GOP Rep. Dave Weldon Will Face Dem From Air Force Reserves

[babylonsister]

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/may/03/gop_rep_dave_weldon_has_new_dem_challenger_an_air_force_reserves_lieutenant_colonel

GOP Rep. Dave Weldon Will Face Dem From Air Force Reserves
By Greg Sargent | bio

Looks like GOP Rep. Dave Weldon -- the Rep. in Florida's 15th district who was a big backer of government intervention in the Terri Schiavo case -- has officially got a Dem challenger on his hands.

The Dem's name is Paul Rancatore, and he's a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves and an airline pilot. A Dem in Washington, D.C., just sent us the release that Rancatore just put out in Florida. You can check it out after the jump.

VERO BEACH, FL - Pledging to be a leader who produces results for Florida's families in Congress, Paul Rancatore, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves and a Captain with American Airlines, announced today that he is running to represent Florida's Fifteenth Congressional District in the United States Congress.

"I am running for Congress because seniors, veterans and working families on the Space Coast deserve a Congressman who will provide efficient, effective, and accountable leadership," said Rancatore. "After more than 12 years of Dave Weldon's failure to create job opportunities, protect our nation, strengthen social security and create a real energy policy, the Space Coast is ready for a change. I offer a record of proven leadership and will fight for the concerns of all Floridians in Congress."

Throughout his life, Paul Rancatore has demonstrated his commitment to serving his country. An active duty reserve officer, Rancatore has served in the Air Force for 27 years, including service in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Rancatore currently serves at the Pentagon as the Director for Commercialization of Human Space Flight in the National Security and Space Office.

As a commercial pilot at American Airlines, Rancatore has taken a leadership role on aviation security issues. He was a former voting member of the Department of Homeland Security's Aviation Security Advisory Committee and the Transportation Security Administration's working group for Air Cargo Security.