Colonel Mike Turner has proved time and time again that he's willing to tackle, and overcome, great challenges.

His newest test is capturing the Democratic nomination for the 10th District Congressional seat, and then defeating a Republican incumbent, Congressman Frank Wolf, who's been in office for almost three decades.

"I think the district and the urgent issues of our time, and particularly this district right now, demand really innovative, imaginative, and high energy...leadership of a kind that we haven't seen in this district for a
very long time," said Turner.

The Waterford native brings nearly 30 years of Air Force service to the table.

He also has a clear cut philosophy on Iraq- issue a firm deadline of December 31, 2009, for having all American troops back home.

"It's essential [to set a deadline] because all military planners understand that without an end game, without an end state defined precisely, you find you cannot make progress because there's no direction to your effort," explained Turner.

The Democratic primary is June 10. Health policy expert Judy Feder opposes Turner on the ballot.

Feder ran against Wolf, unsuccessfully, in 2006.

"The key about my Democratic opponent is that she raised a record amount of money last time, and lost by 16 points," noted Turner. "Even more importantly, she lost by 16 points in the same election that Jim Webb won."

Turner and Feder took part in a debate less than 2 weeks ago at the Frederick County Public Safety Building.
According to one expert, the impact that the region will have on the overall race depends largely on voter turnout.

"I think there will be a small turnout," offered Shenandoah University Political Science Chair Bill Shendow. "If, in fact, one of the candidates can turn out a relatively large turnout in either one of the jurisdictions [Winchester or Frederick County], it could be a major factor in the outcome."

Vern McKinley opposes Frank Wolf for the Republican nomination.

To watch segments of the Turner-Feder debate in Frederick County, visit the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWN6av3Uiio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzcW9XI5W3s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSg_9pJHcUc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZKM-dmT1qw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI2prG6JDFs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqsKKNU4TAM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcLFFf07n4Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDk7A3QIX6s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDXDCZwQ6ws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OVVGLi-qWk