A Florida businessman once charged with driving under the influence and prohibited use of a weapon launched has launched a challenge to Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in her bid for reelection.
Scott Fuhrman, president of Florida Bottling Company, which sells fruit juices, has the backing of Democrats in his bid to unseat Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican who has served in Congress since 1989.
But he admits her huge popularity in the Sunshine State makes it a difficult contest.
"[It's] an uphill battle … I don't have all the answers, but I think it's time to try something new," Fuhrman said Thursday in an
interview with the Miami Herald.
Fuhrman, 34, has openly copped to the bad-boy behavior of his past, including in his
two-minute political ad.
He's been busted four times, according to the Herald, with charges including driving under the influence, prohibited use of a weapon, possessing alcohol as a minor, and disorderly conduct.
Fuhrman pleaded guilty on the weapons charge, paid $1,071 in fines, and was ordered to perform 56 hours of community service.
Now a teetotaler, Fuhrman told the newspaper, "I know I'm going to be attacked. I don't have a spotless past. I made quite a few mistakes in my life. Growing up is not always a straight line."
His platform includes job creation, the legalization of marijuana, and lifting the decades-old U.S. trade embargo against Cuba.
Fuhrman, a father of one and another on the way, said in his video, "We know things have to be done differently in Washington. That means electing a different kind of congressman."
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