Go For It, Kurt!

Kurt Kelly says he might challenge Grayson

By Bill Thompson
Staff writer

Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.

State Rep. Kurt Kelly says he would "seriously consider" challenging U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, the controversial Orlando Democrat who has lit a fire under liberals and conservatives alike for his provocative rhetoric on health care reform, the wars in the Middle East and even Fox News.

Kelly, an Ocala Republican, said in an interview Wednesday that he's waiting to see how the GOP search for a candidate in Grayson's 8th District shakes out before deciding to enter the race.

Kelly admitted he is conflicted about the decision. Victory would mean leaving a job he loves - representing Ocala in the state Legislature.

Yet Grayson - whose district stretches into eastern Marion County including parts of Ocala, Silver Springs Shores and Fort McCoy - is philosophically and temperamentally wrong for the constituents he represents, Kelly said.

"If someone doesn't step up, I will seriously consider it."