Mike Montagano's 2nd Ad

Michael Montagano officially announces bid to unseat Mark Souder

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.