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Florida: Young Mum on Re-Election

Young on Thursday declined to discuss whether he will seek re-election. (Chris Maddaloni/CQ-Roll Call File Photo)
Young on Thursday declined to discuss whether he will seek re-election. (Chris Maddaloni/CQ-Roll Call File Photo)

Florida Rep. C.W. Bill Young, 82, said Thursday he has not made a decision yet on whether to seek re-election in 2014.

“I never make any announcement or, actually, a decision this — this is way too early!” the Republican told CQ Roll Call during votes on Capitol Hill.

First elected to Congress in 1970, Young would likely win another term if he runs. If the 13th District becomes open, Democrats would have a reasonable shot of picking up his seat. A majority of voters in the coastal district cast their ballot for President Barack Obama in 2012.

Young, sitting in a wheelchair, said there were a number of factors that would play in his decision about re-election.

“There’s a lot of things that I analyze leading up to, you know — what do I do next with my life?” he said. “I’ve been here 42 years. And I’ve had a good run. Most everything that I’ve touched has worked.”

Young serves as chairman of the powerful Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and he still seems passionate about his top cause.

“Most of my life has mainly been national defense,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to come to Congress, to make sure that we provided for national defense. So that’s what I’ve done for 42 years.”

“Plus, a lot of other things,” he added.

Asked how he was doing, the lawmaker replied with a smile.

“The answer is I’m not crippled,” he said. Young explained he had hurt his hip walking on the beach after stepping in a hole.

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