Seth Harp

Seth Harp was born in Auburn, Indiana. He earned a high school diploma from Dekalb High School and a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 2001. His career experience includes working in broadcasting.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For the last 30 years I have worked in the broadcast industry as a host, anchor, reporter, director and operations manager. I grew up in Indiana and went to college at Western Michigan University. After graduating I stayed in Kalamazoo and became one of the youngest hosts in the history of Heritage Powerhouse WKZO Radio. I moved to Florida over a decade ago to serve as the Director of Programming and Host for iHeart Media's Fox Sports Radio and Gator Radio affiliate in Jacksonville, FL For the past five years I've served as the Operations Manager for ESPN Gainesville (WRUF-AM). I also taught as an adjunct at the University of Florida's College of Journalism.

My family is the bedrock of my life. I try to talk to my parents, sisters, nieces and nephews as often as possible. My family is responsible for who I am as person. I have never and will never lose sight of that.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Re-Establishing American Stability

We are not a stable nation anymore whether it be Constitutionally or financially. We have lost sight of the core principles that bring us all together and make us strong. The Campaign's Platform titled our "13 Stripes of Strength" addresses this.Common Sense Solutions for Uncommon Times.

For example. One of our "13 Stripes of Strength" is our “C.U.B.S. Act”. (Child Unity Break Stipend) Providing families relief when it comes to child care, needs to become a priority. Seeing that children who are young and impressionable receive proper care and development is a better use our nation’s resources than handing out $2,500 checks for people to have a child. If one needs money that badly then the likelihood, they can afford the costs associated with raising another child doesn’t rise to the occasion of reality. Hence, the aforementioned “Common Sense Solutions for Uncommon Times”.Character Matters

There are five pillars when it comes to character. They are: Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Kindness and Honesty. Everyone in the FL-03 and the entire state should hold their elected officials to a higher standard than anyone else in their life. They are representing YOU. They are there to serve YOU. A lot of people have lost sight of that. I have not.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The health and safety of the people of the FL-03 is paramount. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid all need to be solidified and strengthened. Not a single person should suffer economic hardships or financial ruin just to stay afloat and alive. We are the most advanced nation in the world when it comes to our understanding of medicine and science. It's about time that our citizens are taken care of.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My grandfather.

Fought in WWII

Returned and Taught at Purdue

Married my Grandmother, started a family and built a grocery store

Ran that for 30 years and raised my mother and her siblings.

He was the embodiment of the American Dream and Greatest Generation.

He is the smartest man I have ever met. He's been gone for 33 years. My conscience is his voice.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Adaptability, Perseverance and Passion. One of my mottos as an educator has always been "I can teach you a lot of things but to care in not one ." You either have drive or your don't. I have always believed that.

What legacy would you like to leave?

If I can answer the following question with a Yes.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching Pete Rose with a chance to pass Ty Cobb as baseball's All-Time hit leader. He would've needed a monster game. I mean one for the ages! I believe he entered the night 7 hits away but I remember wanting the game to go extra innings. I was 6 years old.

Politically I remember in the 3rd grade we had to give a speech as if we were a historical figure. I went with JFK. I remember wearing a suit and trying to mirror his body language. I distinctly recall memorizing "We Choose to go to the Moon". I think I even tried to roll out a New England Accent. I thought I nailed it. Everyone born East of Pittsfield would more than likely disagree.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first paying job was as a batboy for the Ft Wayne Wizards Minor League Baseball Team. I was in Junior High. I made $15 a game and $35 for Double Headers. Baseball is in my family's DNA and I was able to meet and get to know some players that would become household names including Johnny Damon, Torii Hunter and Alex Rodriguez!

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Come On! Superman. Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Clark Kent and Superman will always hold a special place in my heart.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Crazy Game of of Poker by O.A.R. Easily one of the most underrated bands of the last quarter century.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It is truly the most representative body of our nation’s people in the entire federal government, albeit from gerrymandering in quite a few instances! The Senate, Supreme Court and Executive branch are all not equally representative of the people. The House is EXACTLY that.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Re-Establishing American Stability!

It is one of the three primary focal points of this campaign. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are the life forces for the health and well-being of our citizens. The people that help build this nation and sacrificed for all of us are also the most vulnerable. What the GOP is trying to take away from those that have paid for, earned and deserve within these services and programs is downright abhorrent. Here in Florida the GOP is playing Russian Roulette with FEMA cuts and allowing companies to siphon fresh water from our springs to increase profits. It is putting us all in harm’s way.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

You are constantly running. But look if that is too much for someone, they have the option and can always run for the Senate or Governor. There is no coasting in the House. You are immediately and constantly held accountable. I LOVE that.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

100% in favor of them. When George Washington set the precedent some 228 years ago that 8 years was enough to serve as the focal point of our government, he truly set a tone I think all of us should strive to adhere to. For Senators, I feel you should be able to run for re-election and serve for two terms (12 years). Due to the nature of the House of Representatives being a 2-year endeavor, I am good with 8-10 years as a ceiling as well.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Former Indiana Governor and Senator Evan Bayh was someone I looked up to growing up as a kid. To have, in the 90s, an 80% approval rating as a Democratic Governor in the Hoosier state compared to where things are now shows you how segmented our nation has become. He embodied class, decorum and dignity.

Former Representative Jill Long’s track record speaks for itself. Her work and focus on vocational education as a congresswoman, and as Under Secretary during the Clinton Administration, shows the strength of the Democratic Party when its officials have clear and precise policies aimed at helping the American people.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I was in the grocery store and a lady came up to me. Her name is Ruth. She said, “Are you, Seth?” I told her, “I was.” She said “The Seth that’s running for Congress?” I said, “Yes.” She dug into her purse and pulled out a list questions she had for the next town hall meeting that was to take place. She said no one cares what ‘little ole me thinks but I am really worried.” I answered every single question. We talked for 20 minutes. Ruth needed to know that her voice mattered. Her concerns were not only warranted but something someone in their 70s should NOT be worrying about. Ruth’s story has become too common. It needs to stop, immediately.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Radio.

Radio who?

Radio not, here I come!

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. It is the oil in the engine of our Democracy. The second primary focal point of this campaign is “Common Sense Solutions for Uncommon Times”. There are things we ALL can agree on. The prioritization of people’s needs is where we are pointing the compass.

One of our proposals is our “C.U.B.S. Act”. Providing families relief when it comes to child care, needs to become a priority. Seeing that children who are young and impressionable receive proper care and development is a better use our nation’s resources than handing out $2,500 checks for people to have a child. If one needs money that badly then the likelihood, they can afford the costs associated with raising another child doesn’t rise to the occasion of reality. Hence, the aforementioned “Common Sense Solutions for Uncommon Times”.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Throughout this nation’s great history, the House of Representatives has authorized great initiatives that have not only built this nation but made it stronger in every facet. From the approval of FDR’s New Deal, Harry Truman’s Fair Deal, JFK’s New Frontier, Bill Clinton’s Balanced Budget Act and Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, the House’s primary responsibilities are to carefully analyze programs and allocate resources that help serve the betterment of the American people. Every one of these plans made life better for everyone living in the United States. That has to be our priority moving forward. It should be noted that they were all Democrats too.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

If someone has behaved or acted in a manner that is in direct violation of their oath of office then they need to sit in front of those that have been elected to represent the people of this nation and answer direct questions. If there is a group of individuals that run a company or organization that have hurt or neglected the people of this great nation then they need to accept responsibility for their actions and be held accountable. This includes elected officials as well.

What committees interest you?

There are four that I would be honored to be a part of.

Science, Space and Technology - We have watched Science take a back seat to conspiracy the last ten years. That needs to change immediately. Science is ever evolving. We have lost sight of that.

Ethics - Either we bring back accountability or we need to change its definition. I have always been a firm believer in it never being the wrong time to do the right thing. What one does when no one is watching is a testament to their character. Individuals in our government need to strive to be the best of the best. Leading by example should be the central starting point.

Transportation & Infrastructure – President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is so good that the Republicans that voted against it continue to take credit for it in their districts! The internet was once dubbed the Information Superhighway. Seeing that it is included in infrastructure legislation needs to become commonplace.

Ways & Means – America is at its strongest when programs that are focused on the health and well-being of her people are funded and supported. Rebuilding the middle class is often talked about but never a priority in terms of a plan or execution. It starts here.