Video: Afghan vet Brian Mast announces for FL-18

[Valin]

Hot Air:

Ed Morrissey

June 8, 2015

 

Marco Rubio’s decision to run for the presidency has opened up Florida’s electoral map. His open Senate seat has enticed Rep. Patrick Murphy, the Democrat representing the 18th Congressional District, into running for the Democratic nomination with the DSCC’s blessing. He’ll square off against Alan Grayson for the seat, assuming the Democratic establishment doesn’t chase Grayson out of the race.

 

That leaves FL-18 open, and gives Republicans an excellent opportunity for a pickup. The South Florida coastal district has a Cook rating of R+3, and without a Democratic incumbent to hold it, the district may serve as a bellwether of sorts for the GOP’s potential success in the entire state. Former Army Ranger and veteran of Afghanistan Brian Mast has announced this morning that he will seek the Republican nomination for Congress in this district — less than five years after losing both of his legs in Afghanistan:

 

 

(Snip)

 

Last night, I spoke with Brian at some length. Mast disagrees that the US has brought two wars to an end, and worries that the US may be at more risk than ever. We discussed the scandal of veteran care at the VA, including the recent exposure of the overmedication problem there. Brian has seen these problems firsthand, and believes that America owes its veterans choice in medical care in order to ensure that they get the best. Mast didn’t just stick to these two issues, but also talked about his borders-first policy on immigration, and his support for a flat tax. Mast is more than a one-dimensional conservative, on top of which he’s engaging, relaxed, and enthusiastic.

 

(Snip)

[Valin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdA3Ui6iG8E