Message from Charlie Stuart

July 3, 2007

Serving in the U.S. Congress is a high honor, and those we send should reflect that honor through the way they live their lives, and should legislate on our behalf with compassion, conviction and integrity.  Today, I am writing to announce my campaign to represent Central Florida’s 8th district in the United States House of Representatives.

Last year almost 83,000 Central Floridians voted for me as the viable, commonsense challenger of the incumbent as well as of the administration and its failed policies.  I accept that coming so close was a statement of your passionate support, so this day I proudly answer your call to finish that job.

With your help, we have a chance to REALLY take back control of Congress – put it where it belongs, in the hands of the people, and take it away from the special interests and their powerful influence. 

I believe I represent real change in how public service will be defined in Central Florida.  This change begins with who I am – a person of proven character and integrity.  It continues with my principles – formed by family and faith, which are core to my being.  And, as your Congressman, you can expect and demand that my decisions, words and actions will focus only upon the best interests of America and of Florida’s 8th district. 

Unlike the character assassins who typify politics as usual in Washington, and who purposefully confuse and skirt substantive issues, we’ll tackle those issues of importance to Americans head on, with plain talk and workable solutions. 

In the 491 days remaining until Election Day, you will have the chance to learn about me, about my positions, my background, and my ideas for a better America.  These include ideas for fixing America’s broken health care and education systems, while preserving Social Security and Medicare.  I will fight to provide medical care for those wounded in combat, and for their families,; as well as insuring that the benefits hard earned by our veterans are fully funded.

Moving rapidly toward energy independence is a matter of national security and economic growth, and I will make it a priority to see that we do something that is right for America and not just profitable for oil companies.  And, I will lead with ideas about engaging with the rest of the free world to fight terror where it lives and before it breeds, and to help end human tragedies like HIV/AIDS, senseless poverty at home and around the world, and genocide in Darfur.

The campaign to defeat an entrenched career politician will take hard work and the support of those who truly want to see change in Congress.  But we’ve demonstrated that it is indeed possible.  Please, join with those who have already voted their support for change in Congress and a difference for America.