The percentage of voters who stay home on Election Day clearly demonstrates that America is detached from what many believe is an ineffective and corrupt political system. Money, seduction, media manipulations, and traditional power politics are more often driving the country than the people and Constitutions upon which America is founded. Cynicism, distraction and indifference by the average citizen is in turn paving the way for further harms to our future.

I am running for Congress with an eye on changing our political reality one persisting step at a time. The first step was to serve as an authentic conservative in local office – six strong years as the minority voice on one of the most liberal City Councils in the country provided that learning and service opportunity.

The second step was to engage in a serious Republican primary campaign for the 11th District Congressional seat. I won that primary against two strong candidates – spending a forth of the budget of one and without the support of a Republican power structure devoted to business as usual. There was a choice when I ran – join the herd, or try another way. I committed to finding a better way and was successful.

I have made a firm decision to not sell my principles, deceive the public, or surrender independence to fund a campaign. I am willing to work hard, hold to my principles, and meet with, learn from, and inform the voters – they will take things from there. To that end I am targeting my full energies to a “Retake American Campaign” that will insure that the voters of Western North Carolina – and others with an interest in the future of our country – have an opportunity to embrace an alternative to the hollow promises of politics as usual.

1. I will not accept any PAC, union, business, or special interest contributions from any source.


2. I will not accept funds from the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Club, or any other part of an entrenched party structure that has exchanged principle for power.


3. I will not participate in the congressional retirement plan, health care plan, or pay raises until we fix the nation's health care crisis, social security, and economy. Those who lead should not live better than those we serve.


4. I will not support hidden earmarks, budgetary excess, or deficit spending on pork projects.


5. I will not participate in personal attacks or seduction politics to manipulate my way into office.


6. I will clearly define and uphold my principles and positions on the issues and always match words to action.


7. I will work hard to educate and inform the voters with a candid and honest voice.


8. I will actively and enthusiastically campaign with my full talents, values, and energies – with a persisting eye on core principles over all other considerations.


9. I will rely on volunteers - not paid handlers and campaign professionals – to insure an honest grassroots campaign.


10. I will focus on the real issues that matter to the future of America.