This morning I attended a press conference where Michael Montagano officially announced his intention to run for US Congress for the Indiana Third District.
I have met and spoke with Michael on several occasions, so it should come as no surprise that I heartily endorse his candidacy and have volunteered to help the campaign in any way I can. During his speech, Michael stressed the need for for a change, not only in the country, but especially in the Third District where - in my humble opinion - we have been grossly under-represented for far too long under Republican Congressman Mark Souder. Souder is one of those representatives who signed the so-called "Contract with America" and vowed to spend no more than 12 years in Congress. A man who vowed NOT to become a career politician. Now, here we are starting Souder's FOURTEENTH year in Congress. I think that in itself tells us how much we can count on Souder to be a man of his word. In addition, Souder has become a puppet of the lobbyists to such a degree that he recently introduced an amendment to a law that reflected an idea put into his head by a lobbyist. An idea that wasn't only for the benefit of the lobbyist, but it was also an idea that had not even been fully explored or fleshed out. We do not need this kind of leadership in Washington. We need someone who will listen to the voices of the people of Indiana's Third District instead of the pocketbook of special interests.
Michael also spoke about a need for unity over divisiveness. He said, "This is not about choosing between Democrat and Republican. This is about choosing between the past and the future. There are no Democratic problems or Republican problems, there are only American problems."
I believe Michael is the type of person who can, by listening to his constituents, help solve those problems and get us back on the road to peace, restore our stature in the the world, and turn the tide of drifting social and economic malaise.
You have to believe this guy believes in our country. He believes in the future of our country. He believes in the people and he believes that given the right opportunity and the right people in power, we can change this country for the better. He believes in hope. I think he almost has to - after all, he was born on the Fourth of July!
Below is video of his speech. I apologize for the graininess of the video. The lighting in the Embassy Theater lobby is not conducive to the type of camera I was using. But it is not the picture that matters, it is the message.
9 comments:
Thanks for posting the video Robert! I was hoping to make it but unfortunately I couldn't...
Thanks also for the video.
Yes, I would like to vote Souder out of office because he broke his "term limit" promise.
I find Montagano cordial, enthusiastic on change. He is invigorating yet, what are the solutions he will stand for in Northeast Indiana besides the word "change"?
I need substance. I say No
to free healthcare and to a WELFARE state. On S.S., let us invest not the other way around.
I'll keep an open mind.
I will not vote for Souder under almost any circumstances.
I may support a Republican in the primary against Souder; I may also support a Democrat or Libertarian in the general election.
One thing is almost for certain; I will not be voting for Souder unless his oppoents are convicted felons or something along those lines...
Heck, there are some convicted felons I would vote for over Mark Souder...
Mike Sylvester
I initially had some concerns about his youth. After watching him "on the stump" I am far less concerned. You've done a great service to the 3rd District by capturing and sharing this, Robert.
As much as I would like to see Souder leave office, I always end up voting for him still. It's not because of anything positive about him, but because he has had some very weak competition. Last election (Hayhurst) was the first time I ever voted against Souder in a general election.
At this point, my dislike for him has grown from political to personal. Jeff's statements above help to highlight Souder's lack of integrity. I am in agreement with Mike that almost anyone would be better than Souder.
Robert, I think you did us all a big favor by posting this video. I checked his campaign website a while back and it gives absolutely no information about his position on the issues. Although I agree that he was a bit vague in his speach, to me he looks better than Souder already.
With Souder, I usually employ the "run off the stage crying" test. I will vote for Souder's opponent unless that person runs off the stage crying during a debate. Under those circumstances, for the good of the country and respect for Congress, I feel constrained to vote for Souder.
However, there's something about this guy that doesn't sit quite right. Maybe its the blinding white smile together with the tan. Maybe its the self-congratulating blog run by his wife. Perhaps its the Kelty-esque fervor with which he appears to want the job. It will be an interesting race to watch.
George Bush and his administration have succeeded in mangling some of our most important and necessary constitutional principles, in large part because of nearly total backing from congressional Republicans and because Democrats put up so little opposition.
I will vote for anyone against Mark Souder, but Michael Montagano needs to drop the generic stump speech and get to specifics. How will he stand out (Or does he plan to stand out?) from Democrats whose primary goals are to extend the olive branch across the isle and get re-elected.
He says that there are no Republican problems or Democratic problems, only American problems. That doesn't sound too encouraging.
Ted,
I think it's unfair to expect anything but a generic stump speech at this point as it was only his official candidacy announcement. I'm sure there will be more info to come...
Templeton,
I feel the same unease you do about Montagano and will certainly be watching the race closely...
Jeff,
He's been campaigning full time since May and yet, as Phil pointed out, go to his website and click on "issues", there's nothing of substance.
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