Tramm Hudson was a Republican candidate for Florida's 13th congressional district, to succeed former Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris.

Background

Hudson was born in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended Vanderbilt University on a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, graduating in 1975. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany after graduating. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1996 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Hudson has had a long career as a banking executive and has served on a number of civic and business organizations in Florida. He has also been very active in Republican politics in the state, serving in the campaigns of Porter Goss and Jeb Bush, and was a Bush Pioneer in 2000 and 2004. He is a life member of the NRA[1]

13th District Republican primary

Hudson ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Congress in 2006 but finished third losing to Vern Buchanan. Other candidates included former State Representatives Nancy C. Detert, Mark G. Flanagan and Donna Clarke. [2]

Controversial racial remarks

Hudson was filmed making potentially racially insensitive comments about African-American troops formerly under his command at a Christian Coalition campaign event:[3][4]

A large number [of my soldiers] were black. I grew up in Alabama. I understand, uh, I know from experience, that blacks are not the greatest swimmers or may not even know how to swim.

Hudson made a full and frank apology:[5]

I said something stupid. I apologize for it and would apologize in person to anyone hurt by my comments. To those who are understandably offended, you have my deepest apologies and I want you to know that it was out of character for me and those who know me know that to be a fact. This was a thoughtless remark that does not reflect my lifetime commitment to treating everyone fairly and without bias. I apologize to everyone who is offended by this comment.

Family

Hudson married Sarah Love Thompson in 1984 and has three children.

References

  1. ↑ Campaign website biographical page Archived December 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ Republican Rivalry Heats up in Debate, Bradenton Herald, August 18, 2006 Archived March 11, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "Hudson's comments ignite fire on Net". www.heraldtribune.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2006.
  4. ↑ Tramm Hudson Says Blacks Can't Swim | Crooks and Liars Archived February 10, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ "Hotline on Call: Tramm Hudson Responds". hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2006.


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