Dave Weldon

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Dave Weldon
David Weldon.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Florida's 15th district
In office
January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2009
Preceded by Jim Bacchus
Succeeded by Bill Posey
Personal details
Born (1953-08-31) August 31, 1953 (age 70)
Amityville, New York
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Nancy Weldon
Children Katie Weldon
David Weldon
Residence Indialantic, Florida
Alma mater University at Buffalo
Profession physician
Religion Non-denominational Protestant
Military service
Service/branch United States Army

David "Dave" Joseph Weldon (born August 31, 1953, Amityville, New York) is an American politician and physician. He was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Florida's 15th congressional district, and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination in Florida's 2012 U.S. Senate race.

Early life, education, and medical career

Weldon was born on Long Island, New York to Anna and Dave Weldon, Sr. His father was a combat-decorated World War II veteran. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from SUNY Stony Brook in 1978, he earned his M.D. degree in biochemistry at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1981. He was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. Weldon served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1987 and the United States Army Reserve from 1987 until 1992. He practiced as a physician in Florida after becoming an MD.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

1994

Weldon decided to run in Florida's 15th congressional district, vacated by Democrat U.S. Congressman Jim Bacchus. He was one of seven Republicans to file for the primary. On September 8, he ranked first with 24% of the vote, but failed to reach the 50% threshold to win outright.[1] In the October 4 run-off election, he defeated Carole Jean Jordan 54–46%.[2] In the November general election, he defeated Democrat Sue Munsey 54–46%.[3]

1996

Won re-election to a second term defeating John L. Byron 51–43%.[4]

1998

Won re-election to a third term with 63% of the vote.[5]

2000

Won re-election to a fourth term with 59% of the vote.[6]

2002

Won re-election to a fifth term with 63% of the vote.[7]

2004

Won re-election to a sixth term with 65% of the vote.[8]

2006

Former presidential candidate Bob Bowman, a Democrat, challenged Weldon in 2006. The incumbent raised significantly more campaign funds than Bowman. By the end of September, Weldon's total was $673,321 versus $21,944 for Bowman.[9] Weldon also refused to debate Bowman during the campaign.[10] In the November election, Weldon received 125,596 votes to Bowman's 97,947.[11] Weldon won re-election to a seventh term with 56% of the vote.[12]

2008

On January 25, 2008, Dave Weldon claiming "He never wanted to be a career politician" announced he would not seek an eighth term and would be returning to his medical practice.[13] He endorsed state Senator Bill Posey to succeed him.

Tenure

In response to the legal battle over the removal of the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo, Weldon introduced legislation to force review of the case by the federal government. Weldon, who has a medical degree, believed that Schiavo was not in a vegetative state. He supported his belief saying, "She responds to verbal stimuli, she attempts to vocalize, she tracks with her eyes, she emotes, she attempts to kiss her father."[14]

In December, 2005, Weldon joined with several other Congressmen to form the Second Amendments, a bipartisan rock and country band set to play for United States troops stationed overseas over the Holiday season. Weldon plays the bass guitar.[1]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

2012 U.S. Senate election

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Main article: United States Senate election in Florida, 2012

Weldon decided to run For the U.S Senate with the hopes of facing Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson. His opponent in the 2012 Republican Primary was U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV. Weldon ran as a Christian conservative, and trailed Mack in both funding and name recognition. He lost the Republican primary with 20% of the vote, coming in second behind Mack's 59%.

Personal life

Weldon resides in Indialantic, Florida, with his wife, Nancy, and their two children, Katie and David.

Weldon is a member of the following:

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=431170
  2. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=92424
  3. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27586
  4. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=27568
  5. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=23064
  6. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=439
  7. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=1489
  8. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=4085
  9. ↑ Larry Wheeler, "GOP leading Space Coast race for cash: Weldon, Feeney report finances", Florida Today, October 18, 2006
  10. ↑ Amber Smith, "Incumbent Touts His Achievements", The Ledger, October 31, 2006
  11. ↑ John McCarthy, "Weldon coasts to an easy win", Florida Today, November 8, 2006
  12. ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=206814
  13. ↑ Mary Ann Akers, "Rep. Weldon To Spend More Time With Family, Really", Washington Post, January 25, 2008
  14. ↑ Aimie Parnes, link "Lawmaker races clock in attempt to save Schiavo", Naples News, March 12, 2005
  15. ↑ http://daveweldonforsenate.com/meet-dave/

External links

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Florida's 15th congressional district
January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2009		 Succeeded by
Bill Posey
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