Assignment #2 Class Web Site for POL318
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Representative Cliff Stearns: A Quality Candidate
Background
Cliff Stearns is the Republican Representative of Florida’s sixth district. He graduated from George Washington University, with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1967. He was originally elected in 1988 and “has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress”. (Stearns) Stearns is an established and respected Representative who could certainly contend for the Senate, or even higher office.
Experience
The first step in determining the quality of a political candidate is analyzing their political experience. Stearns has a wealth of experience, serving Florida since 1988. He has consistently voted his conservative ideology, and at the same time appeased his constituency on Florida’s major issues. (ActiVote) Being sixty-one years old, however, Stearns could be passing his prime. His family and three children may prevent him from running for Senate or the Presidency, and Stearns may be moving from static to discrete ambition.
Fundraising
In the 2002 election, Stearns was able to raise a total of $618,193, and only spent $332, 419. (Opensecrets) This does not seem to be an astronomical figure, although, when compared with his opponent, David E. Bruderly, it was evident that Stearns had the election well in hand. In 2002, Bruderly was only able to raise $59, 198, and spent $58, 524. (Opensecrets) The major advantage for Stearns was that he was a well-established politician, and Bruderly was a newcomer. As a well-educated and competent veteran, Stearns has received ample support in Florida. In 2002, Stearns earned 65% of the vote against his Democratic opponent David Bruderly.
Competent and Educated: Stearns on the 2004 Issues
The environment is always a major issue in Florida, and Stearns worked with the Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics and the Environmental Protection Agency to place Indoor Air Quality monitors into all 236 schools in his district.
Trade and commerce are important issues as well. Many are concerned with high tech jobs, specifically NASA. (Swartz) Stearns was an Aerospace Engineer and Chairman of Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee. (www.house.gov) His experience in these realms will instill trust in voters.
Stearns is committed to fair and legal immigration for skilled workers. He does not support the travel ban on Cuba, however, he is in favor of reporting illegal immigrants who receive hospital treatment. (ActiVote) Stearns takes a softer line on Cuba than Mel Martinez, and it would potentially cost him the votes of Cuban immigrants.
With twenty one military bases scattered throughout Florida, being a veteran will surely benefit Stearns. (Swartz) He has been a constant advocate of increased funding for Veterans Affairs. (www.house.gov) His name has been around politics for many years in Florida, and judging by the landslide in 2002, Stearns has a strong constituency base in his district.