CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS
– POLITICS
Corrected April 20, 2009 – 4:26 p.m.
In Florida, Ex-Republican Prepares to Run as Democrat
By Kate Davidson, CQ Staff
Jim Piccillo, a lifelong Republican, plans to announce on Monday that he is launching a campaign in Florida’s 5th Congressional District — as a Democrat.
Piccillo is challenging four-term Republican Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite in what appears a long-shot bid in the GOP-leaning western Florida district. It is an unexpected turn for someone who still considered himself a Republican and wasn’t very politically active until just a few months ago.
Raised in a blue-collar Republican family in Buffalo, N.Y., Piccillo said in an interview with CQ Politics that he was prompted to break with his party roots last year by what he regarded as an overly negative tone taken by the GOP in its campaign against Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama .
Piccillo said his turning point came while he watched the Republican National Convention on television in September. Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, delivering a partisan stem-winder in his keynote address to the convention, satirized Obama’s experience as a community organizer in Chicago before he entered politics, and was greeted with gales of laughter and chanting by the gathered Republicans.
Piccillo said in the interview, “When you are openly mocking someone who spent part of their life helping people who were low-income, who had health problems because of asbestos and mold in their homes, that’s not something to be mocked.”
Concluding that the GOP campaign had become less about why voters should support Republicans and more about why they shouldn’t vote for Democrats, Piccillo volunteered in his home area for Obama’s campaign. His switch came to the attention of the New York Times which featured him in a story published early last October about Florida voters abandoning the GOP.
This, in turn, led the Obama campaign to invite Piccillo to introduce Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden Jr. at a rally. It turned out to be an awkward political debut for the Army veteran, who coincidentally was laid off from his job at an international financial institution last summer. Piccillo introduced Biden as “John McCain” — who was running against Obama as the Republican presidential nominee.
Nonetheless, his involvement in the campaign lit a spark for Piccillo, who said he never wanted to be a politician, but now wants to be a public servant.
“The difference is, politicians look forward to the next election. Public servants look toward the next generation,” he said.
Piccillo said he would fight for better health care access and affordability for seniors — and specifically veterans — and would work toward solutions to unemployment and foreclosure problems plaguing his Florida district, which has been hit hard by the ongoing recession.
Piccillo noted he would bring personal experience to those issues. The divorced father of two young daughters said he applied for food stamps last year after losing his job. He had an appointment scheduled with a bankruptcy attorney when he got an offer for his current job: helping homeowners work with lenders to renegotiate their mortgages.
“I am doing what everyone else out there is doing, which is clawing my way out,” Piccillo said. “Things are starting to get a lot better, but it’s a long road, and I understand that.”
He said voters will respect his modest upbringing in an environment in which he “learned that unions and mom and pops can co-exist.” He earned a degree in small business administration from Hawaii Pacific University while he was stationed with the Army in Honolulu, and got an MBA from Canisius College in Buffalo. He relocated to Tampa in 2003.
The race in which he has chosen to begin a political career is a tall order. Piccillo has no personal wealth to use to jump start his campaign, and he faces an incumbent in Brown-Waite who is accustomed to winning by comfortable margins. After a 2002 race that she won narrowly to unseat Democratic Rep. Karen L. Thurman, Brown-Waite cruised with 66 percent of the vote in the 2004 election and then avoided a national Democratic tide by taking 60 percent in 2006 and 61 percent in 2008.
She is greatly aided by a strong Republican Party base in a district that was redesigned by the Republican-controlled legislature prior to the 2002 election to facilitate a challenge to Thurman. Despite the efforts of Piccillo and other party converts to boost Obama in the 5th, McCain took 56 percent of the district vote — not that much of a dropoff from the 58 percent racked up in 2004 by President George W. Bush .
Piccillo said, though, that the underlying political demographics of the district are more favorable to the Democrats than those recent election outcomes suggest.
“I wouldn’t have entered if it wasn’t winnable,” he contended.
First posted April 18, 2009 8:43 a.m.
Correction
Corrects to say that Piccillo applied for food stamps last year after he was laid off from his job, but did not receive them. Also, Piccillo received his undergraduate degree in Hawaii and his graduate degree in his hometown of Buffalo.
Comments
This is exactly what drove me from the Republican party. I am what used to be called a blue dog Democrat,now the extremist media just refers to me as a leftie or liberal.I started having doubts when Fox news became the mouth piece for the far right and sold many republicans on the fact that the entire world was out to "get them". look at how their own democratically nominated candidate was treated by Fox and the extremist pundits,look how mccain was forced to take a hard right hand turn to please these idiots. Had mccain not taken a hard right hand turn? He would have smoked Obama The people have spoken,now the few are trying to force their will on the many.
I second that, Chuck. I was once a Republican too. But what became the party of self-reliance and limited government became the party of pseudo-Christian theocracy and borderline fascism with cases of state-sponsored torture and expansive growth and power of the government to arrest people, detain people, and punish people without check. Not to mention the extremely religious who try to tell us even fellow Christians how to live, how to believe, how to research, and even how to vote. It looks like the Grand Old Party of my youth ain't coming back.
If that's what it took to drive Piccolo out of the Republican party then he was a RINO to begin with. If he had any Conservative values, then he wouldn't have bolted. Good riddance.
It's hard to take these kinds of claims seriously when the party he is running to operates a massive smear network viciously attacking any private citizen that dares question Obama's reckless policies, labeling them all racist, right-wing extremists. You have no room to speak by embracing the democratic party and its dirty tactics, so save the mock outrage.
I was raised in a solid Republican household where FDR was considered an anathema. As a first time voter, I marked my ballot for Goldwater and was a rabid Goldwater supporter. However, witnessing 30 years or Reagan, Poppy and Jr Bush lead this country on its march to folly, I am now a Goldwater liberal who voted for Obama. My granddad said the worst mistake he made in his life was voting for FDR in '32. My worst mistake was voting for Reagan (Ca Gov.) in '68. From that time, I watched the GOP metamorphose into nothing more than a whining cabal of neo-Fascists, who, when they don't get their way, go on a holy crusade of Us - against - Them and smear everyone with whom they disagree with a mighty brush. I hate to say this to my neocon lock-step, goose-stepping sieg heilers, you have no one to blame but yourselves, and I am currently searching for a scarlet "L" so I may hang it about my scrawny conservative neck and chant the mantra of liberalism.
Sounds very much like an average guy, but he makes a surprisingly eloquent point on the mockery of Obama's community service. This point belies the modern nature of hypocrisy among the GOP in General. Whether it is Gringrich chastising Clinton for his affair while having one on his own wife, or Republicans demanding the media spew their talking points with no differing opinion or information lest it be labeled as some delusional 'left-wing media' the right is increasingly removed from reality. They've truly become a party where 2+2 can equal 3 or 5 depending on what the party needs it to be. This is what they do. So therefore a million imaginary scandals can made, politicians can stand up and say the Government never made a single job when it is the largest employer in the nation and the biggest single driving force in the economy, directly and indirectly. People just shouldn't stand up for their ideals despite what reality may be, despite what the basic principles of economics may be. Hopefully this man represents a growing stream of low information nonchalant voters that will be leaving and becoming disenchanted with Republicans, creating many strong new Democrats. I this is happening, it has happened quite a deal as self-identified Republicans are at all time low in polls and independents and moderates and siding with Democrats increasingly more often. If Republicans keep driving further to disreality of hard-right conservatism they will lsoe only more of these voters and only more ground in national politics as we enter into an America that is more diverse, educated, and all around more liberal as you look at the numbers. The GOP has to be worried at the percents of young voters especially who identify as liberal; they are overwhelming. Conservatism is dying, and it is only a matter of time before it is dead in modern politics.
Beautifully spoken, Jacob. My former political brethren, the Republicans, have only themselves to blame, and to add insult to injury, the Democrats, now having this influx of Goldwater Republicans, and Libertarians, are going to appear even more moderate than the Theocratic Republicans. Until Republicans taken on a more libertarian stance, both socially and fiscally, and take on a friendlier stance to minorities (i.e. not treat every African American like they are umemployed deadbeats or not every Hispanic like they are drug-dealing illegal immigrants), they will phase out like the Whigs of the past or the pre-1960's Southern Democrats.
Hey, Chama: "Goose stepping"?? "Sieg-Heils"????, "ne-fascists"????? Nice hyperbole, no truth. Fascism's lead economic principle is government control or partnership of privat business. Seems that Obama and crew are moving rapidly towards that end (see firing of GM CEO, coercing of banks, etc). I grew up in Phoenix a mile and 1/2 away from Barry Goldwater's "home on the hill". I agree that the GOP since 1976 has veered away from Goldwater's libertarian social views. I say let adults do to themselves pretty much what the adults want to do. Goldwater said, "I want to keep the government out of wallet and out of my bedroom". Amen. I hope the GOP will move back towards that principle. However, whether it be condoning lack of personal responsibility and rewarding it with too much social welfare, restricting free enterprise, to a huge expansion of government at all levels, and a hooribly naive and "blame America first" foreign policy, today's "Social Democrat" party are pushing this country towards oblivion. Rep Brown-Waite fights the good fight to save our traditional society and limited government and self-responsibility and conduct. This guy will not win and, likely the Dems will lose many House, Senate and Gubernatorial seats come November 2010.
Felix you are clearly in denial if you think Republicans are going to make big senate and house gains. You are 100% wrong about that. The republicans are defending many more senate seats next year than dems are. Dems are set for big pickups in the senate. In the house they already have such a lopsided margin that even if they do lose some seat, which they won't, we will still rule the house. Are you completely unaware of how much this country hates republicans nowadays?! Keep listening to Limbaugh and Fox News and keep your head buried in the sand if it makes you feel better. I predict democrats pick up at least 5 Senate seats and another 10 in the house. Republicans are self destructing right before our eyes and somehow you don't believe it. Isn't that just like a republican...deny the existance of things they don't want to believe.
By the way Felix, what is a traditional society and how does keeping government out of your bedroom jibe with it?
One other point Felix. The government is not going to be in partnership with corporations for long. The government gave them loans so they could survive. And a condition of getting the loans was temporary part ownership. These companies don't like having the government involved in their businesses and are starting to pay back the government already to get them out of their business. This is a good thing. Once the companies are sollvent, they pay back, government backs out and they go back to their normal business. Many companies have been saved by this. This is not just a big giveaway, sponsored by the taxpayers. Don't believe everything republicans tell you. Learn to examine things like this from different angles and get your news from a variety of sources to ensure you don't get duped by liars like Limbaugh and Fox "News". You will benefit greatly from this and won't come off as an idiot.
"Fascism's lead economic principle is government control or partnership of privat business." --felix 335 Might I also add that many economic systems rely include government control of economy, but Fascism far more pervasive. Fascism is the majoritarian government control of not only the economy, but ideas, beliefs, and lifestyles of individuals for national or cultural interests at the expense of those with differing cultural, economic, or religious backgrounds. In other words, Fascism is extreme Nationalism. You're statements make it seems that the Democrats are only capable of fascism, when in reality, the three legs of the Republican party are Aggressive Foreign Policy and Nationalist Enforcement, Legislation of Morality, and Trickle-Down Corporate Favoritism. Not that most Republicans are fascists, of course, but their most of their policies seem to fit well with Fascism.
Patrick: Agree defending Senate seats tough for GOP in 2010. There are a gew possible pick up seats, though. Chris Dodd is self-destructing in CT, ND, IL (if Dems nominate Burrid or have a bloody primary fight), and CO (new Senator not too popular). In the House, I believe it will be GOP +10-12. Plenty of time to go, of course. May come down to how the economy is perceived in the Fall of 2010 and if there are serious foreign policy fiascos. The GOP will broaden its tent and recover. Remember, the Dems were "dead" in 1972 and 1994 and the GOP "dead" in 1964 and 1992. These things run in cycles. 2012 may well be a Presidential race based solely on whether to become a European Social Democracy or return to a more historical individualist society with a more closely regulated free enterprise syste. Time will tell.
If only the Republicans believed in "individualist society"...if only...if only... Instead you are calling those who DO believe in individualist society RINO's.
Mr. Piccillo is incredibly naive to think that he can somehow alter the habits of District 5 voters. Jim should not get ahead of himself. He has a primary that will be contested and he will not have the votes of Democratic women in the primary as an ANTI-CHOICE candidate. It is unlikely that the DCCC will unlock the donor base to pour big dollars into a race that has such a low probability of bearing fruit (although they have wasted money on far more ridiculous races w/ the predictable results). Adding to this mix is the likely retirement of the incumbent once redistricting takes place. David Werder, a candidate who legitimately wears the (D), is a better bet for nomination than this goof if true progressive John Russell who gave incumbent Brown-Waite fits the past two cycles does not step up to fill the void.
I can't believe that someone believes Mr. Piccillo is anti-choice?!!??! All you have to do is look at his website to know that's a false statement. Good Lord...people who support chaotic, confrontational, conspiracy theorists like John Russell need to be examined for mental health capacity. John Russell for Congress...you too can join me in being banned from Disney properties all over the world. Get a grip people!
Since I have been defamed in this blog I would hope that the moderator would provide equal time here for interested parties to learn the truth... I was told that my name was being mentioned on some of these blogs and in a few instances with little reverence for the truth or regard for my character. While I have little interest in who in particular penned the May 5 9:29 comment, I have a pretty good idea who it might be. However, no matter which one of the lil lemmings it is, one bad apple is the same as another when they're picked from a rotten barrel. Such people have little regard for facts, while I on the other hand have become well known for truth... So keep it up kidz! BTW, Jim Piccillo called this past Friday May 8, 2009 and we had a quite pleasant if brief conversation about District 5 and 2010. I wished him well in the primary, noting that running for office I found to be on the whole, personally gratifying, despite all the frustrations and the like that can and do occur. It is an honor to be able to present your ideas to the people whose role then, is to make their decision based on whatever information is available from various sources. Offering a bit of caution to Jim, I noted that not everything that is "published" ...will be "accurate." I am confident from my past experience that I reached many people with my ideas despite the mis-direction plays orchestrated by those from a variety of other arenas who harbor "differing" agendas. As for Disney, for anyone who would like to read and view the truth about the "circumstances" surrounding the Disney story, they are available in full on my website. You can google my name to locate my website or just go to my website and click on About John. I have no problem with it, the video tells just about all anyone would need to know. The direct link if CQ will post it is http://www.johnrussellforcongress.com/page.asp?PageId=79 Thank you John Russell
I debatted this guy on facebook for a couple of months and I would never vote for him. He flat out believes that judges should be able to over turn the peoples vote at any given time. This is if they agree with his resons to over turn it. Next we debated the Stmulus pacakge when I challeneged him with a point about spending roughly $250 per $50 coupon being mailed out for the HD conversion he told me I don't understand how the world works. Obama is saving someones job at Best Buy and an employee at a manufactoring plant. Are you kidding me we are spending $250 per $50 coupon and he justifies it. Let alone he thinks the HD converter saves a job in the US get real this guys is clueless. I believe he has a good heart but clueless toward life in general. Oh yea he blocked me on facebook because he didn't want to discuss Acorn. Lord help us if he wins.
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