TAMPA, Fla. – Retired U.S. Navy Captain “Rocky” Rochford said Monday that Rep. Kathy Castor has agreed to a debate as both political candidates prepare for the November 5th elections. Rochford and Castor will debate for the District 14 U.S. House seat, which represents Greater Tampa.
The debate date is pending.
Rochford wants to hold Castor’s feet to the fire on showing up, “James Judge ran against her in 2022, she agreed but never showed for a debate with him. He told me ‘good luck on pinning her down to a date.’ She claimed her schedule was too busy, but Greater Tampa voters deserve to hear her plans and how she intends to execute them. Meanwhile, after 18 years in the U.S. Congress, Ms. Castor has sponsored 183 totally partisan bills with no Republican co-sponsors. All of them failed. But she has three enacted bills, two which re-named local U.S. Post Offices.”
Read: Rochford Versus Castor Heats Up For Greater Tampa U.S. House Seat
According to Rochford, Castor spoke at a weekly Café Con Tampa event on Friday and was asked why she hadn’t stepped up to debate Rochford. Recently, she spoke at The Portico, proclaiming, “Any time, any place, I’m willing to debate.”
Rochford said, “I believe a healthy debate is needed on national security, healthcare, seniors, the economy, our vets, immigration and crime to clearly understand what both candidates intend to do, and how. And I’m willing to work across the aisle to find the best solutions.”
Rochford suggested that voters in District 14 post a “Thank You” on Castor’s Facebook or “X” account to encourage her to follow through.
Rochford holds a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. War College and has built coalitions to advance the U.S. Navy’s military interests.
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