One of my friends and I were talking and getting pretty excited about the prospect of my becoming the Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional seat. In that conversation I was talking seriously about continuing not taking campaign contributions. That's when he realized I am a hardcore idealist. It scared him. I guess I need to spend a little time here trying to explain what you might be getting into if you decide to vote for me. It's not for the faint of heart.
I usually consider myself a pragmatist. Once or twice an acquaintance or two might have described me as bull headed. In this case "once or twice" might be a euphemism for a quantity considerably more than once or twice. On the question of my not accepting campaign funds my friend thinks that if I were to continue this practice after becoming the Republican nominee this would suggest I wasn't in the race to win.
Let me state unequivocally I intend on being the Congressional Representative from the 8th district. Right now I'm trying to determine the best strategy for achieving that goal this election. As an idealist I couldn't think of a better statement of my commitment to fiscal responsibility than to achieve this goal without asking other people to send me money. Maybe it is the idealist in me that is making me believe this is also the best strategy for me to get elected. But right now this is what I think.
The pragmatist inside tells me I could remind or inform people that the original intention of the no campaign contribution stance was for me to be bound to this position until I became a viable candidate. Obviously, when I become the Republican nominee I will have earned the status as viable candidate. So I have to inform anyone reading it is still possible for me to go back to my original stance on contributions which is to allow me to raise up $50,000 once I become a viable candidate. I can say that at this point, I do not favor this strategy. I really like the idea of doing something incredible like getting elected to congress without taking campaign contributions.
In the mode of team player though if the career members of the Republican establishment embrace my candidacy after the primary, I will work to ensure the Party gets the support it needs to run day to day operations and support other worthy candidates. I'm not exactly sure how I can contribute without specifically lending my name to fliers begging for funds but I do intend to contribute and I don't intend to beg for funds. I think the key for me will be that in the events I participate the asking is subtle and unobtrusive. Also there must be some purpose for the event that educates the public or promotes the election process, the 8th district, Ohio and/or the United States.
Bottom line though if you vote for me to become the Republican nominee there is a good chance I will continue not taking campaign contributions. Right now the Democratic candidate will not raise any real money to challenge the incumbents $3 million dollars of campaign contributions. But when I become the candidate he will be flooded with money. When voting for me now you must also be confident I will be able to convey my message of fiscal responsibility effectively so that more 8th Congressional voters vote for the responsible Republican over any other well funded candidate.
If you haven't read "Reasons why you may not vote for me" perhaps you should read it now
If you believe I will be a good Congressman, keep in mind I depend on you to pass along my name and this site to others because
I do not ask for or take monetary campaign contributions
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