DIARY OF A CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE by Richard Grayson now available at Amazon Kindle store

Richard Grayson's Diary of a Congressional Candidate is now available at Amazon's Kindle Store for 99¢.

The product description is taken from the Kirkus Discoveries review of a previous print edition of the material:

A witty campaign diary by a wannabe Congressman far too clever to ever be elected. In the spring of 2004, Grayson announced his bid to unseat the firmly entrenched Republican incumbent in Florida’s fourth Congressional district. Grayson’s long-shot run was made even longer by a number of factors: First, a South Floridian, Grayson had neither the time nor the money to travel to the Florida fourth, located on the Georgia border. Second, unable to afford the $9,000 filing fee, he could only run as a write-in candidate. Third, he was a gay, pro-choice, anti-war, anti-death-penalty liberal running for office in the state’s most conservative district. Grayson chronicled his efforts as a “mock-challenger” in a series of postings on McSweeney’s Internet Tendency website, and here he collects these postings in a slim, delectable volume. The author’s wry deadpan punctuates almost every entry. Funny and devastatingly incisive.

ROLL CALL covers Richard Grayson's DIARY OF A CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE IN FLORIDA'S FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Roll Call, the newspaper of Capitol Hill, today (December 6, 2005) has an article about Richard Grayson's WRITE-IN: Diary of a Congressional Candidate in Florida's Fourth Congressional District:


Life on the Campaign Trail

By Elizabeth Brotherton
Roll Call Staff

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

Remember the heated battle over Florida’s 4th Congressional district last summer?

You don’t?

Well, that’s probably because the race didn’t attract too much attention. But there was one.

It pitted incumbent Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.) against writer Richard Grayson, a Democratic write-in candidate running on a platform in support of gay marriage, abortion rights, universal health care and immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

Keep in mind, this race took place in one of Florida’s most conservative districts.

So why did Grayson even bother?

“Voters are essentially disenfranchised,” said Grayson, now 54. “It’s frustrating, that yeah, we have a democracy, and yet most of the Florida Representatives were essentially unopposed. From both parties.”

Annoyed, Grayson decided to hit the campaign trail. He documented his journey in a series of diary entries published on McSweeneys.net, which have been put into a book titled “Diary of a Congressional Candidate in Florida’s Fourth Congressional District.”

Grayson was no rookie, either. He ran for president in 1984 and twice as a write-in candidate against Republican House Members, for similar reasons as in his race against Crenshaw.

“It was really a fun thing to do,” Grayson said of his latest campaign. “And I think having McSweeney’s publish the diary as I was writing it, with a couple weeks time lag, got attention.”

Grayson’s journey begins on May 7, 2004, the day the Florida Division of Elections posted his name as an official candidate in the race. But because he couldn’t afford the $9,000 filing fee, Grayson was listed as a write-in candidate. (Grayson notes in the book that in March 2004, Crenshaw had a war chest of $612,691.)

Throughout the diary, Grayson documents life on the campaign trail. Or rather, trying to get to there.

Grayson ran for the 4th district seat, a long, narrow stretch of land across the Northeastern part of the state that encompasses parts of Tallahassee and Jacksonville.

Even though he lived in South Florida.

See, in his home 22nd district, there was already a race under way between Republican incumbent Rep. Clay Shaw and Democrat Jim Stork. Grayson’s goal in running was to make a point, even if he didn’t stand much of a chance at getting elected.

“Every Congressional race in this country I would like to see have at least two candidates,” he said.

Grayson picked the 4th district because he noticed Congressional representation for Jacksonville was safely divided between the two parties, with Rep. Corrine Brown (D) holding the other seat.

“Basically, I had the feeling the two major parties pretty much like it the way it is,” he said. “They like the fact that the city of Jacksonville has one Democratic seat, one Republican seat.”

But since Grayson worked a normal day job from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, he found it difficult to get to the Jacksonville area. He didn’t even set foot in the 4th district until Oct. 2 to do a television spot at a Jacksonville CBS affiliate.

So many of Grayson’s campaign efforts consisted of filling out surveys from various interest groups, ranging from the National Taxpayers Union to the Vision Council of America, and hoping somebody somewhere might hear of his candidacy and want to vote for him.

Then, he had to deal with people wanting to sell him everything from software programs to potholders.

“They don’t realize I’m running this campaign out of my studio apartment,” Grayson said. “What it tells me is that campaigns are very big business in this country. It’s sort of this whole class of people who make their money out of the election industry.”

As the months wore on, Grayson started to hit the trail a bit more, and it began to pay off. His proudest moment came in October 2004, when he was endorsed by the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee.

“I was actually touched by that, because it was probably the most serious organization that endorsed me,” Grayson said.

In the end, Grayson received 1,170 votes, which amounts to 0.5 percent of the total count. Crenshaw got the other 99.5 percent with 256,157 votes.

“I was sort of surprised. I got more votes than I expected,” Grayson said.

Grayson has not ruled out running again for office, although he admits his strong liberal views wouldn’t likely get him elected (“I think I’d have to find a new country,” he said).

And he got to do something in 2004 even many Members don’t get to do.

“I never had to pander for any votes, because frankly, I didn’t care if anybody voted for me,” he said. “I imagine some of the Members of Congress must envy that sort of thing.”

The “Diary of a Congressional Candidate” is available to purchase online at http://www.lulu.com/content/172015 or by visiting Grayson’s Web site at www.richardgrayson.com. The book costs $9.38, or $2.37 to download.

Stuart (Fla.) News interviews Florida U.S. Senate candidate Richard Grayson

The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News of Florida interviews write-in U.S. Senate candidate Richard Grayson today (Sunday, August 27, 2000) on page E8 of its Martin County editions:

UNITED STATES SENATOR


Richard Grayson

age: 49

home town: Davie and Cyberspace

number of years at that location: 20

number of years resident of the city, county or district you seek to serve in office: 20

present employment: Author, "The Silicon Valley Diet" (self-employed)

military experience: Draft dodger, 1970-1973

education: BA, political science and MFA, creative writing - Brooklyn College; MA, English - College of Staten Island; J.D. - University of Florida College of Law

elected offices previously held: None

community activities: Gadfly and pain

immediate family: Self, goldfish (Frisky) and occasional boyfriends


What reforms do you favor, to put social security on a sound long-term
footing?

We need to raise the current cap on FICA taxes so that incomes over $70,000 are taxed fully. We should raise the retirement age to 75 and increase payroll taxes. We should not put retirement funds at risk in the Wall Street casino.

What specific Florida concerns do you think most need federal attention, and what will you do to make sure they are addressed?

We must make sure Everglades restoration funds are authorized. Increased funding for education should be a federal priority. And the federal government should step in when Florida's moronic state legislators pass unconstitutional bills. Ending the phony "war on drugs" will make Florida a safer place.

In your view, what are the most pressing global concerns for the United States, and how would you address them?

In order to compete with other advanced nations, we must have universal health care, government-funded child care, and increased foreign aid to poor countries. We must end the embargo on Cuba and Iraq. The Senate should ratify international treaties promptly.

How well can our "downsized" military cope with evolving global risks? what changes in U.S. force size, structure or mission would you favor?

I would replace the entire military establishment at the Pentagon with the Girl Scouts of America, a volunteer organization that doesn't sanction huge cost overruns, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, or unworkable science fiction schemes - and their cookies are delicious, if eaten in moderation.

Other than topics mentioned, what do you see as major concerns?

Reparations for slavery must be paid. Increased government funding for the arts is a priority. The Senate must confirm federal judges promptly. We should end the federal death penalty and strengthen affirmative action. Finally, Americans are the fattest people on Earth. We need to lose weight. As a diet book author, I will encourage low-fat meals. I urge all Floridians who can write - admittedly, not a majority - to write me in for U.S. Senate.

WRITE-IN

Richard Grayson column in Jupiter Courier: Put Unopposed Candidates on Florida Ballot

Richard Grayson has an op-ed column in the Jupiter Courier today (Sunday, November 1, 1998), "Put Unopposed on Ballot."

Richard Grayson letter in The New York Times: "When Mental Illness Disqualifies Candidates: No Political Liability"

Richard Grayson has a letter in the New York Times today (Saturday, December 27, 1997), "When Mental Illness Disqualifies Candidates: No Political Liability," responding to a Frank Rich column suggesting that no prominent politician would dare admit to seeking psychiatric care.

Richard Grayson Op-Ed Column in Orlando Sentinel: "McCollum's Dangerous Bankruptcy Bill"

Richard Grayson has an op-ed column in the Orlando Sentinel today (Sunday, October 26, 1997), "McCollum's Dangerous Bankruptcy Bill," opposing legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum (R-FL) that would change the nation's bankruptcy laws in a way that would hurt consumers and favor the credit-card industry.

Richard Grayson Op-Ed Column in Gainesville Sun opposes Charlie Crist's plan to bring back prison chain gangs

Richard Grayson has an op-ed column in the Gainesville Sun today (Wednesday, April 16, 1997), opposing Florida State Sen. Charlie Crist's plan to reintroduce prison chain gangs.

Richard Grayson letter in The New York Times: "Why Concede Florida Seats to Republicans?"

Richard Grayson has a letter in the New York Times today (June 29, 1996): "Why Concede Florida Seats to Republicans?"

Los Angeles Times column covers Richard Grayson's political action committee

The Los Angeles Times today (Thursday, May 25, 1995) has a column on page A5 discussing Richard Grayson's political action committee:

WASHINGTON INSIGHT

By ALAN C. MILLER and ELIZABETH SHOGREN



LIFE FORMS: For those who fear American election campaigns boil down to a scramble for the center, there is this bit of proof from Federal Election Commission records that life exists, if only marginally, at the political extremes. On the far right: The political action committee Americans for Fascism filed a statement from its headquarters in Branchville, N.J., reporting income and expenses for the third quarter of 1994 (a grand total of $380). On the far left: Richard Grayson from Gainesville, Fla., filed a statement of candidacy for Congress last year identifying his campaign committee as God Hates Republicans, a title that led inevitably to this question: If that were true, why did Grayson receive just 152votes as a write-in candidate for the seat won by Rep. Michael Bilirakis, a Republican?

Florida Dollar Stretcher, African-American newspaper, endorses Richard Grayson for Congress

The African-American newspaper The Florida Dollar Stretcher today (Thursday, November 3, 1994) endorsed Richard Grayson for Congress. Grayson is running as a write-in candidate in Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Tampa Tribune reports on Richard Grayson's Campaign for Florida's Ninth Congressional District U.S House Seat

The Tampa Tribune today (Friday, October 21, 1994) reports on Richard Grayson's write-in campaign for the Florida Ninth Congressional District U.S House seat held by Rep. Michael Bilirakis.

Ocala Star-Banner reports on Richard Grayson's Campaign for U.S. Senate in Democratic Primary Against First Brother-in-Law Hugh Rodham

The Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner today (April 11, 1994) has a front-page story on Richard Grayson's candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Connie Mack; Grayson will run in the Democratic primary against President Clinton's brother-in-law Hugh Rodham.

St. Petersburg Times reports on Richard Grayson's candidacy for U.S. Senator

An article on Richard Grayson's candidacy for the U.S. Senate appears in the St. Petersburg Times today (Saturday, March 19, 1994).

Gainesville Sun reports on Richard Grayson's plan for Florida legislative reapportionment

The Gainesville Sun reports today (Friday, September 27, 1991) on Richard Grayson's testimony before the Florida legislative reapportionment commission and his plan to have artists create election districts with shapes like palm trees, alligators and the space shuttle.

Jupiter Courier features op-ed article by Richard Grayson

Today, Sunday, November 1, 1988, the Jupiter (Fla.) Courier features an op-ed article by Richard Grayson, "Put Unopposed on Ballot."

Florida Times-Union reports on Richard Grayson's urging Florida Democrats to vote for "Undecided" in 1988 Presidential Primary

The Florida Times-Union reports today (Thursday, February 25, 1998) on Richard Grayson's urging Florida Democrats to vote for "Undecided" in 1988 presidential primary.

Hollywood Sun-Tattler covers Richard Grayson's plan to draft Burt Reynolds for U.S. Senate

The Hollywood Sun-Tattler today (Thursday, February 26, 1981) covers Richard Grayson's plan to draft Burt Reynolds for U.S. Senate as a Republican opponent for Sen. Lawton Chiles (Democrat-Florida).

Miami Herald reports on Richard Grayson's Candidacy for Vice President

The Miami Herald today (Sunday, January 6, 1980) reports on Richard Grayson's candidacy for Vice President in an article in the Political Scene column by Michael Silver and Pat Fisher titled, "Him, Vice President? Is This Some Kind of Joke?" on page 14BR":

The campaign is in full swing now. It's easy to tell because Richard Grayson has at last become adept at throwing out this timeworn phrase whenever he can't answer a question that needs an answer: "I'll have no comment on that." Six words dear to the heart of every politician ever caught in a bind, whether it be intellectual, moral or criminal. That's where the similarity between Grayson - writer of satire, teacher of English at Brooklyn College in New York City and your everyday politician ends. 

GRAYSON, IN case you haven't heard, is a candidate for vice president.Of the United States. He's not running for president because being the country's top leader takes too much out of a person. "Look how Carter's aged," he said. Grayson was in Broward last week campaigning. He'll be here this week too. And maybe the week after. But don't hold your breath waiting for his pitch. He's hardly on a whirlwind popularity-seeking mission. 

AFTER A week in Broward he'd made only one public foray. He went from his parent's home in Davie to the Broward Mall, where people laughed at him, he said.

This is a man who'd be too young to be vice president even if, by some twist of fate, he were elected. Grayson is 28, seven years too young to live in the house that the Navy built. Grayson has these plans, should he somehow land in the lap of power in Washington D.C.: Fred Silverman, president of NBC television, would be president political scene michael silver pat fisher of the United States. Silverman may not comply. "He seems unwilling to take a salary cut to become President," said Grayson.

Gloria Vanderbilt, whose signature adorns the blue-jeaned derrieres of women everywhere, would be Secretary of the Treasury. "The dollar bill may go In if her signature was on it." Little funnyman Gary Coleman would be United Nations ambassador because "he says cute things." Honorary titles would abound: Things like Baron of Broward, Duke of Davie, Marquee of Miami Beach .... • Governors of states would compete for gasoline allocations on a TV show called "Bowling for Gallons," hosted by James Schlesinger, former U.S. energy czar. An evening with Tom Snyder would replace the death penalty as the most severe punishment meted out to the county's Godless criminals.

THE HUMOROUS platform is nothing new. Every big election year joke candidates air their unbalanced philosophies and expend energy on haphazard missions to win highest re offices of the land. Maybe they're frustrated or angry or just crazy. For his part, Grayson is sick of the system. The system, he says, stinks.

The campaigns are too long, "Politics is now show business, completely,' and politicians care more about "popularity polls than programs." 

"WE DON'T elect the best person, we elect the best candidate," he griped. Something ought to be changed, but Grayson doesn't know what. So he's poking a little fun. Would he like politics if he won? "I'll have no comment on that," he said.