The Space Coast AFL-CIO Labor Council announced their endorsement of Paul Rancatore for United States Representative. Council President Claudie Pouncey wrote, "This endorsement is the culmination of an extensive candidate screening and deliberative process. All AFL-CIO organizations affiliated with the Council have been informed of this endorsement. These affiliates have been urged to offer assistance and support to your campaign to the fullest extent of their capabilities.

VERO BEACH — Although he withdrew from the Congressional District 15 race in October, Vero Beach resident Paul Rancatore on Friday paid to set up a Democratic Party primary against Stephen Blythe, a family physician from Melbourne.

The Air Force Reserves officer and American Airlines pilot announced plans to run earlier this month, saying Weldon has failed to "create job opportunities, protect our nation, strengthen Social Security and create a real energy policy" after more than a dozen years in office.

Pilot Starts Democratic Campaign Sortie Against Florida Rep. Weldon

Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Paul Rancatore’s decision to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Rep. Dave Weldon next year in Florida’s 15th District — a candidacy Rancatore announced Thursday — was hardly spur of the moment. It came after years of discussion with federal, state and local party leaders about the possibility of Rancatore entering politics, and after recent meetings with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.