After the St. Petersburg Times endorsed the status quo in Florida’s 10th District, Bob Hackworth crafted the following reply which ran in Friday’s edition of the Times:

I agree these are “uncertain times at home and abroad,” as the Times so crucially noted. That my opponent “lacks a sense of urgency in dealing with the (economic) crisis” is telling. So too is the observation that “time and tenure are having an effect.”

Now is not a time for hesitation or indecision, but a time to lead. That is the compelling argument for my candidacy.

Left unsaid in the Times’ recommendation is that Bill Young votes close to 90 percent of the time with George Bush. If re-elected, he will continue to oppose efforts to help the middle class during this economic crisis, oppose measures to insure the 47-million Americans without health care coverage and oppose an end to the war in Iraq. Voters also deserve to know of Young’s recent votes against legislation banning torture.

If you agree this nation needs a change in direction, please give my opponent your appreciation for his 38 long years of service but give your vote to Bob Hackworth on Nov. 4.