Although the 2012 election just ended six months ago, Andy Goss already has his sights set on 2014.
Goss plans to run against current U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross in the 15th District.
“Watching what’s happening to my party — it just disgusts me,” Goss, a Plant City resident, said. “I don’t see any leadership. No one is willing to say what needs to be said.”
A former counter-intelligence agent and interrogator, Goss said his bold personality lends itself to being the candidate who can say exactly what “needs to be said.” He has served five tours in Iraq and is as rugged as the desert he roamed.
“After being shot at, after what I’ve seen or what I’ve been through, people like Nancy Pelosi don’t scare me at all,” Goss said. “It’s given me a different perspective.”
Originally from Charlotte, N.C., Goss joined the U.S. Air Force, after graduating from Independence High School. He got out after seven months, because of a reduction in the force. From there, he became a missionary and traveled to Canada.
In 1998, he rejoined the military, this time as part of the National Guard. He began active duty in the U.S. Army two years later and served until 2004.
Before moving in May 2011, to Plant City, with his wife, Mare, and children, Shelby, 16, and Spenser, 18, Goss served as an instructor at Fort Huachuca, in Sierra Vista, Ariz.
This isn’t Goss first foray into politics.
In 2010, he ran in the GOP primary for the Second District of Arizona, which includes more than two-thirds of Tucson. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords served this district before resigning in 2011, following injuries she sustained during an assassination attempt.
“I met some wonderful friends I would not have met otherwise,” Goss said.
He hopes his prior experience will aid him in his next race. Already he’s begun planning his first moves. Goss has secured a web domain to help share his platform and secure donations. Goss also hopes to greet some of the local Republican clubs and receive speaking engagements.
Although there’s much to be done, Goss remains confident.
“I have the message already,” he said.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
THE ISSUES
ECONOMY. As a staunch Republican, Goss said he is against the “dumb” sequester, in favor of a flat tax and thinks Paul Ryan’s budget plan is “garbage.”
For Florida, Goss would like to see the unemployment rate decrease and wants to work with the state government to bring in more businesses in by creating business tax breaks.
“We need to start enticing people to come to Florida,” Goss said.
IMMIGRATION. Living just miles from the Mexican border in Arizona, Goss has seen the struggles of immigration. Sheriff’s offices have the right to ask for identification and status during traffic stops — as long as the traffic stop was lawful. Goss believes procedures such as this could help the immigration problem. He also wants the government to stop issuing driver’s licenses to non-citizens.
“We have to stop giving them reasons to stay,” Goss said.
GUN CONTROL. As far as Goss knows, gun control is just “being able to hit your target.” Against any further gun control laws, such as magazine caps, Goss finds the already-mandated background checks sufficient.
GET CONNECTED
Andy Goss is working to launch his campaign website, whoisandygoss.com. For now, Goss is available through his email andy@whoisandygoss.com or vinnygoss@yahoo.com. He is also available at (704) 254-1657.