EAST MANATEE — A former Bradenton City Council member officially kicked off Thursday night his congressional campaign to unseat Rep. Vern Buchanan in 2010.
The Rev. James T. Golden, a Democrat who served on the council from 2001 to 2008, said he plans to run a campaign connecting the middle class.
“I have spent a lifetime in service in every community and constituency I have been appointed or elected to serve. More than ever we need representatives committed to serving all of the people,” he said shortly after the event held at The River Club, 6600 River Club Blvd.
Petition papers lined a table at Golden’s first campaign event.
He said he needs 4,998 signed before March 31 or he will have to pay $10,000 to continue with his race for the Florida’s 13th Congressional district.
Golden estimates he has less than 10 percent signed so far.
“We’re hoping to get them signed because our money could be used better elsewhere,” he said.
Golden has raised approximately $42,000 so far.
One of the speakers at the event, Ed Chiles, a Democratic Party activist from Anna Maria, characterized Buchanan as a “goliath.” According to third-quarter campaign contributions, Buchanan had an estimated $1.07 million in fundraising totals.
“You have to appreciate a man who is willing to take on that kind of challenge,” he said of Golden.
“People always mention (Buchanan’s) money first, which gives rise to questions in my mind, if he had as little as I have would he still be seemingly as invincible as he is?” Golden said.
Buchanan’s campaign could not be reached for comment Thursday. He is seeking re-election to a third term and was first elected in 2006.
Golden, an attorney and U.S. Army veteran, said he supports health care reform, finding new sources of renewable energy and stimulating the economy with more jobs.
Golden, 61, has been the pastor of Ward A.M.E. Church in Bradenton since 1993. He also was one of 27 Florida representatives who cast their votes for President Barack Obama in the Electoral College.
The congressional district includes parts of Manatee and Charlotte counties and all of Sarasota, Hardee and DeSoto counties.
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