Berry's Blog
Announcement
Today, I am officially announcing my candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 8th District. Twelve months ago, I never would have imagined that I would be taking this step; my life’s ambition has not been to hold elected office. But over the course of the last year, I have watched with growing dismay as the federal budget deficit has hit a record $1.4 trillion, unemployment has reached ten percent, and Congress has moved ever closer to passing a disastrous health-care reform bill. In Washington today, it sometimes seems that the answer to every problem is more, more, more… more borrowing, more spending, and more government involvement in more sectors of the American economy.
As a result, it is essential that the United States begin to move in a new direction. We cannot continue on a path that is projected to lead to at least $9 trillion in additional debt over the next ten years. We cannot continue on a path that is failing to create jobs. And we cannot continue on a path that will eventually lead to a government takeover of our health care system.
Here at home, in the 8th District, it is time for a new direction as well. Put simply, Congressman Jim Moran has abused the public trust. He has consistently secured earmarks that benefit his campaign contributors. He has taken a personal loan from a drug company lobbyist, and shortly thereafter sponsored legislation to benefit that drug company. And he has not behaved in a manner worthy of the office that he holds. Whether he is blaming American Jews for the war in Iraq or accusing American troops of engaging in ethnic cleansing, he has embarrassed the residents of the 8th District too many times. We can do far better.
Over the last two months, I have been very encouraged by the response that our exploratory effort has received throughout the 8th District. Despite only getting started in mid-November, we ended 2009 with more cash on hand than any Republican challenger to Jim Moran has ever had at this point in the election cycle. I have heard from many Republicans, Independents, and Democrats who share my belief that we must restore fiscal responsibility to Washington and elect a Congressman that you can be proud of.
Our needs have gone ignored in Washington for too long… You deserve a strong economy and a better future for our children, rather than passing along a mountain of debt to future generations. You deserve shorter commutes so that you can spend more time with your family and friends. And I hope that you will get involved with the campaign because we all deserve a government that is open, honest, and works with our best interests at heart, instead of simply taking more and more of our hard-earned money.
I realize that defeating Jim Moran will not be easy, and that is why I am asking you to help us get off to a strong start by doing three things today.
*First*, please sign up to volunteer by clicking here. We need to mobilize a grassroots organization to spread our message across the 8th District, and there are a variety of ways that you can help.
*Second*, please donate to our campaign by clicking here. To make our campaign launch a success, I am asking my supporters to raise $5,000 in the next 36 hours. If you do not wish to contribute through the Internet, you can print out a donation form here that can be used to send in a contribution by regular mail.
And *third*, please pass along word of my announcement to as many friends, family members, neighbors or colleagues as you think might be interested in joining our cause.
I pledge that I will work my heart out between now and Election Day to make sure our voices are heard in Washington. And if you are willing to stand with me, I am convinced that we can celebrate a tremendous victory together come November.
See you on the campaign trail,
Matthew
