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Sean Pittman
 (305) 681-5042

MIAMI-- In a head to head match up between Willie Logan, Bill McCollum (R) and Bill Nelson (D) at a recent U.S. Senate Candidates' debate, the audience witnessed stark differences and, for the first time in Florida history, a real challenge to the two party system. With Nelson and McCollum simply mimicking their parties' positions on various issues, Logan accurately characterized both of his opponents as representing Big Money, party-driven, politics as usual: "They both engage in cash register politics, collecting tens of millions of dollars from the corporate elite and special interests to buy what should not be for sale, a seat in our U.S. Senate. I will work hard to earn this seat and then, when elected, be beholden only to the people of Florida, not to the corporate elite."

The televised debate sponsored by the Florida Chamber of Commerce focused primarily on business issues, ranging from employer health insurance, taxes, trade, and spending the budget surplus. It was the candidates' third debate in a race that is being closely watched nationwide, as it could be the first time in history an independent is elected to the United States Senate.

McCollum and Nelson took every opportunity to sling mud at each other, setting the tone for their individual campaigns. McCollum accused Nelson of flip flopping on issues and abusing soft money, while Nelson charged McCollum with changing positions on the patients' bill of rights. Logan, on the other hand, stayed on message, pointing out his opponents' blindly partisan approach to issues and speaking directly to voters about his candidacy and the benefits his victory will bring to Floridians.

"My candidacy is about the millions of Floridians who are so disgusted with politics today that they choose to stay home and give up," said Logan. "This election, I will challenge the campaign system that suggests you must be a millionaire or spend like one in order to be elected to the U.S. Senate. I refuse to join my opponents in accepting millions of dollars from special interests and then, if elected, having no choice but to work on behalf of those interests to the detriment of everyday people. I will not participate in the partisan bickering of politics as usual or cling to a party's positions whether or not they are best for Floridians. I am going to the U.S. Senate to help return our government to the citizens of this country, to continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, not to represent parties or special interests or Big Money, but to represent the people of this State."

Willie Logan is running independent of the two major parties and will be on the general election ballot going head on against McCollum and Nelson. The Florida Chamber Debate will be broadcasted statewide on the Sunshine Network stations on the following days, dates and times:

Sunday, August 27 @ 7:00am;
Monday, August 28 @ 8:00am;
Thursday, August 31 @ 8:00am; and
Friday, September 1 @ 4:30pm.