Democratic hopeful for Fla. House seat called to 2nd Iraq tour

[Robbien]

A central Florida Democrat campaigning for a seat in the state House has been called for a second tour of duty with the Army in Iraq.

James Walker faces Republican incumbent Dennis Baxley in the 24th district in the November general election. Neither candidate was being challenged in the primary Tuesday.

Walker, 33, reports for duty at Fort Jackson, S.C., in June and expects to be deployed to Iraq by next fall. "I have not made up my mind as to whether I would withdraw or leave my name on the ballot to give the voters a choice," Walker said Friday. "I don't want to shortchange the voter, knowing that I am going."

. . .

If he decides to drop out, Walker would have to formally withdraw as a candidate in writing to the department, and the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee would be given a week to choose a replacement. Committee Chairwoman Marjorie Renfroe said the party hopes Walker stays in the race.

Walker, an infantry sergeant, enlisted in 2002 and served in Iraq over the next two years. He has since remained in the Individual Ready Reserve. Walker told the Ocala Star-Banner that being called back to active duty was "a complete surprise."

A previous state representative, Republican Carey Baker, had other lawmakers file legislation for him while he served 13 months in Iraq with the National Guard, said Steven Schale, political director of the House Democratic Caucus. Baker is now a state senator representing Eustis.

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060901/APN/609011021

[wakeme2008]

1. Let me guess, he was ahead in the Polls when this "a complete surprise"

Came up... :grr:

[niyad]

4. that was my thought, as well!!

[alfredo]

7. Hackett has been recalled. It's a great way to shut up critics

of bush's war.

[Judi Lynn]

8. Hadnot heard about Hackett. Thanks for the info. Looks like it works! n/t

[alfredo]

9. We need to watch this very closely It could be aimed at the

band of brothers.

[Divine Discontent]

11. WHAT!?! no way! n/t

[DURHAM D]

2. I hope he stays in. If he does I will send him $10. eom

[rodeodance]

3. yes, stay in. give the voters a choice

[TechBear_Seattle]

5. How many Repug warhawks are in the same situation?

I have to wonder how many Grand Oil Party legislators or legislative candidates are either on active duty or ready reserve with the US military.

[mom cat]

6. Bingo! This stinks to high heavens!

:grr:

[stuartrida]

10. I have not heard of any.

which isn't a surprise. Republicans love war, as long as someone else is fighting it.

[RamboLiberal]

13. Actually I remember a State Repub that was running got

called up in PA for duty in Iraq. I'm not :tinfoilhat: on this one.

[Hawkowl]

12. solution

There is an easy solution. Take back the Congress and release the elected Reps from military service. I hope he stays in the race.