Gwen Graham
Current occupation: Mother, attorney and congressional candidate
Relevant experience: I worked as head negotiator for the Leon County School District to find solutions for disputes between employees and management, where I became known as a true problem solver. I developed a strong relationship with both sides, earning a reputation as a fair-minded mediator, able to build consensus out of conflict. I will bring the same approach to Washington — working with both Republicans and Democrats to make a real difference for North Florida families.
Platform: I’m running to bring the North Florida Way of hard work and compromise back to Washington. My focus will be to represent the people and interests of North Florida, and I will spend every day working to create an economy that works for middle-class families and small businesses; strengthening North Florida’s public schools and economy by ensuring our children get a world-class education; and protecting Medicare and Social Security for seniors.
What do you see as the biggest issue in your race? Kickstarting our stalled economy and growing our small businesses is my first priority. I’ll fight to strengthen our economy with the Graham Economic Plan, providing job training programs and lowering taxes for middle-class families. In the end, Congress can only create successful economic policies when representatives are willing to work together. I’m dedicated to ending the gridlock in Congress and start making a difference for your family.
What do you see as the greatest challenge you would face if elected/re-elected, and how would you deal with it? The greatest challenge Congress faces right now is a lack of true leadership. I will work across the aisle, with Democrats and Republicans, to advocate and defend the needs of North Floridians. Public service shouldn’t be self-serving; it should be about advancing the needs of the folks you represent. That’s why I’ve created the Graham Sunshine Plan, which rejects congressional perks and opens my schedule to North Floridians.
Why do you deserve to be elected/re-elected? We deserve a member of Congress who will represent all North Floridians, not just a select few. We deserve a voice that won’t contribute to the hyper-partisanship and political games of party leadership. Using my skills as a negotiator, I will bring our values of compromise and hard work to Washington. I ask for your vote this November so that we can end the dysfunction we’ve seen for too long.
Campaign website: www.GwenGraham.com
Steve Southerland
Current occupation: U.S. Representative
Relevant experience: As a third generation Panama City small business owner, I understand how to create jobs and grow the economy. I’ve taken an active role in our community dating back long before I went to Congress. As the five-year chairman of the Early Learning Coalition, chairman of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, I’ve been proud to serve North and Northwest Florida my entire adult life.
Platform: In Congress, I’ll continue to fight for three things: the significance of every individual, the security of every family, and the strongest America possible. Whether it’s my fight for jobs and economic growth, a smaller and more responsive federal government, or a safer, more secure world for our children and grandchildren, it all boils down to securing families, strengthening America in an uncertain world, and letting every individual know they matter.
What do you see as the biggest issue in your race? While traveling the 14 counties of our district, there’s no issue I hear more about than jobs and economic growth. That’s why I co-authored the RESTORE Act to rebuild our coastal economies after the oil spill and advanced legislation to grow jobs at our ports. I’ve also fought to get the boot of Washington over-regulation off the necks of job creators and to allow hardworking families to keep more of their hard-earned money.
What do you see as the greatest challenge you would face if elected/re-elected, and how would you deal with it? I believe that any candidate, Democrat and Republican, is presented with the same challenge: restoring the faith of the people in their government. Some Americans may fear our best days are behind us. I know that’s not the case. That’s why I am continuing to offer a positive vision that reflects not just our North and Northwest Florida values, but the ideals that make America a beacon of freedom around the globe.
Why do you deserve to be elected/re-elected? I’ve kept my word. The “North and Northwest Florida Way” is to look folks in the eye and do what you say you’re going to do. I’ve worked hard to represent the values of all my constituents — values I’ve lived my entire life. These are consequential times in our nation’s history, and I provide leadership that’s not afraid to stand up to either party or the special interests when it’s right for our district.
Campaign website: www.southerlandforcongress.com