is the candidate for this seat, he has the backing from 4 members of congress, and has drummed up amazing local support! Bruce O Donohue is 65 years old, Bruce is not the one I want!
I agree Gutierrez is awesome! http://www.GoGutierrez.com
Mr. Orlando, before you go too far in your Mr. Gutierrez support, you may want to check your facts about Bruce O'Donoghue. For starters, he just turned 55, & is an in-shape, able, young 55-year-old. We're all lucky to have him ready to run against Alan Grayson. His practical experience, vast leadership background, & personal principles combine with so much depth to give us the perfect candidate.
Bruce sucks ! I dealt with him on a job and he robbed me of my money ! I will come out to axe you Bruce !
Exactly what we need another old guy who is bored in his baldwin park home in congress
Gutierrez just moved to Orlando to run for the seat. He voted in the local Miami elections just 8 months ago. What? Of the 750,000 people who live in the district nobody who lives here is smart enough to represent us in Congress -- so we need somebody from Miami to move up here to save us? Give me a break. O'Donoghue has real business experience and a lifetime of leadership in this community. If Gutieerrez actually even lives here, I want to see the warranty deed on his house -- or is he just renting?
Todd Long is the guy with the grassroots support. He kicked Armando's ass in the Orange County Republican Committee straw poll. Not to mention that no one in this district will vote for a gay Mexican from Miami. Todd has hosted a radio show and wrote a book, not to mention the fact that he almost beat 4 term congressman Ric Keller in 2008. Todd had 48% of the vote.