STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) · 2012-03-26 · STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) ... 8/25/11] Top Quotes...

STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) Top Headlines 1

Top Quotes 2

Notable Video Clips 2

Editorials 2

Budget Issues 3

Business and Consumer Issues 8

Campaign Finance Issues 8

Campaign 2012 Issues 10

Congressional Issues 11

Crime amp Public Safety Issues 16

Economic and Financial Issues 16

Education Issues 19

Energy Issues 19

Environmental Issues 19

Ethics Issues 23

Foreign Policy and Defense Issues 23

Gay and Lesbian Issues 24

Gun Issues 24

Health Care Issues 24

Immigration and Border Issues 25

Israel 26

Labor and Working Family Issues 26

Other Social Issues 27

Personal Finance 28

Senior Issues 30

Stem Cells 30

Tax Issues 30

Tea Party 31

Transportation Issues 32

Womenrsquos Issues 32

Top Headlines

2

Freshman Steve Southerland Shuns Beltway Culture [Roll Call 101111]

DCCC seizes on Rep Steve Southerlands salary complaint [Politico 82511]

Top Quotes

Southerland said ldquo$174000 Salary is Not So Muchrdquo

In August 2011 Southerland said his $174000 congressional salary was ldquonot so muchrdquo

According to Florida Capital News ldquoRep Steve Southerland told retirees Wednesday that serving in

Congress is a great honor and privilege but not a cushy job with lavish insurance and pension benefits

that many disgruntled taxpayers seem to think it ishellipHe said his $174000 salary is not so muchrdquo

Southerland said ldquoIf you think this job pays too much with those kinds of risks and cutting me off from

my family business Ill just tell you This job dont mean that much to me I had a good life in Panama

Cityhellipif you took the hours that I work and divided it into my pay $174000 salary would not seem so

highrdquo [Florida Capitol News 8 252011]

Notable Video Clips

Editorials

Northwest Florida Daily News - EDITORIAL Getting tough on offshore oil [Northwest Florida Daily

News 92211]

Olberman Names Southerland As Worst Person in the World [Hulu 82811]

Palm Beach Post This idea doesnt hold water

In August 2011 the Palm Beach Post criticized the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act saying

ldquoBashing the Environmental Protection Agency has been a GOP theme since the party took control of the

House this year In July the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep John Mica R-Winter Park that

would leave regulation of water quality to the states Republican members of the Florida delegation along

with most state politicians oppose the EPAs proposed standards for the states rivers lakes and streams -

even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed essentially the same standards

in 2009 Given the rhetoric its hard to believe that protecting the environment once was a strongly

bipartisan issue [hellip] Congress recognized that water and air pollution dont observe state lines and put the

federal government in charge of stopping both Reactionary revisionists who want to turn back the clock

ignore history and realityrdquo [Palm Beach Post editorial 9611]

Miami Herald House attempt to gut EPArsquos enforcement of clean-water rules is dangerous

In July 2011 the Miami Herald penned an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the EPA

from imposing stricter water quality standards on states

3

According to the Miami Herald ldquoClean water is not a jobs killer mdash certainly not in Florida which counts

on its beaches and natural assets to lure millions of tourists and billions of dollars here Yet US Reps

John Mica an Orlando-area Republican and Nick Rahall a West Virginia Democrat have sponsored a

bill that seeks to gut the Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos ability to regulate water quality wetlands

protection and the removal of mountain tops in coal mining [hellip] Clean water doesnrsquot have state

boundaries The reason the EPA was created and the Clean Water Act was strengthened in 1972 was the

confusing patchwork of state-by-state water rules that allowed governors and legislatures to curry favor

with big industries in their states and permitted uses with disastrous consequences [hellip] The legislation

HB 2018 is being hailed as a ldquostate-federal partnershiprdquo that will help states create jobs This is laughable

if it werenrsquot so frightening [hellip] Make no mistake This legislation would hamstring the EPA from

overruling any statersquos vague water-quality limits or ensuring dredge permits are feasible even when there

is evidence of contamination Under HB 2018 the misnamed Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act

the EPA could not veto a statersquos assessment of a project unless the state agrees In effect outdated state

rules on water-quality standards requirements for dumping waste or trash would no longer have to answer

to federal oversight [hellip] The GOP-led House apparently embracing tea-party hysteria about federal

overreach needs a reality checkrdquo [Miami Herald editorial 71111]

Bradenton Herald House bill restricting EPA water rules wrong

In July 2011 the Bradenton Herald wrote an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the

EPA from imposing stricter water quality standards on states

According to the Bradenton Herald ldquoThe US House of Representatives took a wrong turn last week with

passage of a measure that would restrict the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing stricter

water quality standards on states [hellip]The billrsquos sponsor Rep John Mica R-Winter Park argued that the

federal agency exceeded its authority in the enforcement of the Clean Water Act Such government

overreach would be too costly on public water treatment plants and private polluters bill supporters

maintain This is a disservice to Floridarsquos fragile and polluted waterways -- coming at a time when a toxic

green slime covered the Caloosahatchee River near Alva Such disgusting algae blooms caused by

sewage manure and fertilizer pollution kill marine life contaminate drinking water supplies and force

beach closures over the public health threat [hellip] While proponents of the congressional measure asserted

tougher EPA enforcement would kill jobs clean water creates and saves jobs Polluted rivers lakes and

bays kill jobs in the tourism and fishing industries which in turn kills other jobs that depend on income

from those two economic powerhouses The Clean Water Act came about in 1972 because states spurned

pollution regulations [Bradenton Herald 72211]

Budget Issues

Promised to Return $233000 in Office Budget to Pay Down Debt

In February 2012 Southerland promised to return a total of $233000 which included $160000 in 2011

cost savings in addition to $73000 that he cut in personal office savings to help pay down the debt

Southerland said ldquoAs North and Northwest Florida families struggle to do more with less its high time

that Washington adopt this same common sense approach to money management When I sent a letter to

Speaker Boehner encouraging him to direct $160000 in cost savings from my office to pay down our

4

national debt I did so with the understanding that this act alone will not solve our debt crisis However

Congress must continue to take these important small steps before we can spring back to economic

certainty [Jackson County Times 21012]

Called the Budgeting Process a ldquoJokerdquo

In February 2012 Southerland called the budgeting process a ldquojokerdquo

Southerland said ldquoIt angers me It breaks my heart We are lying to the American people My God we are

lying to ourselves It is embarrassing what we have become here Its time that we act and practice

courage [Montgomery Advertiser 2112]

Said GOP Presidential Primary was Healthy to the Party

In January 2012 Southerland said that the GOP presidential primary was healthy for the party

Southerland said ldquoThe close results in Bay County reflect a race that is far from over I believe this has

been a healthy process for the Republican Party one which will yield a battle-tested nominee that can

withstand the billion-dollar assault of the Obama campaign Stress and pressure can be a good thing mdash

thatrsquos how diamonds are maderdquo [News Herald 13112]

Southerland Urged Less Government Spending

In November 2011 Southerland said ldquoThe federal government does not have a revenue problem it has a

spending problem [hellip] To get our economy back on track we must restore certainty for our job

creators improve conditions for economic growth eliminate Washingtonrsquos addiction to out-of-control

spending and pay down our $15 trillion debtrdquo [southerlandhousegov 111711]

Southerland Signed Letter Urging Reduced Spending to Deficit Super Committee

In November 2011 Southerland approved of a letter sent to Congressrsquo deficit supercommittee

ldquoIt is evident that America has a fiscal crisis because Washington spends too much not because it

taxes too little According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office tax revenues will

reach or exceed the historical average of 18 percent of economic output by the end of this decade

even as spending continues to increase at an unsustainable rate Increasing taxes on Americans

would destroy jobs erase all hope of an economic recovery and simply serve to feed out-of-

control spending in Washingtonrdquo [Southerland Press Release 111711]

Southerland Supported Ryan Budget

In April 2011 Southerland issues a statement following his vote for the Ryan Republican budget

Southerland said that ldquoToday I was pleased to join my House Republican colleagues in approving a

budget proposal that will fix our fiscal future while restoring certainty for our small businesses and

making conditions right for long-term job creationrdquo [Southerland Press Release 41511]

5

Compared Obamarsquos Budget to Ice Cube on the Sun

In February 2011 Southerland said ldquoI honestly honestly honestly want to work out agreement that

shrinks government that reduces spending and secures future for our children But when yoursquove got [a]

president that delivers a budget with $16 trillion dollar deficit and a leader of the Senate saying he wants

a CR at existing levels mdash are they serious hellip With all due respect thatrsquos like throwing an ice cube at the

sunrdquo [Politico 22311]

Will Not Vote for Debt Ceiling without Conditions

On ABCrsquos This Week Southerland said that he will not vote for debt ceiling without conditions The

administration is pushing for a single-subject vote a clean bill Im not voting for that We want

guarantees going forward that we will service our debt like any banker [Sunshine State News 41911]

Southerland A ldquoNordquo Vote on Debt Ceiling

In May 2011 Steve Southerland voted against raising the debt ceiling saying that ldquoI promised the

hardworking families of North and Northwest Florida that I would vote against a debt limit increase

unless it was accompanied by a concrete plan to fix our fiscal future Raising the debt limit without

instituting a long-term spending solution does nothing more than move the guardrail closer to the cliffrsquos

edge Todayrsquos overwhelming bipartisan vote against a clean debt limit increase should serve as a wake-up

call to the agents of inaction who prefer sweeping our fiscal troubles under the rug [hellip] Handing over a

blank check to the same government bureaucrats who got us into this mess will only make the problem

worse We must implement an aggressive plan that cuts caps and balances Washingtonrsquos spending now

and over the long termrdquo [Steve Southerland Press Release 05312011]

Sent Letter to Boehner On How to Balance Budget

In June 2011 Southerland sent recommendations to Speaker Boehner ldquothat called for a plan to lsquocut cap

and balance our way to fiscal securityrdquo

According to the News Herald the ldquorecommendations include cutting next yearrsquos deficit in half by

instituting reductions in mandatory and discretionary spending capping spending with revenues at 18

percent of gross domestic product and implementation of a balanced budget amendment with protections

against federal tax increasesrdquo [News Herald 06152011]

Thanked by Heritage Foundation for Vote Supporting Ryan Budget Plan

In June 2011 the Heritage Foundation sent out mailers thanking 11 specific Republicans for voting for

the Ryan Budget proposal

According to the Washington Examiner ldquoHeritage Action for America (the political arm of The Heritage

Foundation) spent $300000 on mailings thanking Republican House members for their vote in favor of

Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryans Path to Prosperity The mailing dubbed the members The

Magnificent 11rdquo [Washington Examiner 06222011]

Southerland Would be a No Vote on Boehner Debt Plan

6

In July 2011 Southerland explained that If I had to vote right now my vote would be no [Tampa Bay

News 7272011]

Scrambled to Make Sure That Social Security Still Goes Out

In July 2011 Tennessee News reported that A group of conservative House and Senate Republicans

including Rep Steve Southerland of Panama City were the latest to unveil legislation Tuesday that calls

for paying interest on the debt Social Security and active-duty military salaries firstrdquo

Over the seven months since being sworn in Ive claimed that Washington is broken said Southerland

a member of the conservative Republican Study Committee [Tallahassee News 7272011]

Southerland a No Vote on Boehner Debt Plan

In July 2011 ldquoOn his way into the office of Whip McCarthy no vote Rep Steve Southerland of Florida

told CBS News that the only way he would change his vote would be lsquoif the Lord takes me home right

nowrsquordquo [Daily Beast 7292011]

Voted Against Final Debt Ceiling Deal

In August 2011 Southerland voted against the final debt ceiling compromise

Southerland explained that ldquoLong before I came to Congress I made a commitment to the people of North

and Northwest Florida that Irsquod reject any debt limit increase that fails to address the tremendous economic

challenges facing America today I voted against this debt limit compromise because it falls short of

conquering our debt crisis and does little to change the culture in Washington

ldquoI believe that any serious plan for spending reform must begin with guaranteed congressional approval of

a Balanced Budget Amendment and spending cuts large enough to eliminate the threat of a crippling

downgrade in Americarsquos credit rating This compromise ensures neither Making matters worse the

proposal hands authority to a small congressional commission with the prospect of large cuts in defense

spending and Medicare benefits Let me be clear my focus remains on finding solutions to our serious

economic challenges not on simply finishing a dealrdquo [Southerland Press Release 8111]

Voted Against Final Budget Control Act of 2011

In August 2011 Southerland justified his vote against the final debt deal

He explained that ldquoI think that every member reaches their decision properly and I donrsquot know the matter

of a manrsquos heart or a womanrsquos heart and I am glad I donrsquot because that would be a weighty responsibility

if I couldhellipI just know for me in my heart and for those I represent theyrsquore struggling and hurting under

the weight of this debt I donrsquot feel that this piece of legislation goes far enoughrdquo [Politico 812011]

Southerland Explained Debt Ceiling Vote

In August 2011 Rep Southerland explained why he voted no to the debt ceiling compromise

7

According to the News Herald Southerland said ldquoI voted lsquonorsquo on the debt limit compromise because it

empowers an appointed 12-member committee to identify spending cuts which could potentially trigger

large reductions in defense spending We must strike a responsible balance that reduces spending and

maximizes efficiency while ensuring our defense and military needs are sufficiently fundedrdquo [News

Herald 82211]

Southerland Said That We must look at Social Security and Medicare to reduce the budget

In August 2011 Southerland said that we must look at Social Security and Medicare to reduce the budget

As he looks ahead Southerland said lsquoSocial Security Medicare and unfunded liabilities are going to be

areas of concern as the nation looks for ways to reduce itrsquos ballooning budget This is bigger than any

iceberg this is bigger than any meteorrsquo he said lsquoIt will take an iron will purpose passion and service to

others to save this ship and turn it in the right directionrsquordquo [Thedestinlogcom 81211]

Southerland Said Government Must Should Live Within Their Means

On his campaign website Southerland Said government should be forced to ldquolive within their meansrdquo

ldquoWhen my company has financial troubles we are forced to cut expenses and live within our means If

elected I will fight to make government do what families and small businesses all over northwest Florida

have been forced to do in these hard economic timesmdashlive within their meansrdquo [Southerland For Congress

accessed 82911]

Southerland Responded to President Obamarsquos Joint Address

In September 2011 the Office of Rep Southerland issued this response to President Obamarsquos joint

address to Congress on jobs

According to Southerland to a press release ldquoHe (the President) offered many of the same failed policies

from the past two-and-a-half years while stubbornly prodding the American people to lsquolook beyond the

immediate crisisrsquo While I certainly agree that we need to fix our fiscal future I am disappointed that the

President appears to have moved on without recognizing some of the troubling factors that got us into this

messhellipI stand ready and willing to find common ground with the President once he presents a plan that

rises to the historic level of the economic challenges we facerdquo [Southerland Press Release 0982011]

Southerland Governments Governs Best When It Governs Closest to the People

In August 2011 a spokesman for Rep Southerland commented on what the congressman would be doing

during the August recess

The National Journal reported ldquorsquoIrsquoll quote the congressman heremdashhe always says that the government

governs best when it governs closest to the peoplersquo said Matt McCullough spokesman for Rep Steve

Southerland R-Fla lsquoThe only way you can do that is to come home and hear from the people about how

these decisions in Washington are affecting people back homersquordquo[National Journal 81611]

8

Business and Consumer Issues

ldquoDisappointedrdquo by Chamber of Commerce

In June 2011 Southerland criticized the US Chamber of Commerce following an alleged ldquojokerdquo made by

the president of the US Chamber of Commerce claiming that he would ldquoget ridrdquo of any freshman who

refused to vote to raise the debt ceiling

According to Politico Southerland said he was ldquoextremely disappointed but no longer surprised by the

US Chamberrsquos failure to understand the challenges facing our small businesses As far as I am

concerned their leadership forfeited its position as a voice for small business when it became comfortably

entrenched in Washingtonrsquos status quordquo

According to Politico Southerland said that ldquoThe US Chamberrsquos national leadership would benefit from

listening to their local chapters and member businesses about the brokenness of Washington Regardless

of inside-the-beltway threats I am more committed than ever to doing exactly what our small business

owners and hardworking families have sent me here to dordquo [Politico 06152011]

Southerland Received 90 from Heritage Action for America

Based on 30 key votes from January-August 2011 Southerland received a 90 score from the Heritage

Action for America [Heritage Action for America accessed 9611]

Campaign Finance Issues

Filed End of Year FEC Report

In January 2012 Southerland for Congress filed its End of Year 2011 FEC Report Southerland raised

$14589301 in the 4th quarter of 2011 has $31174458 cash on hand and spent $5863142

Southerland received $6650000 from PACs and still has $6000 worth of debt [Steve Southerland for

Congress filed 13112]

Contributions of Note

Received $1500 from the Majority in Congress PAC In this quarter Southerland received

$1500 from the Majority in Congress PAC located in Orlando Florida

Received $5000 from Kevin McCarthyrsquos Majority Committee PAC In December 2011

Southerland received $5000 from the Majority Committee PAC

Received $1000 from Vern Buchananrsquos PAC In December 2011 Southerland received $1000

from Vern Buchananrsquos PAC VERN PAC

Received $1500 from KOCH Industries In December 2011 Southerland received $1500 from

Koch Industries PAC

9

Received $5000 from Paul Ryanrsquos Prosperity PAC In December 2011 Southerland received

$5000 from Ryanrsquos Prosperity PAC

Expenditures of Note

Spent $26000 on Consulting From October ndash December 2011 Southerland spent $26000 on

fundraising and political strategy consulting

Spent $1493 on Shoe Bag Advertising In November 2011 Southerland spent $1493 on shoe bag

advertising

Other Items of Note

Southerland Still Has a $6000 Outstanding Loan To Himself In his 2011 End of Year Report

Southerland reported a $6000 debt to himself for administrative salary and rent Cycle to date

Southerland has contributed $26000

Took $500 from Goldman Sachs

In February 2011 Politico Reported that Southerland had taken $500 from the Goldman Sachs Political

Action Committee [Politico ndash Huddle 22211]

Southerlandrsquos First Fundraiser in DC Cost $80000

In January 2011 Southerland was part of a group of freshman republicans who held a swanky fundraiser

at the W Hotel in Downtown Washington DC The fundraiser cost $80000 which included $25000 to

have LeAnn Rimes perform $22000 for catering and lighting and $10000 for ldquofloral expense and event

designrdquo [Politico 13111]

Attended Lavish Republican Gala That Only Netted $650

In April 2011 Southerland attended a lavish GOP Gala that only netted $650 According to the Florida

Independent ldquoFlorida Reps Steve Southerland R-Tallahassee and David Rivera R-Miami were two of

the attendees of the high-profile GOP fundraiser which cost $2500 a headrdquo [Florida Independent 42011]

Gala Only Netted $650

According to McClatchy Newspapers the Americas New Majority political action committee

who sponsored the event ldquo barely broke even at a glitzy and controversial January GOP fundraiser

featuring country singer LeAnn Rimes new campaign filings show [hellip] Between assorted fees

flowers catering and other costs Denhams special fundraising committee reported spending

$212250 on the Rimes event The committee meanwhile raised only $212900 from outside

contributorsrdquo [McClatchy Newspapers 41511]

Southerland Potential Beneficiary of PAC

10

According to McClatchy Newspapers ldquoOther potential beneficiaries [of the money raised]

included Florida Reps Steve Southerland and David Riverardquo [McClatchy Newspapers 41511]

Southerland Featured at Fundraising Cookout

In August 2011 Rep Southerland was featured guest at a fundraising

Tallahasseecom reported lsquoThe Taylor County Republican Party is having a $50-a-person cookout

featuring US Rep Steve Southerland The 2nd District congressman is scheduled to visit with GOP

supporters 6-8 pm Wednesday at the Rigoni cook house 2365 N US Highway 19 in Perryrdquo [Tallahasseecom 82011]

Southerland Struggled to Raise Funding for Reelection Campaign

In October 2011 it was reported that House Republican freshmen many of them political novices who

rode to victory on an anti-Washington wave discovered they were not very good at raising money while

in office Southerland said ldquoYou have a lot of freshmen who have never been in politics So a lot of us

are doing something we have never had to do before [hellip] Itrsquos not that natural a thing asking people for

money Especially now people are strugglingrdquo However Southerland expressed optimism about his

reelection chances by pointing out that he sits on three committees ldquoItrsquos hard to find a balancerdquo he said [Politico 101611]

Southerland Called Campaign Contribution ldquoLoserrdquo

In October 2011 the Washington Post labeled Southerland and other Florida representatives Daniel

Webster and David Rivera as ldquolosersrdquo because of their low third quarter fundraising numbers [Washington

Post 101711]

Had Fundraiser Held By The NRCC

In June 2011 Roll Call reported that Steve Southerland was just one of many freshman Republicans who

are having fundraisers held for them by the NRCC

According to Roll Call ldquoThe NRCC list has freshmen holding 53 fundraisers this week Several of those

will have the added star power of elected leaders and chairmen as special guests as a way to ensure

better attendance and more campaign checks For instance Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Va) is attending

fundraisers for a few freshmen including Reps Steve Southerland (Fla)rdquo [Roll Call 06212011]

Campaign 2012 Issues

Part of Group to Discuss GOP Messaging Problem

In February 2012 Southerland was part of a group of GOP freshman to discuss ways in which the GOP

could improve communicating their message

Southerland stressed that the conversation over healthcare should be ldquoheightenedrdquo [National Journal 20912]

11

Southerland endorsed businesswoman Karen Harrington

In January 2012 Southerland endorsed businesswoman Karen Harrington to challenge Democrat

incumbent US Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz

ldquoI want to serve with members of Congress who understand the brutal realities of running a business and

how those principles can be adopted to help us run a better countryrdquo Southerland said in a statement

ldquoKaren does that and I am thrilled to support her and endorse herrdquo [Sunshine State News 11712]

Congressional Issues

Southerland Irsquove Been Effective ldquoBecause Irsquom a funeral Directorrdquo

In February 2012 Southerland said ldquoI take a lot of kidding for it but therersquos a lot of commonality

between working in Congress and working in the funeral businesshellipI believe Irsquove been effective not in

spite of being a funeral director but because Irsquom a funeral directorrdquo [nwfdailynewscom 22212]

Praised Conservative Movement in Republican Party

In January 2012 Southerland said that the conservative agenda had been good for the Republican Party

Southerland said ldquoI think tension is a good thing Itrsquos how you grow muscle Stress and pressure and heat

mdash thatrsquos how diamonds are made I think some of that is necessary To say we want to do away with all

the pressure and the heat would go against the proper process hellip If you and I agree on everything one of

us isnrsquot necessary And I think wersquore both necessary And if we work together and respect each otherrdquo [Roll Call 13112]

Part of Group that Saved $14 Million from Congressional Office Budget

In February 2012 Southerland was one of 8 GOP Freshman to send a letter to Boehner stating that they

saved $14 million from their office budgets and wanted that money to go towards deficit reduction

The lawmakers said that their offices saved 12 percent on their budgets The lawmakers returned amounts

ranging from $145000 to $300000 [The Hill 2112]

Opposed Obama 81 of the Time

In January 2012 A CQ analysis showed that Southerland opposed Obama 81 percent of the time based on

95 votes from issues ranging from health care campaign finance defense trade energy taxes and

spending

Southerland said ldquoPresident Obama is not showing tendencies similar to President Clinton Southerland

said I think this president to be perfectly honest with you could care less about me personally and my

vision of the country Southerland however voted for an Obama backed proposal to end funding for an

extra engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter plane voted for trade agreements with South Korea

Colombia and Panama and supported the Veterans Opportunity to Work law [Tallahasseecom 12112]

12

News Herald Noted That Southerlandrsquos Year Had Its Ups and Downs

In December 2011 the Walton Sun noted that Southerlandrsquos year had its ups and downs Southerland said

that he ldquowas angered by what [he] sees in Washingtonrdquo

ldquoThings havenrsquot been all smooth [hellip] During a town hall meeting when asked about his pay the

congressman told constituents that his yearly salary of $174000 was ldquonot so muchrdquo Southerland said the

comment was taken out of context and that he was making a point that hersquod much prefer to be back in

Panama City than in Washington DC lsquoWersquove had enough people who went to DC and loved it couldnrsquot

wait to get back to it enthralled by the entrapments the power Irsquom enthralled by our communities here in

the district And I am angered by what I seersquo in Washingtonrdquo [Walton Sun 122611]

Missed 1 Percent of Votes

In 2012 the Herald Tribune reported that Southerland missed 1 percent of votes since he took office [Herald-Tribune 122111]

Asked If We Want Bureaucrats Running the Country

When asked about term limits Southerland said that he doesnrsquot know if that would fix any problems with

Congress

ldquoAs far as term limits are concerned I think bureaucrats here would perhaps love that because theyrsquore

here Theyrsquore permanent fixtures here in Washington DC [] yoursquove seceded greater responsibility

greater authority to a full time bureaucrat Do we want bureaucrats running the country and to determine

the direction of our countryrdquo [Steve Southerland on Washington Journal 1800 12412]

Note Southerland has over 20000 federal employees and federal retirees including [Office of Personnel

Management Federal Employment Statistics November 2010]

Said You Can Disagree with President Without Degrading Remarks

In January 2012 Southerland said he can disagree with the President without the degrading remarks

ldquoTo your points on the problem shersquos has with degrading remarks on the President I too find that itrsquos not

helpful I can disagree with the President without the degrading remarksrdquo [Steve Southerland on

Washington Journal 2430 12412]

Southerland said that we donrsquot need any more Congressman

In January 2012 Southerland said that we donrsquot need any more Congressman

ldquoShe called me a representative and I want you to know that is the proper term I really believe we have

to have representatives of the people here in Congress Wersquove had enough Congressmen We donrsquot need

any more Congressmen As a matter of fact I can make an argument that Congressmen have been part of

13

the problem and helped create this mess we find ourselves inrdquo [Steve Southerland on Washington Journal 2400

12412]

Southerland Paid His Staff $18000 in Bonsuses

Southerland Paid His Staff $18000 in Bonuses in July 2011 In July 2011 Southerland paid his entire

staff $1837325 in ldquoother compensationrdquo [2011 3nd

Quarter Statements of Disbursement 10511]

Southerland Spent $1851307 on Citibank Government Card for Travel Subsistence From July ndash

September 2011 Southerland spent $1851307 on travel subsistence [2011 3nd

Quarter Statements of

Disbursement 10511]

Southerland Spent $1559301 on Mass Mailings From July ndash September 2011 Southerland spent

$15593 on mass mailings From April-June 2011 Southerland spent $3984550 [2011 3nd

Quarter

Statements of Disbursement 10511]

Southerland Paid $14900 to the Kozlow Group His Campaignrsquos Political Strategy Consultant

From July-September 2011 Southerland paid $14900 from his official Congressional account to the

Kozlow Group According to his most recent FEC filing the Kozlow Group received $6000 for Political

strategy consulting [Southerland 2011 October FEC Report filed 101411 2011 3nd

Quarter Statements

of Disbursement 10511]

Fewer Expenses than Predecessor

In June 2011 the News Herald reported that ldquoSoutherlandrsquos official expenses were about 25 percent less

than his predecessor Allen Boydrsquosrdquo

According to the News Herald ldquoAlthough a direct comparison of spending could be misleading since

Southerland was hiring staff during the first quarter while Boyd had a staff in place the previous year it

appears Southerland has reduced costs in several areasrdquo

Whereas Boyd spent more than $27000 on rent communications and utilities Southerland has spent just

$5654

The News Herald also reported that ldquoAreas where Southerlandrsquos costs were higher than Boydrsquos include

printing and reproduction $3303 compared to $102 respectively and supplies and materials $11710

compared to $2470 respectively The higher costs were attributed to initial costs for suppliers and office

materials to modernize equipment and fully supply three officesrdquo [The News Herald 06042011]

Southerland Said he ldquoDoesnrsquot Likerdquo Washington DC Political Culture

In October 2011 Southerland said ldquoI donrsquot like this placerdquo referring to Washingtonrsquos political culture

He claims that he didnrsquot come to Washington to ldquomake friendsrdquo but he wants to push for supporting small

business and reducing federal regulations while maintaining that he has no desire to connect to the

Beltway culture [Roll Call 101111]

14

Southerland Introduced only One Bill in First Year

As of October 2011 Southerland had introduced only one bill in the House

ldquoFor someone who wants to fight Southerland chooses to do so with words more than with bills He has

yet to offer an amendment and has introduced one bill which was tied to his professional background

The bill would clarify that certain prearranged funeral and burial arrangements were not to be considered

assets under the Supplemental Security Income program and it drew accusations from Florida

Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith that it was solely to benefit the Congressmanrsquos funeral-home

industryrdquo [Roll Call 101111]

Southerland and his Wife took $8600 Trip to Israel Courtesy of AIEF

From August 13 to August 21 2011 Southerland traveled with Samantha Southerland to Israel on a trip

totaling $865683 sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation AIEF spent $629506 on

transportation $1380 on lodging and $98177 on meals [Clerk of the House Travel Disclosure 9211]

Called Republican Leadership ldquoPatheticrdquo

In June 2011 Southerland criticized the leadership of his own party during a town hall meeting

According to the Star Florida Southerland ldquoblasted not only the leadership of the Democratic president

but also labeled lsquopatheticrsquo the leadership coming from Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner

lsquomy speakerrsquo

Southerland also told constituents that most members of Congress ldquocould care less about yourdquo and that

Washington politics were bought by special interests [Star Florida 06162011]

Southerland Said ldquoWashington is lsquodownright evilrsquordquo

In August 2011 Rep Southerland discussed the debt ceiling and his frustration with Washington

According to Thedestinlogcom ldquoLooking at Washington DC Southerland said the capital is a lsquocity of

conflict a city that is broken a city that is off-purpose and selfish and arrogantrsquo He said in many ways

Washington is lsquodownright evilrsquo[hellip] Looking at the nationrsquos leaders Southerland says lsquothe US is broke

because we try to justify itrsquo And he places the blame on both the Republicans and Democratsrdquo

[Thedestinlogcom 81211]

Signed Cut Cap Balance Pledge

In 2011 Southerland signed the Cut Cap Balance Pledge that places specific pre-conditions on raising

the debt ceiling

Southerland pledged to oppose any debt limit increase unless all three of the following conditions have

been met including making ldquosubstantial cuts in spending that will reduce the deficit next year and

thereafterrdquo producing ldquoenforceable spending caps that will put federal spending on a path to a balanced

budgetrdquo and passage ldquoof a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution but only if it includes

15

both a spending limitation and a super-majority for raising taxes in addition to balancing revenues and

expensesrdquo [Cut Cap and Balance Pledge accessed 7811]

Southerland Defended ldquoNot So Muchrdquo Salary Comments

In August 2011 Rep Steve Southerland defended his recent controversial statement on his Facebook

He said ldquoThe folks who were in the room with me in Tallahassee on Wednesday understand the full

context of the statements I made In the course of yesterdayrsquos conversation I explained in a transparent

fashion how members of Congress are compensated along with some of the unexpected events that can

occur in the course of our work To make anything more of it than that is to distract from the serious

challenges facing this country and the work that still must be done to reverse Washingtonrsquos spending

binge and grow our economyrdquo [Southerlandrsquos Facebook 8292011]










WJHG ldquoNewly Elected Congressman Hasnrsquot Been a Fan Favoriterdquo

In August 2011 Rep Southerland was the keynote speaker at a chamber of commerce luncheon

According to the WJHG ldquoThe representative has taken quite some heat from both Democrats and

Republicans after recently voting against the Budget Control Act that passed Friday The newly elected

congressman hasnt been a fan-favorite from really both parties the past couple of weeks and Tuesday the

representative explained why he made that decision that he continues to stand by [hellip] Representative

Steve Southerland was only one of just 21 Republicans to vote against the debt ceiling bill that passed last

week - telling residents that he refused to vote on a plan that would not save the nations credit ratingrdquo [WJHG 81011]

Southerland Said ldquoThe Feeding Frenzyrdquo Is Over for Career Politicians

On his campaign website Southerland said ldquofeeding frenzyrdquo is over for career politicians ldquoDemocrats

and even some Republicans have failed miserably in trying to reduce federal spending Government waste

has grown with the blessing of Congress [hellip] We must cut government spending now For generations

our elected representatives have passed laws written regulations and taken the hard-earned money of

American citizens to fix problems Look at the mess they have created without even having to live under

the laws they pass [hellip] Itrsquos time for career politicians who are all too happy to receive their salary

16

retirement and health care courtesy of the American taxpayer to understand that the feeding frenzy is

over When my company has financial troubles we are forced to cut expenses and live within our meansrdquo [Southerland for Congress accessed 83111]

Remains Defiant of Washington DC Government Culture

In August 2011 Southerland promised to remain faithful to his constituents and home district at the

expense of any amount of Washington insider criticism ndash especially for his $174000 salary

ldquoSoutherland told a group of retirees in Tallahassee last week the $174000-a-year Congressman salary

was overvalued as are the benefits that go along with the job The speech drew criticism from several

groups including some Washington insiders Southerland said [hellip]He also said he had spent much of the

first eight months in the ldquodog houserdquo battling the administration and even members of his own partyrdquo [News Herald 82911]

Southerlandrsquos Tied to Unpopular Governor Scott

In September 2011 The Florida Democratic Party worked to tie Rick Scott to Steve Southerland

ldquoThe Florida Democratic Party is working to tie Scott to freshman Rep Steve Southerland (R-Fla)

claiming during a Wednesday conference call with reporters that the two Republicans have worked in

tandem to drag down Floridas economyrdquo [The Hill 92811]

Praised GOP ldquoPledge to Americardquo

In September 2010 Southerland praised the GOPrsquos ldquoPledge to Americardquo

Southerland said ldquoSince launching my campaign against career politician Allen Boyd I have pledged my

commitment to creating jobs lowering taxes reducing spending and shrinking the size of government

While I am pleased that many of the issues I care about are included in the Pledge to America my focus

remains the same As a small business owner and North Florida native I am prepared to go to

Washington clean up the Pelosi-Boyd mess and return a voice to the people of the Second Districtrdquo [National Review 92310]

Crime amp Public Safety Issues

Economic and Financial Issues

Received ldquoA+rdquo Grade From Americans for Prosperity

In January 2011 Americans for Prosperity scored the most important economic votes of the first session

of the 112th Congress Representative Southerland received a grade of A+ from Americans for Prosperity [Americans for Prosperity 112

th Congress Mid Term Scorecard12012]

AFP Founded In 2003 By David H Koch The New York Times wrote about David H Koch

noting that ldquoin 2003 he helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation which

17

supports free-market policies and promotes government spending limits It split off from an earlier

Koch-backed enterprise now called FreedomWorks which promotes similar goalsrdquo [New York

Times 71008]

Americans for Prosperity Funded Run by Koch Industries Executives Americans for

Prosperity was founded by David H Koch one of the wealthiest men in America and the

executive vice president and board member of Koch Industries which was founded by his father

Recently Koch gave $5 million to Americans for Prosperity In 2009 AFP President Tim Phillips

said Koch ldquolaunched our organizationrdquo The executive Vice President of Koch Industries said

ldquoWhat we have done is support the Americans for Prosperity Foundation which has been active in

various forms for nearly 30 yearsrdquo [New York Times 71008 MSNBC 33110 Politico 101408

Washington Examiner 71810 Washington Independent 10509]

Promised to Keep Funding for Seniors and Military Despite Potential Default

In July 2011 Southerland said that we must prioritize our spending if we do go past August 2nd

Southerland explained to the New Herald that ldquoDebt negotiations have been plagued for weeks by scare

tactics and falsehoods about what would happen if the debt limit isnrsquot raised by Aug 2nd

[hellip] The fact is

the president has the obligation to prioritize spending and his shameful threat to withhold federal benefits

promised to our seniors veterans and active duty troops would be his decision and his alone For this

reason I introduced legislation that puts our seniors and our military heroes first ensuring their benefits

are paid in full regardless of Washingtonrsquos political tug-of-war The federal government made a promise

to our seniors and our troops and I am committed to doing all I can to keep itrdquo [News Herald 7152011]

Dismissed Default

In July 2011 Southerland all but dismissed a possible default

Southerland said that ldquoLook I have no doubt the sunrsquos going to come up on August 3rdrdquo even without a

deal ldquoI really believe that your alarm on August 3rd will go off and the sun will be shining And Irsquom

willing to bet yoursquoll still have milk in your refrigeratorrdquo

According to the Washington Post ldquoMost of the new Republican lawmakers have spent their short

political lives defining themselves by what they are against on questions of spending and debt Now with

time running short in the debt-ceiling debate they seemed unprepared to say what kind of compromise

they are willing to live with and many are dismissive of the idea that default could mean calamity for the

fragile economyrdquo [Washington Post 7212011]

Southerland Presidentrsquos Plan Needs Further Considerations

In September 2011 Rep Southerland indicated that he saw some hope in Presidentrsquos American Jobs Act

The News Herald reported ldquoSteve Southerland saw some reason for hope in the jobs bill which Obama

sent to Congress on Monday he wanted to scrutinize it thoroughly before saying too much lsquoWhile some

of the Presidentrsquos proposals namely those related to the stalled free trade agreements and payroll tax

18

reductions for our small businesses merit further consideration I wonrsquot be able to comment further until I

see his plan in writingrsquo Southerland wrote in an emailrdquo [Miami Herald 91311]

Compared Jobs Bill to Stimulus

In September 2011 Southerland compared Obamarsquos jobs plan the American Jobs Act to a second

stimulus

Southerland told the media I know and I think every American knows that it is a stimulus Well the

first stimulus didnt work The first stimulus did not create shovel ready projects [WMBB 13 ABC 91811]

Said Its Not the Federal Governmentrsquos Responsibility to Create Jobs

In September 2011 Southerland said it is not the federal governments responsibility to create a job

It is not the federal governments responsibility to create a job It is the federal governments

responsibility to create an environment where job growth can occur [WMBB 13 ABC 91811]

Southerland Said He Was Willing to Find Common Ground with Obama

In September 2011 Southerland said he was willing to find common ground with Obama

Obama ldquo offered many of the same failed policies from the past two-and-a-half years while stubbornly

prodding the American people to lsquolook beyond the immediate crisisrsquo While I certainly agree that we

need to fix our fiscal future I am disappointed that the President appears to have moved on without

recognizing some of the troubling factors that got us into this mess [hellip]I stand ready and willing to find

common ground with the President once he presents a plan that rises to the historic level of the economic

challenges we facerdquo [Southerland Press Release 9811]

Urged Post Office to Seek Cost-Cutting Options but Allowed for ldquoEconomic Realitiesrdquo

In September 2011 amid nationwide closures and consolidations of post offices along with one in

Southerlandrsquos district

Southerland ldquoacknowledged [that] postal officials must adapt to economic realitiesrdquo But sensing the

immediacy of the jobs problem he urged that the department search for other cost-cutting options before

closing facilities and realizing the importance of integrated mail service opined There must be a delicate

balance that ensures the long-term solvency of the post office without jeopardizing timely and convenient

access to mail services for the American people [Tallahassee Democrat 91611]

Southerland Called Obamarsquos Plan Another Stimulus

In September 2011 Southerland criticized Obamarsquos jobs plan by comparing it to the ldquofirstrdquo stimulus plan

which he thinks was not successful I know and I think every American knows that it is a stimulus Well

the first stimulus didnt work The first stimulus did not create shovel ready projects [WMBB 91811]

Southerland Said it is not the Governmentrsquos Job to Create Jobs

19

In September 2011 Southerland said It is not the federal governments responsibility to create a jobrdquo

[WMBB 91811]

Southerland Agreed with Trade Agreement provisions in Obamarsquos Plan

In September 2011 it was reported that ldquoSoutherland did agree on parts of Obamas plan like the 3 trade

agreements with Panama Columbia and South Korea which he says Florida will benefit greatly from

The president still hasnt sent those agreements to congress for approvalrdquo [WMBB 91811]

Education Issues

Energy Issues

Southerland Believed ldquoFederal Government Bears Some Responsibilityrdquo in BP Oil Spill and House

Republicans ldquoStreamlined the Permitting Processrdquo to Prevent Future Accidents

While discussing the future of the oil industry in the Gulf Southerland said ldquothe fact of the matter is that

the federal government hasnrsquot been lacking in regulations it has been lacking in oversight One of the

great tragedies of last yearrsquos Gulf oil spill is that the federal government allowed BP to rack up over 700

safety infractions prior (to the spill) The federal government bears some responsibility in this devastating

accidentrdquo

Southerland claimed it is ldquothe Obama administrationrsquos reluctance to allow new drilling permits has

prolonged the uncertainty that is crippling North and Northwest Floridarsquos coastal industries In response

to the presidentrsquos failure to act House Republicans have voted to increase oversight funding streamline

the permitting process and require a safety review for new permits to reduce the likelihood of future

accidentsrdquo [NWF Daily News 42311]

Urged Expansion of Offshore Drilling in Gulf

In June 2011 Southerland cited higher gas prices and increasing unemployment as the main reasons why

the government should allow for expanded offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico

According to the News Herald Southerland said that high gas prices are ldquodue to a lsquode facto moratoriumrsquo

on drilling in the Gulf that has occurred since the temporary moratorium blocking drilling after the

Deepwater Horizon oil spill was lifted in October the result of the Obama administration not issuing

permitsrdquo

Despite this Southerland simultaneously ldquoacknowledged the need to reduce the demand for oil and for

expanded alternative forms of energy but he said the country needs an lsquoall-of-the-above approachrsquo and

that there isnrsquot a way to eliminate the need for oilrdquo [The News Herald 06092011]

Environmental Issues

Introduced State Waters Partnership Act Because Florida ldquoDoesnrsquot Need Central Planners from

Thousands of Miles Awayrdquo

20

In March 2012 Southerland announced the State Waters Partnership Act an effort to keep Florida in

control of water regulation

ldquoWe donrsquot need central planners from thousands of miles away to tell us how to care for our natural

resources Florida has already made tremendous strides in strengthening the health of our waterwaysrdquo

said Southerland [naturalresourceshousegov uploaded 30612]

Voted Against Measure to Prevent Everglades Drilling

In February 2012 Southerland voted against a measure to prevent oil and gas exploration in the Great

Lakes and Florida Everglades [Florida Independent 21712]

Voted Against Ending Drilling Moratorium Because of Impact to Military Bases

In February 2012 Southerland voted against repealing the offshore drilling moratorium preventing

drilling in Floridarsquos gulf

Southerland said the repeal would adversely impact the military bases in Floridarsquos panhandle that use the

Gulf or the sky above it for mission testing

ldquoIf passed this bill will allow drilling to encroach on the military mission line and endanger the military

missions of our F-35s and F-22srdquo Southerland said [TheDestinLogcom 21612]

Said Profit of Ending Moratorium Wouldnrsquot Match Profit State Made from Military

Missions

Southerland said that the profit from lease sales wouldnrsquot offset the value military installations

brought to the region and state

ldquoWe have seven bases in Northwest Florida and of the $70 billion of economic injection the state

receives from its military missions 43 percent comes from North and Northwest FloridahellipWhy

would we want to put that economic engine at risk for a $17 billion payoffrdquo said Southerland [TheDestinLogcom 21612]

Concerned About Off Shore Drilling in GOP Transportation Bill

In February 2012 Southerland said he was concerned about provisions to expand offshore drilling in the

GOP transportation bill and said he could not back the bill unless the drilling issue was addressed in an

amendment

Southerland said ldquoSome people I find struggle with distinguishing between activity and productivity

Irsquom a small-business owner [and] activity means nothing Itrsquos got to be productive So productive would

be for an amendment attached to the bill that addresses my concerns Irsquom not concerned that we donrsquot

have enough activity around hererdquo

21

He said that an amendment limiting drilling ldquowould probably swing my support in favor of the

transportation billrdquo [Roll Call 20812]

Planned to File Bill to Make EPA Sign Off on State Water Pollution Standards

In January 2012 Southerland said he planned to file a bill to make the EPA follow Floridarsquos proposed

water pollution standards

The bill would require the EPA to consider the economic impact on job creation small businesses

agriculture municipalities and consumers before coming up with water quality standards [Miami Herald

13012]

Spoke Out Against Water Pollution Rules

In January 2012 Southerland spoke out against water pollution rules and said that the rules could

cost Florida up to 50000 agricultural jobs

Southerland said ldquoWhen things are starting to seem to turn around with some certainty going

forward the last thing we need to do is inject some uncertainty and give up ground that wersquove

gained I think that hopefully [the ag industry] will find that our legislation in concert with what

the Florida Legislature is doing will really help make a statement to the federal Environmental

Protection agency that hellip we deserve to have a say in really determining our own future as long

as it meets the standards outlined in the Clean Water Actrdquo [floridaindependentcom 13112]

Bill Described as ldquoGift to Polluter Lobbyistsrdquo

In February 2012 environmentalists called Southerlandrsquos bill ldquoa gift to polluter-lobbyists and an

insult to Florida businesses and residents who suffer the effects of nauseating toxic algae

outbreaks year after yearrdquo

The Florida Wildlife Federation said ldquoRep Southerland is out of step with the Floridians he is

supposed to He should be helping the people who make their living from tourism instead of

doing favors for the people who want to keep using our public waters as their private sewersrdquo [floridaindependentcom 2112]

Opposed EPArsquos Agricultural Regulations

In February 2011 on the House floor Southerland cited EPA regulations on agriculture as a source of job

loss in Florida ldquoThe EPA has allied with environmental activists to finalize numeric nutrient criteria for

rivers and lakes These crippling regulations due to take effect this year will penalize the State of Florida

and could possibly destroy 14500 agricultural jobs just in our Statehellip It is time for Washington to get out

of the way and to allow small businesses across my State and this great Nation to create jobsrdquo [Southerland

Floor Remarks on H Res 72 21111]

Fight In Congress to Eliminate EPA nutrient regulations

22

In an April newsletter update Southerland expressed support for the Gov Scottrsquos petition to the EPA to

rescind nutrient regulations He said ldquoI will continue the fight in Congress to eliminate this job-crushing

federal mandate that applies only to Florida and not the 49 other states I hope that the EPA will reverse

course and collaborate with Florida officials to build upon successes already achieved in strengthening the

health of our lakes rivers and streamsrdquo [Southerland Newsletter 42911]

Said Regulators of Red Snapper Were ldquoBlowing Smokerdquo

In July 2011 at a congressional hearing Southerland blamed regulators for limiting the catch of red

snapper

According to Tallahassee News ldquoRep Steve Southerland R-Panama City speaking at a hearing before

the House Natural Resources subcommittee on fisheries accused regulators of lsquoblowing smokersquo in telling

lawmakers the limits are justifiedrdquo

Southerland explained that They dont have good data they dont have good sciencehellipIts only right and

just that the rules by which we proceed be loosened a little bit [Tallahassee News 7272011]

Southerland Voted for Anti EPA Bill

In July 2011 Rep Southerland voted for HR 2018 the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which

was sponsored by Rep John Mica

According to McClatchy the ldquoHouse bill would revise the Clean Water Act to prevent the EPA from

setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards dont protect public health [hellip] The bill

was sponsored by Rep John Mica R-Fla who objected to EPA water regulations for algae in Florida

rivers [] The House passed the bill Wednesday night The 239-184 vote was largely along party lines

with only 13 Republicans opposedrdquo [HR 2018 Vote 573 71311 McClatchy 71311]

Southerland Voted for Bill that Would Limit EPA Regulatory Responsibilities

In July 2011 Southerland voted for HR 2018 the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act which was

sponsored by Rep John Mica








sponsored by Rep John Mica According to McClatchy the ldquoHouse bill would revise the Clean Water

Act to prevent the EPA from setting water-pollution standards when it finds that state standards dont

protect public health [hellip] The bill was sponsored by Rep John Mica R-Fla who objected to EPA water

regulations for algae in Florida rivers [] The House passed the bill Wednesday night The 239-184 vote

23

was largely along party lines with only 13 Republicans opposedrdquo [HR 2018 Vote 573 71311

McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues

Planed to Speak at National Funeral Directors Associationrsquos Leadership Summit

In January 2011 Politico reported that Southerland who ran his familyrsquos funeral home before being

election to Congress planned to speak at the National Funeral Directors Associationrsquos leadership summit

He said ldquoIrsquom now their man in Congress so Irsquom going to speak to a lot of funeral directors around the

country And Irsquom looking forward to it Funeral directors have a good timerdquo [Politico 13111]

Foreign Policy and Defense Issues

Southerland said Israel is a ldquoone-bomb countryrdquo

In January 2012 Rep Steve Southerland said Iran must be stopped from obtaining even one nuclear

warhead because Israel is a ldquoone-bomb countryrdquo

ldquoSoutherland was making the case for why the United States must stand by Israel amid escalating tensions

with Iran and worries about that countryrsquos nuclear program Many US lawmakers believe Iranrsquos nuclear

ambitions are aimed at building a bomb that could be used against Israelrdquo [The Hill 11612 Shark Tank

11612]

Southerland Vowed to Always Vote for Military

In November 2011 as the deficit supercommittee worked to find spending cuts in the federal budget

Southerland ldquosaid he would always vote for the military and the bases which are a big part of Bay

Countyrdquo

ldquoWhen it comes to the Department of Defense and we have men and women all around the world

in harmrsquos way fulfilling commitments we made through treaties and also being part of active

engagements itrsquos important that we donrsquot start cutting without giving careful thought to our ways

of doing so [hellip] ldquoThere is an unknown there and that is why I didnrsquot vote for the

supercommitteerdquo [News Herald 111011]

Concerned About Direction of Libya

US Rep Steve Southerland R-Panama City said he is concerned about the direction the president is

taking in Libya ldquoIn the month since President Obama authorized air strikes against Col Gadhafi it

remains very troubling that the president still refuses to consult Congress and has thus far been unable to

convey clearly defined objectives for our Libyan mission While I will continue to do all I can to ensure

the safety and success of our brave men and women in uniform I would encourage the president to offer

our troops more than just a public relations media blitz They deserve an explanation of what wersquore

fighting to achieverdquo [The Walton Sun 42411]

24

Southerland Reported At Least $100000 of Debt for Boat

In his calendar year 2010 personal financial disclosure Southerland reported a loan he took out from

GEMB Lending for a 32 foot Century Boat valued at $100000 - $250000 [2011 Steve Southerland

Personal Financial Disclosure filed 6311]

Southerland Spent $24722 on ldquoTravel Subsistencerdquo

Since January 2011 Southerlandrsquos disbursements included $2472278 for travel subsistence on a

Citibank Government Card [2011 2nd

Quarter Statements of Disbursement 7511 112th

Congress 1st

Session Statement of Disbursements 1Q 2011 52311]

Gay and Lesbian Issues

Supports Roadblock Amendment to DADT Repeal

In May 2011 Southerland talked to the Panama City News Herald and expressed concerns that the repeal

of Donrsquot Ask Donrsquot Tell could potentially interfere with military readiness despite a report released by

the Pentagon stating the opposite

According to the Panama City News Herald Southerland also criticized the political process in

Washington by saying that ldquoI believe that Washington is at its worst when it changes policy without

consulting those who understand an issue best Our service chiefs must have a seat at the table for this

discussion because they have heard the hearts of our servicemen and women in combat If our military

leaders and our troops have a differing perspective about the administrationrsquos DADT proposal then those

concerns must be heardrdquo [News Herald 05132011]

Gun Issues

Health Care Issues

Claimed that Affordable Care Act has Spiked Premiums by $2100 Per Family

In March 2011 Southerland claimed that after the Affordable Care Act ldquopremiums have spiked by $2100

per familyrdquo [Southerland Newsletter 32311]

Claimed Act Would Result In Job Losses

In March 2011 Southerland claimed that the Act would result into job losses

He said ldquoAccording to the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) more than 800000

jobs could be slashed as a result of the government takeoverrdquo [Southerland Newsletter 32311]

DCCC Hit on Medicare Hypocrisy

25

In April 2011 the DCCC hit House Republicans on their ldquohypocrisyrdquo for ldquovoting to end Medicarerdquo after

campaigning on protecting the seniorsrsquo program The congressional campaign committee contended that a

budget resolution that passed the House of Representatives on April 15 2010 amounted to a vote to ldquoend

Medicarerdquo The organization also noted that during the 2010 election Democrats came under fire for

eliminating roughly $500 billion from future funding to Medicare and Medicare Advantage

FL-02 Steve Southerland Attacked His Opponent Over Cutting $500 Billion From Medicare In

2010 Steve Southerland was asked if he supported repealing the 2010 health care reform Southerland

said he supported the repeal and added ldquoI have been very clear in spite of our good recording friends

back here whorsquove got a website that says Steve Southerland is against Social Security and that Steve

Southerland is against Medicare Ok thatrsquos a lie That is a lie I call it what I see it That is wrong Irsquove

never said that ok I do say this that when you are spending more money and you have more money

going out than you have coming in thatrsquos a train wreck And it is It is He knows it He heard me He

knows they are wrong the way the mischaracterize me My parents are on Social Security My mom

would whip me Ok Shersquod whip me She would whip me man And I want to tell you something wersquove

got to fulfill the commitmentmdashand they wonrsquot print this and they wonrsquot play thismdashbut we have got to

fulfill our commitment to our seniors The promises we have made that you have worked that you have

paid in Social Security we have got to fulfill that promise Alan Boyd voted for a health care bill that

takes $525 billion dollars out of Medicare You know what I wouldnrsquot want to talk about my record if I

were him Ok I want to be crystal clear We will do everything to defund that bill Ok And while we are

letting people go in our small businesses I will never be a part of hiring 17000 new employees for the

IRS I will never be about passing more Medicaid expenses down to the States that are already broke

under the crushing under the weight and the boot of the federal government I will never waiver thererdquo

[FL02RawFootagersquos YouTube Footage Uploaded 9310]

No Entitlement Reform When Considering Debt Limit Vote

In May 2011 Southerland laid out his stipulations for supporting a debt limit increase

According to Politico Steve Southerland said ldquo that when he considers his top priorities for a vote to raise

the debt limit entitlement reform ldquoisnrsquot one of themrdquo But that doesnrsquot make him any likelier to support a

final deal Irsquom a lsquonorsquo until I can be convinced that Washington is serious Irsquom not a lsquoyesrsquo with these

stipulations You convince me for a reason why I need to be a lsquoyesrsquo That takes methodical conversation

and Irsquove not had that Irsquove not seen that Thatrsquos not just by our leadership thatrsquos by our administrationmdash

wersquore all in the same boat hererdquo [Politico 5511]

Southerland Claimed He Will Never Waver From Commitment to Seniors

In an April newsletter update Southerland explained how the House budget plan would impact Medicare

He said ldquoI believe that the federal government has an obligation to fulfill its promises to our seniors The

House budget plan ensures that if you are 55 years of age or older your Medicare benefits will not be

changedhellipI have not nor will I ever waver from the solemn commitment made to our seniorsrdquo

[Southerland Newsletter 42911]

Immigration and Border Issues

26

Israel

Labor and Working Family Issues

Introduced Bill to Restore Flood Insurance and Disaster Assistance Eligibility

In March 2012 Southerland introduced a bill that would restore federal flood insurance and disaster

assistance eligibility for Gulf County Florida By removing Cape San Blas and Indian Peninsula from the

Coastal Barrier Resources System Southerlandrsquos bill would enable county residents and small businesses

to obtain FEMA reimbursement funds for beach renourishment and road construction in the wake of

damaging natural disasters [dredgingtodaycom 30712]

Supported Guest Worker Program Against Exempting Agriculture from Immigration Related

Crackdowns

In February 2012 Southerland said that the country needed a guest worker program for immigrants and

that he was against exempting agriculture from immigrant-related crackdowns

Southerland said that if a guest worker program were implemented ldquowe need to know who and where

they are and what theyrsquore doingrdquo

He said he was against exempting the agriculture industry from crackdowns because that was unfairly

ldquopicking the winners and losersrdquo a practice he accuses Obama of engaging in since he took office [jcfloridiancom 22412]

Packed Audience at Lafayette County Meeting Over USDA Office Closure

In February 2012 farmers ranchers county officials and concerned constituents met with USDA

officials to oppose the closure of a USDA office Southerlandrsquos staff member Kevin Kelley went to the

meeting [Suwannee Democrat 20912]

Southerland Senate to Take Up 30 Bipartisan Job Growth Bills

In February 2012 Southerland reflected on the BLS January jobs report and said the Senate should take

up 30 bipartisan job growth bills

Southerland said ldquoI think the President is correct when he says our economy could be in worse shape

Things would be much worse had the President succeeded in implementing his job-crushing agenda

Thatrsquos why House Republicans have fought to turn back the Obama Administrationrsquos anti-job growth

regulatory agenda and keep taxes low for hardworking Americans We have approved nearly 30

bipartisan job growth bills that are now piling up on Harry Reidrsquos desk in the Democrat-controlled Senate

Itrsquos time for Washington to get to work so we can give the American people an opportunity to do the

samerdquo [Southerland Press Release 20312]

PolitiFact Said Southerland Misplaced Blame on Jobless Figures

27

In December 2011 PolitiFact said that Southerland misplaced blame when he said that 24 million jobs

have been lost since the signing of the stimulus bill

PolitiFact wrote ldquoSoutherlands mailer accurately cites government employment data when it says that

since February 2009 24 million jobs have been lost But it misleads when it says those jobs were lost

since the Stimulus bill was signed into law mdash even saying later that the approach failed to create

jobsThe reality is that government and independent economic analysts say policies in the Recovery Act

salvaged half a million to 24 million jobs Southerland can argue the stimulus wasnt worth what it cost

but its inaccurate to say it didnt do anything for the economy On balance we find his claim Half Truerdquo [tampabaycom 122611]

Acknowledged Challenged in Agriculture Issues

In May 2011 in an interview with Southeast AgNet Southerland acknowledged the difficulties of

handling the many little interests in a state like Florida

Southerland said that ldquoBecause we have hundreds of specialty crops you have to know the nuances of

every particular little issue and thatrsquos a challenge to be quite frank You want to make sure that all the

trade agreements wersquore talking about how they affect not just Florida Ag as a whole but how they affect

Florida Ag in all of those small interestsrdquo [Southeast AgNet 05272011]

Southerlandrsquos Office was Scene of Postal Rally

In September 2011 postal workers gathered outside Southerlandrsquos Tallahassee office to urge him vote for

HR 1351 which would release $69 billion in pension obligations to replenish USPS coffers Southerland

did not comment on the event [Walton Sun 92611]

Other Social Issues

Southerland Luncheon

In August 2011 Rep Southerland was keynote speaker at a local luncheon

Wjhgcom reported ldquoThe representative has taken quite some heat from both Democrats and Republicans

after recently voting against the Budget Control Act that passed Friday The Destin Chamber of

Commerce met Tuesday for their Leaders in Business Luncheon at Destin United Methodist Church

This months luncheon featured Representative Steve Southerland The representative has taken quite

some heat from both Democrats and Republicans after recently voting against he Budget Control Act that

passed Friday The newly elected congressman hasnt been a fan-favorite from really both parties the past

couple of weeks and Tuesday the representative explained why he made that decision that he continues to

stand byrdquo [Wjhgcom 81011]

Southerland Red Snapper

In August 2011 Rep discussed why he applauds the Red Snapper rule

28

The nwfdailynewscom reported ldquoAs a member of the House Natural Resources Committee I have

publicly and privately urged NOAA to act on the concerns of commercial and recreational fishermen who

are struggling under the impact of faulty outdated sciencerdquo Southerland said in a news release ldquoI

applaud this red snapper rule as a first step in the right direction As a result of this rule boats for hire will

have the opportunity to finish the year on a strong noterdquo [hellip]Southerland also criticized the federal

government saying they ldquomust do more to gather better scientific data and modernize allowable catch

limits for years to come We must strike a common sense balance that preserves Gulf fisheries for future

generations while ending this burdensome regulatory assault on Americarsquos economic

enginerdquo[Nwfdailynewscom 81111]

Personal Finance

Had Estimated Net Worth of $2826001

In December 2011 Broward Palm Beach New Times reported that Southerland had an estimated net

worth of $2826001 [Broward Palm Beach New Times 12612]

Filed 2011 Financial Disclosure

In 2011 Steve Southerland reported earnings of at least $91928 for calendar year 2010 Southerland held

assets valued at between $1250002 and $5502000 Southerland reported two liabilities the first a Bank

of America Mortgage worth $250000 - $500000 and the second a $100000 - $250000 loan for a 32 foot

Century Boat from GEMB Lending

In 2010 Southerland received $89917 from Southerland Family Funeral Homes and $2011 from

Forethought Life Insurance Company His wife also received an undisclosed salary from Southerland

Family Funeral Homes

Under unearned income Southerland reported his assets are from his home and funeral business

Southerland disclosed that his home is valued at between $1000000 and $5000000 and his Panama City

Funeral Business is valued at between $250000 and $500000 In 2009 his assets were valued between

$1252000 and $581000

Southerland reported a $250000 - $500000 mortgage under liabilities He also reported a loan he took

out from GEMB Lending for a 32 foot Century Boat valued at $00000 - $250000

Southerland did not report any positions [Steve Southerland Financial Disclosure Filed 06032011]

Southerland The Reality of a $174000 Salary

In August 2011 Rep Southerlandrsquos $174000 salary is over three times the median household income of

2009

The Huffington Post reported ldquoAccording to the US Census Bureau the median household income in

2009 was $49177 almost $98000 less then what a member of the House of Representatives makes But

29

thats apparently not enough for Rep Steve Southerland (R-Fla)During a town hall meeting in Florida on

Wednesday when asked about his pay the congressman told his constituents that his yearly salary of

$174000 was lsquonot so muchrsquo ndash especially once you account for the number of hours he works the fact he

had to sever ties with his familys funeral home business upon assuming office and the heightened danger

he faces as a public officialrdquo [The Huffington Post 82611]

Southerland $174000 Salary Complaint

During a town hall meeting in August 2011 Rep Southerland discussed his yearly salary

Huffington post reported ldquowhen asked about his pay the congressman told his constituents that his yearly

salary of $174000 was lsquonot so muchrsquo -- especially once you account for the number of hours he works

the fact he had to sever ties with his familys funeral home business upon assuming office and the

heightened danger he faces as a public officialrdquo

Southerland added ldquoBy the way did I mention Theyre shooting at us There is law-enforcement security

in this room right now and why is that [hellip] If you think this job pays too much with those kinds of risks

and cutting me off from my family business Ill just tell you This job dont mean that much to me I had a

good life in Panama City [Huffington Post 82611]

DCCC Responded to Salary Complaint

In September 2011 the DCCC responded to Southerlandrsquos complaint about his $174000 salary

Politico reported ldquoThe DCCC response noted that Southerlandrsquos salary is four times a local police

officerrsquos take lsquoItrsquos unbelievable how far out of touch Rep Steve Southerland is with Florida families if he

thinks his $174000 salary is not so muchrdquo said DCCC spokesman Adam Hodge in the statement ldquoWhile

hersquos complaining about only making $174000 his constituents are struggling to put food on the table

keep a roof over their head or find a jobrsquordquo [Politico 91211]

Southerland Said Salary Remarks Misinterpreted

In August 2011 after criticism from the DCCC Rep Southerland claimed his remarks pertaining to his

$174000 were misinterpreted

Politico reported ldquoDemocrats pounced Thursday on politically inartful comments by Rep Steve

Southerland (R-Fla) who told constituents that his $174000 salary is nothing to write home about The

DCCC response noted that Southerlandrsquos salary is four times a local police officerrsquos takehellipSoutherland

said his remarks had been misinterpreted and that lsquoother than the successes of my marriage and my

family serving the people of North and Northwest Florida has been one of the greatest honors of my life

The folks who were in the room with me in Tallahassee on Wednesday understand the full context of the

statements I maderdquo he said ldquoIn the course of yesterdayrsquos conversation I explained in a transparent


occur in the course of our workrsquordquo [Politico 82511]

Southerland on Financial Troubles

30

In August 2011 Rep Southerland discussed on to deal with financial expenses within a budget

According to Southerland for Congress ldquoWhen my company has financial troubles we are forced to cut

expenses and live within our means If elected I will fight to make government do what families and

small businesses all over northwest Florida have been forced to do in these hard economic timesmdashlive

within their meansrdquo [Southerland for Congress accessed 82911]

Southerland Discussed His Salary Comment

In August 2011 Rep Southerland tried to clarify and explain his comment regarding that $174000 is

ldquonot so muchrdquo on his Facebook page

Southerlandrsquos Facebook page posted the following ldquoItrsquos true that I donrsquot put much stock in titles and the

trappings of Washington DC But one thing I know for certain is other than the successes of my

marriage and my family serving the people of North and Northwest Florida has been one of the greatest

honors of my life The folks who were in the room with me in Tallahassee on Wednesday understand the

full context of the statements I made In the course of yesterdayrsquos conversation I explained in a

transparent fashion how members of Congress are compensated along with some of the unexpected

events that can occur in the course of our work To make anything more of it than that is to distract from

the serious challenges facing this country and the work that still must be done to reverse Washingtonrsquos

spending binge and grow our economy ndash Steverdquo [Southerlandrsquos Facebook page accessed 82611]

Southerland Said $174000 House Salary was Insufficient

In the summer of 2011 Southerland ldquosuggested his $174000-per-year salary was not overly generous

considering his security risks and time on the job during a talk at a retirement community in his districtrdquo [Roll Call 101111]

Senior Issues

Southerland Received Award From RetireSafe

In November 2011 Southerland received an award from RetireSafe

ldquoA Florida congressman received recognition from a national organization Wednesday

lsquoRetireSafersquo a national grassroots organization presented a commemorative plaque to

Congressman Steve Southerland Members of the organization say he received the award because

of his outstanding service in matters affecting older Americans lsquoIm just honored and humbled

that Retire Safe has acknowledged both not which what we have said but obviously what we have

done through our votes and our also taking the time to know me as a personrsquo said Congressman

Southerlandrdquo [WTXL 11911]

Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31

Said He Supported Comprehensive Tax Reform this Session

In 2012 Southerland said he would support passing comprehensive tax reform in this Congress

ldquoThere is only so much oxygen here as we enter the presidential campaign and wersquore all involved in our

own raceshellipThatrsquos pretty ambitious but I know that if we made that a single focus I would be favor of

really working hard to get that done because that will I think something that will create certaintyrdquo said

Southerland [ABC news 22312]

Voted to Extend Payroll Tax Cut

In February 2012 Southerland voted to extend the payroll tax cut because it offered ldquosorely needed tax

reliefrdquo

ldquoThe House acted in a bipartisan fashion to protect hardworking American families from a crippling

$1000 tax increasehellipOur vote today will ensure that Medicare patients will continue to receive the vital

care they deserve by preventing a massive cut in doctor reimbursement rates that would have closed the

curtain on Florida seniors looking for treatmentrdquo Southerland said [nwfdailynewscom 21712]

Said Itrsquos the Local Tax Base Paying for Schools County Government and City Government

In January 2012 Southerland said local tax base is paying for schools county government and city

government

ldquoI think that American people at the local level ndash theyrsquore the ones holding up America Those individuals

that he talks about ndash the hardworking men and women of this country ndash obviously may not be paying the

most into the treasury as far as federal income tax but on a local level they do They are paying They are

supporting the tax base in their local communities their municipalities and itrsquos those dollars that are

providing funds for schools for paying their county government city government and sales tax enjoyed

by every staterdquo [Steve Southerland on Washington Journal 1544 12412]

Tea Party

Southerland Was Co-Founder of Florida Tea Party

Southerland was a co-founder of the Florida Tea Party and joined the conservative Republican Study

Committee when he arrived in Congress [Roll Call 101111]

New Republicans Throw Lavish Party and Republican Leaders Stay Away

In January 2011 a political action committee formed in part by Rep Steve Southerland held a ldquolavishrdquo

$2500-a-plate fundraiser at the ldquoposh W Hotel featuring country music star LeAnn Rimesrdquo planned by

Rep Jeff Denham Republican leaders distanced themselves from the event fearing that it would

undermine their message of austerity

32

The national campaign director for Public Campaign Action Fund stated ldquoThe same hands that new

Republican House members raise tomorrow to take their oath of office will be the ones sullied by the

collection of PAC lobbyist and special interest cash tonightrdquo [Fox News 10411]

Politifact Claim that 92 of Obama Administration Never Worked Outside Government False

In a speech before the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce in January 2011 Southerland claimed that

92 of Obamarsquos administration had no private sector job experience He had used that attack before on

his 2010 opponent Allen Boyd He said ldquoIt is ugly If you look at the finances of this nation going

forward it terrifies me the tsunami of financial obligations wersquore staring at And yet they want more- an

administration where 92 percent have never worked outside of governmentrdquo

Politifact noted that the author who originally made the 92 claim on Forbescom has since admitted that

more than 20 of Obamarsquos Cabinet appointees have private sector experience Furthermore Politifact

criticized the methodology used to calculate the number saying ldquothe study itself is highly subjective first

because it cherry picks what Cabinet appointees to consider and second because it unilaterally tries to

define private sector workrdquo [Politifactcom 11711]

Transportation Issues

Supported Restoration of Amtrak Service to Florida

In March 2012 Southerland said he supported restored service to Floridarsquos Amtrak stations but that he

was concerned about the Amtrak finances

ldquoOne of the things Irsquom concerned about is the fiscal situation of AmtrakIt doesnrsquot seem like a hard lift to

expand passenger service but we have to makes sure that any government entity and any entity relying

upon government funds is a good steward of the dollars theyrsquore givenrdquo said Southerland [wtxlcom 31812]

Voted for Highway Bill with $131 Million Funding Cut for Florida

In February 2012 Southerland called the $131 million drop in funding Florida would receive in the House

highway bill ldquobothersomerdquo

He voted for the bill in committee because the bill would give states more flexibility in how they use their

funds He said Ive always been a believer that government governs best when it governs closest to the

peoplehellipThey know what they need better than members of Congress [news-presscom 22212]

Southerland Wanted Increases in Federal Funding for Florida Transportation Expenses

In October 2011 Southerland said he wanted ldquoto increase or at least maintain the return his state gets on

infrastructure spendingrdquo [Roll Call 101111]

Womenrsquos Issues

33

Co-Sponsored Bill to Preserve Rights of Health Care Institutions Opposed to Contraception

Mandate

In February 2012 Southerland cosponsored the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act to preserve the

rights of faith-based health care institutions opposed to the contraception mandate

Southerland said ldquoThe Obama Administration is engaging in a direct assault on religious freedom in

America As a man of faith I am deeply angered that this administration would be willing to trample the

constitutional liberties of faith-based charities schools and universities by mandating that they provide

sterilization contraception and abortion-inducing services Today I am proud to co-sponsor the Respect

for Rights of Conscience Act because it turns back this immoral edict and preserves the religious liberties

that have been honored by the federal government for more than 200 years I encourage all Americans

who value the precious liberty of conscience to respectfully voice their opposition to this blatant attack on

faith and freedomrdquo [Southerland Press Release 20812]

2

Freshman Steve Southerland Shuns Beltway Culture [Roll Call 101111]

DCCC seizes on Rep Steve Southerlands salary complaint [Politico 82511]

Top Quotes










Notable Video Clips

Editorials

Northwest Florida Daily News - EDITORIAL Getting tough on offshore oil [Northwest Florida Daily

News 92211]

Olberman Names Southerland As Worst Person in the World [Hulu 82811]

Palm Beach Post This idea doesnt hold water

In August 2011 the Palm Beach Post criticized the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act saying

ldquoBashing the Environmental Protection Agency has been a GOP theme since the party took control of the

House this year In July the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep John Mica R-Winter Park that

would leave regulation of water quality to the states Republican members of the Florida delegation along

with most state politicians oppose the EPAs proposed standards for the states rivers lakes and streams -

even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed essentially the same standards

in 2009 Given the rhetoric its hard to believe that protecting the environment once was a strongly

bipartisan issue [hellip] Congress recognized that water and air pollution dont observe state lines and put the

federal government in charge of stopping both Reactionary revisionists who want to turn back the clock

ignore history and realityrdquo [Palm Beach Post editorial 9611]

Miami Herald House attempt to gut EPArsquos enforcement of clean-water rules is dangerous

In July 2011 the Miami Herald penned an editorial criticizing legislation in the house to prevent the EPA

from imposing stricter water quality standards on states

3

































Budget Issues







4

































5




































6


News 7272011]































7





Herald 82211]












accessed 82911]

















8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











3

































Budget Issues







4

































5




































6


News 7272011]































7





Herald 82211]












accessed 82911]

















8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











4

































5




































6


News 7272011]































7





Herald 82211]












accessed 82911]

















8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











5




































6


News 7272011]































7





Herald 82211]












accessed 82911]

















8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











6


News 7272011]































7





Herald 82211]












accessed 82911]

















8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











7





Herald 82211]












accessed 82911]

















8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











8































Koch Industries PAC

9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











9







advertising

Other Items of Note
























10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











10


















Post 101711]













11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











11


























spending






12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











12














Congress

















13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











13


12412]








Disbursement 10511]



Quarter






Quarter Statements









$5654










14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











14





























the debt ceiling





15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











15



































16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











16






























17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











17



Times 71008]



















Dismissed Default















18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











18





stimulus




























19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











19


[WMBB 91811]





Education Issues

Energy Issues







accidentrdquo












permitsrdquo







20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











20

















Missions









amendment





21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











21








13012]

























22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











22








snapper




























23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











23


McClatchy 71311]

Ethics Issues













11612]




Countyrdquo














24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











24









Congress 1st













Gun Issues

Health Care Issues









25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











25







































26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











26

Israel









Crackdowns






















27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











27




















Other Social Issues













28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











28










Personal Finance















$1252000 and $581000






2009



29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











29




































30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











30





















Senior Issues










Stem Cells

Tax Issues

31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











31









reliefrdquo







government







Tea Party









32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











32































Womenrsquos Issues

33


Mandate











33


Mandate











STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) · 2012-03-26 · STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) ... 8/25/11] Top Quotes...

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Transcript of STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) · 2012-03-26 · STEVE SOUTHERLAND (FL-02) ... 8/25/11] Top Quotes...