Dear Fellow Republicans,

I am asking for your consideration of my candidacy for United States Congress in the 18th District.

Over the course of this campaign, I will offer in-depth substance about who I am, why I seek to serve in the U.S. Congress, and most importantly, what I believe. You will find the specifics I have to offer during the campaign will be different from the generalities other candidates will offer you. I don’t think that generalized and vague statements on the issues are what you want to hear from a candidate.

Candidates are often advised to play it safe, seeming to be all things to all people. You may hear comments that everyone wants to hear, such as, “I am for a strong defense, better schools, high paying jobs, etc.” Candidates are also advised to be on the attack. That is not the way I have run campaigns in the past and it is not how I will run this campaign.

I believe we need a clean break from the endless political posturing and inaction that has allowed our nation’s most critical problems to be in such a perilous state today.

Stepping up from serving as a State Representative to a U.S. Representative in Congress is fueled by what I stand for and the good I know I can accomplish at the federal level just as I have at the state level.

I believe voters are yearning for a refreshing, honest debate on how to tackle the difficult problems our country faces. I believe voters are tired of the harsh negativity of campaigns. Voters find themselves disgruntled with government leaders who concentrate first on how to carefully position themselves politically while ignoring tremendous problems that get worse by the day.

I believe in finding harmonious resolutions to the important issues. The time wasted in political power struggles makes it difficult for government to move forward and reach agreeable outcomes. Rather than spending time in my state legislature job on political wrangling and positioning, I have spent my time looking for ways to create action and move forward. When you examine the bills I have passed in my four years in the state legislature, you will see that I have indeed spent my time taking action.

Throughout this campaign, and in Congress, I intend to offer original ideas. I hope you will see this as an opportunity for voters to reward a refreshingly honest campaign as opposed to those campaigns based on tearing down opponents while offering nothing of substance.

Congress needs healthy balance in its membership for optimal performance. I believe my entrepreneurial and business background, along with my college degree in Finance, the four years I served on the Peoria School Board, four years in the Illinois House of Representatives and my record of getting things done will allow me to be a positive force in Congress on behalf of the people I serve.

The duties of a State Representative mirror those of a Congressman: to accurately represent the values of the majority of the people of the district, to advocate for the economic interests of the district and to provide constituent service to citizens with problems beyond their ability to cope. By these measures, my record as a Representative in the State of Illinois is a strong record to stand on as I seek to serve as a Representative in the United States Congress.

This brochure is the first step in introducing who I am and what I’ve accomplished. I hope you find it informative and helpful in making your decision in the Republican Primary on February 5, 2008.

Thank you for taking the time to consider what I have to say and what I have to offer.  

Respectfully,