PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — John Lennon, Lady Gaga and Bono have all covered Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.”  

And on Sept. 27, Rep. Steve Southerland II took a stab at it.  

The Republican sophomore, who faces an election challenge from Democratic attorney Gwen Graham, hosted a “Women for Southerland” rally in his Florida Panhandle 2nd District.  

Toward the end of his speech, he sent a subtle hand signal to someone offstage. A shaggy-haired man stepped on stage and strapped on an acoustic guitar.  

As Southerland closed out his speech, the opening chords of the 1961 hit began to play.  

With Republican Reps. Cynthia M. Lummis of Wyoming and Martha Roby of Alabama (who were in town to support him) clapping behind him, Southerland offered up an able rendition.  

Listen for yourself.  

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