Former Gov. Jeb Bush today endorsed Mike Prendergast, a Republican running for the Congressional seat  held by Democrat Kathy Castor. “There is an unprecedented extremism in Washington,” Bush said in a statement released by Prendergast's campaign. “Congressmen and women must be free thinking, accountable leaders. Representatives need to answer to their hometowns and not to their party’s leadership. I know Mike is ready to serve Tampa Bay. His career as a soldier has proven he will be an effective statesman.” The endorsement came after Prendergast held a press conference in downtown Tampa urging Castor to debate him. Castor says voters will get a chance to see the candidates side-by-side at candidate forums this month.

Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer