Last month, U.S. congressional candidate Maj. Randy Edwards spoke at the Florida Democratic Party's annual conference in Orlando.
Edwards, a District 12 candidate, explained that he is a 22-year Marine intelligence officer. He talked about fiscal discipline and increasing job opportunities.
"I'm asking for your help," he said to a gathering of the Young Democrats. "I'm asking for your vote."
The problem? He hasn't retired from the Marine Corps yet. He's still active duty.
Even though Edwards, of Valrico, has permission from the secretary of the Navy to run for office, he cannot solicit votes or speak at partisan gatherings, according to Department of Defense guidelines for active duty military.
He did both at three Democratic events in October, according to leaders at each event. Videos taken of his speeches back up the accusations.
Edwards works for the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base. He will retire in April, his wife said in a phone interview.
After he retires, he can campaign for the District 12 seat, which includes Polk County, part of Osceola County and part of Hillsborough County, including the South Shore area, Brandon, Thonotosassa and a sliver of Temple Terrace.
Until then, the Defense Department's guidelines prohibit him from speaking in favor of any candidate, including himself.
"He is not allowed to actively campaign until his retirement," said Lt. Josh Diddams, a Marine Corps spokesman.
Diddams said he did not want to comment on Edwards' actions because the Office of the Inspector General determines if there are any violations of the guidelines, he said. At this time, the office has not received any complaints and is not investigating Edwards, he said.
Edwards could not speak to a reporter, his wife, Sarita Edwards, said, because it would be a violation of the guidelines.
She said that her husband was not campaigning at any of the October meetings.
"He was expressing his views," she said.
She added: "He would never do anything that would jeopardize or be dishonorable to the Marine Corps."
In two separate videos viewed by the Times, Edwards declares his candidacy, shares his political views and asks for support and votes. One video showed him speaking at the Young Democrats' meeting in Orlando. Another video captured him at the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club's gathering on Oct. 13.
Edwards also spoke at the Polk County Democratic Executive Committee's meeting in Bartow on Oct. 12. Although there isn't a video of that gathering, the group's chair, Karen Welzel, said Edwards "asked for our support and for donations to his campaign."
The Defense Department's guidelines also prohibit Armed Forces members from soliciting donations for any candidate.
Leaders at the three events said they didn't see anyone get upset by Edwards' speeches.
"I think most of the people in the room were not aware of the rule," said Tim Heberlein, vice president of Hillsborough's Young Democrats club. Heberlein videotaped the Orlando event.
But one person is complaining: Doug Tudor.
Edwards will face off against Tudor in the Democratic primary. Tudor lost his bid for the seat in 2008 to incumbent Adam Putnam, R-Bartow. Putnam isn't running for another term.
Tudor sent a news release shortly after Edwards spoke at the three Democratic events. He said he doesn't want Edwards to be punished or forced out of the race. He just wants him to stop campaigning.
"It's a military integrity thing," Tudor said.
Several people have criticized Tudor for drawing attention to his opponent's race.
"Some blogs said that it was a stupid thing because I've given him some notoriety," Tudor said. "But I don't think that way."
Jessica Vander Velde can be reached at jvandervelde@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2443.
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