The political process works to protect incumbents which creates career politicians, like my opponent. The idea that he is your employee and must be accountable and locally-responsive seems far from his mind.  To me, a job well done in Congress means more than getting the returns from what the government takes from you. It means protecting our livelihoods, our businesses, our communities and our nation. Most of all it means protecting our freedom.

As George Washington said, "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force.   Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." Well, he and the rest of the Founders of our nation created a Constitution designed to restrict government power, not the freedoms of the people. I promise to remain committed to this understanding of the limits on our federal government, and I'm prepared to fight every day for your freedom against government control.

I'm an outsider to politics and will remain an independent voice. My greatest concern will be to protect your interests, and the best way to do that is to keep as much power in your hands as possible. I will not serve the special interests that will ask me to take your money and funnel it to them. I will never try to pass the buck for the responsibility of my votes onto my party's leadership, for I'll be in Congress to represent  you, not do as others would tell me.

I am a Republican because, aside from the fit of my personal values and commitment to individual liberty and limited government, the Republican Party is the only party which allows true diversity of ideas and independent voices. Just look at this year's presidential race. The Republicans represented a variety of opinions on most issues, while the Democrats were generally uniform. Our Presidential nominee, John McCain, has a history of being a 'maverick' and bucking party leadership over the years. Another presidential candidate, Ron Paul, caused great excitement and controversy for his positions which represented an older Republican viewpoint. And Sarah Palin, our Vice Presidential nominee earned her name and her position as Alaska governor by reforming her state party, fighting corruption and challenging the special interests which held so much sway.

The best explanation for this trend is that the Republican Party seeks to defend individual liberty while the Democratic has a collectivist vision for America.  I believe that the only way to protect the freedom and well-being of any group of people is to protect the rights and livelihoods of individuals. Individual liberty is the bedrock of our society, and I am committed  to protecting yours in the US Congress.

Finally, my inbox is littered with complaints about my opponent's lack of communication with the people of our district.  They say he doesn't respond to their complaints, doesn't return home often enough to face the people and has spent more time in the other Washington than he has here at home. On top of his over 30 years in the Congress, the incumbent spent ten years in D.C. as a congressional aide. This is not leadership, and certainly not public service.

I will do my best to maintain an open dialogue with the people of the 6th district. I will use whatever technology is practical to communicate with you while I'm away, and will  schedule many public meetings all over the district when I am here. I plan on giving you weekly updates about what's happening on Capitol Hill as well as special alerts about things that may concern you. I promise to always remain responsive and accountable.

As your congressman I can change the way things are done and the way government responds to the people whom it represents. This is another change I am committed to. It's long overdue and I think you deserve it.