Hackworth's robocall targets Young's record on veterans

Days before the election, the Bob Hackworth campaign is robocalling voters with a message that attacks his opponent, U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young. Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin, is challenging the 38-year incumbent for his seat in Congressional District 10, which includes most of Pinellas County.

Here is the transcript of the call:

"Hi, my name is Bob Hackworth. I'm the Democratic mayor of Dunedin and your Democratic candidate for Congress.

My opponent Bill Young says he supports veterans, but he voted to raise his own salary three times and then voted against giving the men and women fighting in Iraq a $1,500 bonus. He even voted to cut veterans' healthcare programs by $13 billion. Pay raises for himself and cuts for veterans. I'm Bob Hackworth and I approve this message because our veterans deserve better. Please vote for me on Nov. 4."

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[AJS]

I tend to avoid saying anything bad about a candidate in any race. In fact, until this point, I have refrained from saying anything negative about Mr. Hackworth. I had hoped that he would take the high road (like Mr. Young) and not engage in these type of attacks. But I was apparently wrong....

As a Veteran, I can tell you that there is no one better than Congressman Bill Young. He is a true statesman and friend to all who have sacrificed for this country.

I would debate Mr. Hackworth on this issue from dawn to dusk. I am very disappointed that Hackworth has taken this political approach......

remember Walter Reed.

Hackworth only knows how to trash people. That is how he won his seat as Mayor, and also in his primary....kinda reminds me of McCain, he really doesn't know the issues, he only know negative.

[Katie]

Congressman and Mrs. Young are devoted to the military and their families, how dare anyone take that away from them . Mr. Hackworth I did not see you at the veterens affair yesterday at Brighthouse field?????Standing ovations for Congressman Young and Mrs Young for all they do unselfishly for these men and their families. DO NOT CALL my home!

[Katie]

Excuse me men and woman of the armed forces and their families

[AJS]

12:18,

I do remember WRAMC. Unlike you, however, I know the full extent of the situation and not just what you read in the Times. Remember that....

Hackworth, you are a pathetic liar and too bad Young can't sue you for slander. You could care less about our troops, you have never attended anything for them and i hope one of our heroes meets up with you in a dark alley.

[Betty]

I was searching on Google and look what I found about the Pinellas Sheriff www.bootcoats.com

12:18:
How can you say "remember Walter Reed" when you obviously weren't there?

So Susan Smith, sober enough today to type? How amazing!

Hackworth: you are the lowest form of white trash there is.

You know Hackworth, you are upsetting some American Heroes with all of your lies just to try to get a job. That isn't too smart, but you aren't too smart, are you?

Stephanie:
Did you research this vote before you printed this libelous piece? There wasn't such a vote. Honesty in journalism?

Susan Smith of the Hillsborough County Executive Committee:
Just out of curiousity, what will you do when this election is over and you have no more reason to smear Congressman Young?

She'll probably just rot in hell. Nothing big.

So --- Mayor Hackworth -- The credit that some have given you for being honest was just thrown out the window.

Hackworth, it doesn't take much research to discover that the vote you are talking about never happened? What's with you, man? Lying to the heroes that are protecting your freedoms?

Well Bobby - You have joined the attack dogs who are spewing this same lie in Robo calls all over the country. Last minute false representations are disgusting for someone who professes to be above "politics as usual". I would say you are right there "under the rock".

Hackworth:
You're credibility for future campaigns has just vanished. Too bad. Moron.

Susan Smith is not welcome in her own political community so she tries to come into Pinellas. Give her a break. Everybody needs loved by someone and if our county is all she has, so be it.

Susan; There are hundreds of .com's that you can pay into to help with your "frustrations". Don't be ashamed to have to pay, it's better than nothing.

Susan is what we of the male species calls a "double bagger". I don't know what the womens version is.

I agree with 10:20. The Times posted this blog without verifying this specific vote? How bias and unfair is that? I guess they owe Young an apology, one which he will surely NOT get from the Times.-

[It's the economy, stupid]

I know why I am booting Young to the curb: the economy.

[Republican Veteran]

As a registered republican and a veteran I personally know the consequences of the disastrous policies of a republican congress and Bush. I refuse to be a pawn twice: once with my life fighting for oil (no WMD's or link to 9/11 in Iraq) and again with my vote.

I am a republican and a veteran who is voted for Hackworth. It's time to rebuild our military by supporting democratic candidates all the way down the ballot.