Jewish Incumbent Race Profile: Rep. Ron Klein

Linda Berg — May 14, 2010 – 12:37 pm | Congress | Election 2010 Comments (0) Add a comment

Ironically, second term Representative Ron Klein (FL-22), who was elected in no small part because of strong anti-incumbent sentiment against George W. Bush and longtime Representative Clay Shaw, is now facing “anti-incumbency” challenges in the upcoming election. For Klein these challenges come from two fronts, as he faces both primary and formidable general election opponents this year.

Klein’s Democratic challenger for the primary is Air Force pilot veteran Paul Renneisen, who mounted an anemic contest against him in 2008. Assuming that Renneisen does not run a stronger race this time, Klein is expected to win his August 24, 2010 primary.

However, for the second election in a row, he faces Republican Allen West, a retired decorated U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. You may have seen West in his frequent appearances on MSNBC and FOX news. West is a darling of the Tea Party and indignantly disputes any allegation that the Tea Party is not hospitable to African Americans like himself. He is a charismatic speaker and has received an enthusiastic endorsement from Sarah Palin. West is an outspoken opponent of abortion, health insurance reform, and the Obama administration.

In 2008, West entered the congressional race late, had little money, little support from the GOP and still managed to receive 45.3 percent of the vote.  The 22nd Congressional District located in Broward and Palm Beach counties is a very competitive district. Democrats hold 37.1 percent of the registered voters as compared to 36.9 percent Republican and 26 percent Independent.

In the last six months West raised $1.52 million, which is twice what Klein raised in the same time period and more than four times what West raised for his entire 2008 race. Still, Klein has more than twice as much cash on hand as West.

Klein is considered to be a centrist and is known for working in a bipartisan manner to improve the lives of Florida families, seniors, businesses and veterans. Because of his experience as a Florida State Senator who fought for homeowners’ insurance reform, he was placed on the Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over the insurance industry. He was also asked to lead the insurance reform effort in Congress. Klein introduced the Homeowners’ Defense Act to stabilize markets and lower costs for homeowners.

Klein also sits on the crucial House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he promotes our national security by decreasing our dependence on foreign oil. He is a staunch supporter of Israel and was appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Middle East Subcommittee.

A Republican poll conducted by Wilson Research Strategy in late April showed West ahead by a margin of 44-42, even though he was known by less than half the voters. Danita Kilcullen, a local Tea Party leader, is enthusiastically backing West. “I believe it with all of my heart that he’s going to win this year…. He’s got the money, he’s got the national attention, he’s got the local attention. He’s got endorsements. He’s got it. He’s got the answers.”

The Cook Political Report still shows the district as a likely Democratic win.  Still, Democratic activists in the area are not taking anything for granted. “Nobody’s panicked about that district because Ron is such a strong candidate, such a strong fundraiser,” said Eric Johnson, a former chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler. “But as Florida GLBT Democratic caucus president Michael Alberta - a supporter of Klein - says, “We need to wake up and put our boxing gloves on.”

 

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