Today is primary election day in the wonderful State of Florida.

I urge all of my fellow Floridians to get out and vote.

Most importantly, vote for LIFE!

http://www.catholicvoteaction.org

Over the last couple of months, as I have transitioned out of the seminary, the blog has taken on a new approach, as many of you have witnessed. Three years ago, when I began that awesome journey of faith as a seminarian, the blog’s purpose was to keep my family, friends and supporters up-to-date on my progress. I shared countless stories about what seminary life was all about and how my experiences developed and shaped my faith. However, when my life outside of priestly formation began, the blog took on a new role, keeping Catholics informed about the internal workings of the Church (new appointments, installation Masses, etc.) as well as the external issues currently facing the Church.

About three weeks ago, I was approached about possibly joining the blogging team at Catholic Vote Action. To tell you the truth, I was ecstatic to even be considered for the opportunity. Since then, I have been thinking about what issues I could write about. While pro-life issues were number one on the list, I have also considered the debates surrounding gay marriage, immigration reform and the death penalty.

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.

President Obama signs Health Care Reform into Law | Source: White House

We learned sad news today out of Pennsylvania: $160 million worth of taxpayer money is going to fund high risk insurance plans that include coverage of legal abortions. Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), stated: “This is just the first proof of the phoniness of President Obama’s assurances that federal funds would not subsidize abortion — but it will not be the last.”

Johnson also stated: “President Obama successfully opposed including language in the bill to prevent federal subsidies for abortions, and now the Administration is quietly advancing its abortion-expanding agenda through administrative decisions such as this, which they hope will escape broad public attention.”

Well folks, November is fast approaching, which means election season is near. Here is a message from our friends over at CatholicVote.org and CatholicVoteAction.org.

Video Source: AmP