Florida's 8th Congressional District | Source: National Atlas

Over the last several weeks, campaign ads for the upcoming November elections have begun to increase, especially in high priority, battleground districts. Florida’s 8th Congressional District is one such district. Jockeying for the seat in the House of Representatives are one outspoken, ultra-liberal Democrat, Alan Grayson, and a handful of conservative Republican hopefuls. Not to mention those running for the seat who have other or no party affiliations.

In November 2008, Democratic newcomer Alan Grayson was able to oust Republican Ric Keller who represented the district since 2001. Now, Grayson is up for re-election. After his vote on the health care bill and the stimulus, many of his constituents are beginning to question whether or not he is the right person to represent their district.

Before we can get to the November general election, however, we must first go through primary voting season, which takes place for this particular district on August 24th. While there are no Democrats running against Grayson in the Democratic primary, there are seven Republicans who will have to duke it out come August. However, there is only one that stands out to me.

Daniel Webster | Source: Palm Beach Post

Former State Senator Daniel Webster is running to secure the nomination in order to defeat Alan Grayson. Since his time in the Florida State Senate, Webster has repeatedly defended the rights of the most vulnerable among us, staunchly supporting multiple pro-life efforts.

According to Project Vote Smart, while in the Florida Legislature, Senator Webster voted yes on two key votes backed by members of the pro-life movement: SB 2400 and CS HB 1497. SB 2400 would have required women seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound; however, the bill did not go on to the Governor’s desk. CS HB 1497 determined that:

1. Third trimester abortions can only be performed if there is a certified statement of a medical emergency and if they are performed in a hospital;
2. An ultrasound be performed before an abortion;
3. Women seeking an abortion must be given the option to view the ultrasound;
4. A 24 hour waiting period for abortions, except in the case of a medical emergency;
5. A guardian must be appointed to act on behalf of a minor when a minor petitions a court for an exception to the parental notification requirements;
6. A civil cause of action for parents of a minor who has had an abortion for failure to provide actual or constructive notice against the physician who performed the abortion.

Over the last several days, I have been in communication with the Webster campaign seeking more information on the former State Senator’s viewpoint on immigration reform. In my communications I repeatedly wrote about the Catholic stance on immigration. After my initial email seeking Webster’s position, I received a reply from one of his aides:

Our country is a nation of immigrants. Those immigrants, however, came through the front door legally. America is a nation of laws, and must follow and enforce them in order to maintain justice and the fundamental freedom we hold dear.

With that being said, while in the Legislature, Daniel Webster did move legislation forward that would speed up the process for immigrants currently in the country who were seeking citizenship. While we cannot excuse illegal entrance, we can direct them toward the front door, and provide incentives to moving in the right direction.

While it is a bit vague and does not go into too much detail, Webster’s views are similar to that of the Church. Mind you, the Catholic view on immigration reform is complex so a 100% compliance with our position is, in no way, likely for one lawmaker. However, it is something to strive for and I commend Mr. Webster for his viewpoint on the issue.

Since the passing of the Arizona Immigration Law, many people, including some of our lawmakers, have come out in support of the deportation of those undocumented individuals in our country. Many Americans believe that the “illegals” in this country are here to expand the drug trade, cause violence in our cities and take American jobs. In reality, this only describes a small percentage of the actual immigrants. They seem to forget that this country is a country founded by immigrants. They often criticize the Catholic Church for being accepting of “illegals.”

After Bishop Kicanas appeared before the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law on July 14th, one person even went to the lengths of calling the Church greedy, arguing that the only reason the Catholic Church is open to Hispanic immigrants is because the church would benefit. While many of the Hispanics are Catholic, the church seeks only to accept immigrants because we stand for the advancement of the rights and dignity of all individuals.

That being said, the Church respects the rights of countries to develop immigration statutes in order to protect their borders. However, in doing so, countries must also guarantee that all persons will be respected and given the dignity that was given to them by their Creator. The Church also believes that countries should work together to ease the causes for migration, which is easier said than done most of the time.

As a country founded on Christian principals, I think it fitting that we be reminded of the words of the Holy Scriptures:

• “So, you, too, must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10:17-19)
• “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Mt. 25:35)

As a resident in Florida’s 8th Congressional District, this race is of interest to me. However, because I am not a registered Republican, I cannot vote in the primary because Florida is a closed primary state. Nonetheless, because of his stance on pro-life and immigration issues and his determination to bring fiscal responsibility to a Washington that has become broken, I will do everything I can to support Senator Webster’s candidacy. If he is fortunate enough to win the primary, I vow to throw my support behind him come November. He is our only chance to defeat Alan Grayson.