Endorsement: Jim Bryan

Progressive Pensacola endorses Democrat Jim Bryan for U.S. Congress for the First District of Florida.

I’ll preface this by saying that Bryan, a political newcomer, is poorly financed — the Republican incumbent, Jeff Miller, has what can only be described as a massive cash advantage. That said, elections aren’t always about money, and everything else aside, Jim Bryan is the best man for the job.

Bryan, 61, is a Vietnam veteran who earned more than 30 medals during his service, including multiple Purple Hearts, as well as both the Bronze and Silver Stars. After leaving the Army, Bryan finished college on the GI Bill, and later operated several successful business ventures. It’s clear after talking to Bryan for just a minute, though, that he’s never lost sight of his beginnings on a farm in Paxton in Okaloosa County. He speaks in a simple, straightforward manner and it’s clear that he’s probably more in touch with the average, working-class residents of District 1 than Jeff Miller ever was, even before he went to Washington. When the conversation is over, you’re left feeling like Bryan couldn’t spin something if he tried; couldn’t become out-of touch, or beholden to special interests like so many do once they get to Washington.

What’s more impressive about Bryan is that he’s not a bit cynical. While he recognises the many problems we face, he doesn’t think for a minute that they’re insurmountable. A Constitutionalist, Bryan has an intrinsic, deep-seated belief and respect for America’s fundamental principles and freedoms, and for the greatness of the American spirit. He makes me feel like the America I want is not merely a far-off pipe dream but rather something so close it can be grasped.

Bryan has been running a quiet campaign, favouring speaking at gatherings and press conferences to mailers and advertising, because to be honest, he simply can’t afford it. The big money in District 1 decided a long time ago that Jeff Miller was their man. Local media in the district has all but ignored Bryan. That said, big money and the local media don’t decide elections, voters do. There’s no one in Congress that’s been a bigger rubber stamp for the Bush administration, and if you’re unhappy with them, you should be unhappy with Jeff Miller. If you feel the need for change that so many of us do, we encourage you to cast your vote for Jim Bryan, Democrat for U.S. Congress.