Stearns Scared? Letter to the Editor of Ocala Star-Banner, May 18, 2008

STEARNS SCARED?

My opponent in the race for U.S. House District 6, Rep. Cliff Stearns, wrote his supporters criticizing the Star-Banner's coverage of my candidacy, and soliciting more contributions.

Congressman Stearns stated: "(A) Liberal Democrat who recently moved here from New Jersey is planning to challenge me in November. The Ocala Star-Banner ... [has] already written headlines and articles about him.... [but] failed ... to report who he really is..."

Stearns continues, "I need your help now! ... [send] your check TODAY!"

Desperate words from a man with $2.3 million in his campaign treasury, mostly from Washington Beltway special interest lobbying groups. How ludicrous - begging Marion County voters for even more money. What is he afraid of?

If Stearns wants to know who I am and where I stand, he can visit www.TimCunha.com. I advocate government that doesn't run up multitrillion-dollar debts or give "welfare to the wealthy" like the Bush-Cheney administration he slavishly supports.

Instead I want to reduce middle-class taxes, provide quality health care for all and responsibly end this war. I'm a moderate Democrat, echoing the values of the great middle majority of Americans who say, "enough is enough." America wants practical progress, not senseless stagnation.

And, if he thinks moving from "somewhere else" disqualifies me, I remind him that hundreds of thousands of his constituents also are from "somewhere else." All us "transplants" chose to live here because we loved what we found and are committed to make the best even better.

So, I challenge Stearns: Rather than being "cautious Cliff" begging for more campaign cash, donate $2 million of your $2.3 million campaign fund to a few good community causes.

You'll still be $300,000 ahead, and you can finally claim credit for something you've done for this district with other than our tax dollars.

Tim Cunha

Ocala