Why I'm Running for Office

My decision to campaign to serve the people, businesses, and other organizations in the 3rd Congressional District has been building for years. I have felt increasing concern about the partisan bickering that has come to dominate the rhetoric and actions of our Congress. Our nation is experiencing many significant problems and we simply cannot waste time posturing for political party benefit, verbally belittling anyone who doesn't agree with us, and seriously diminishing the quality of laws and policy formation by not conceding that the opposition has good points that, along with ours, would produce better laws, better policies.

My motivation to become your Representative in Congress comes also from the fact that I have nine grandchildren. I want to help create a better future for them - and for grandchildren everywhere. I want to be able to look my children and grandchildren in the eye in my final days and say I saw problems and did the best I could to take actions to fix them. I want also to say I saw opportunities and worked toward their fulfillment.

I promise to all grandchildren and to you that I will represent the 3rd Congressional District with ethical, thoughtful, hard work. I will push others in Congress to put aside petty differences, to work to understand the nation's needs, and to collaborate in searching out the best, most accurate information possible before debating and voting on "what's best" for the country and world.