June 9, 2009

As you know, I have served six consecutive terms in the South Carolina State Senate. And every day, I have fought to protect taxpayers and to represent the conservative values of South Carolina families.

Over the past several years, like most citizens, I have become increasingly concerned about the dangerous and irresponsible trends in Washington. And even though I like the incumbent Congressman personally, I have been deeply disappointed by his failure to support the War in Iraq.

And I have been even more disappointed by his willingness to give unlimited support, including trillions of our tax dollars, to the Wall Street speculators who have mismanaged our economy into crisis.

My friends, it is a sad fact: Washington politicians—including many Republican politicians—have failed us.

They have allowed government to grow far beyond its means.

They have mortgaged the future of our children and our grandchildren with a massive debt they can never repay.

They have given failed banks, labor unions and poorly run corporations trillions of taxpayer dollars in bailouts with absolutely nothing in return.

And they have pumped trillions more into a so-called “economic stimulus” program that is nothing more than pork barrel spending under a new name.

And when all this was happening in Washington, where were our so-called conservative leaders? Well, as incredible as it seems, many of them voted FOR these measures. Others were missing in action. They did nothing.

That’s right. At a time when we desperately needed leadership… They…did…nothing.

Well, the time has come to fight the madness in Washington. And that brings me to the purpose of this meeting. Today, I would like to announce that I am a candidate for the Republican nomination for United States Congress.

I did not make this decision lightly. My wife Fran can tell you, this involved countless conversations with my family and friends. And Fran can also tell you, it involved a great deal of prayer and soul-searching.

As a State Senator, I knew I could just continue using the bully pulpit of my office to complain about what’s happening in Washington. But I also knew that would accomplish nothing.

I also knew I had no special desire for a new title and no ambition to advance my own personal agenda. I just wanted to do something meaningful to help put this great nation back on track. It may sound quaint and old-fashioned, but I wanted to help save the American dream.

Looking back, this decision began to come a few months ago. It hit me one day that we are living in times that require bold action.

I was attending a press conference in downtown Spartanburg. And we were standing in front of the statue of Daniel Morgan, the great Revolutionary War hero. He certainly was a leader who believed in the American Dream. And more than that, he was willing to take bold action, to make sacrifices, and to lay his life on the line for the cause of America.

While I was speaking that day, I asked four other legislators if they would join me in rolling up our sleeves to fight for taxpayers. It was just a small gesture.

But, for me, that moment was a symbol—it was a turning point. I suddenly knew the time had come to act.

Words are nice. They can be uplifting, and they can inspire. But the changes we need to save the American dream will require more than words. The time has come to act. And that is what I’m doing today.

I fully realize the road ahead will be difficult. There’s much work to be done.

I also know this is a quest I cannot achieve alone. I will need the moral support and most of all the prayers of thousands of citizens who live with me all across the Fourth Congressional District. And today, I respectfully ask for your help.

You and I know the time has come for new leadership in Washington. So let us get in the trenches and fight.

The time has come to bring back the principles of Ronald Reagan, Carroll Campbell and Strom Thurmond.

To Barack Obama and others who push for higher taxes and bigger government, the time has come to say NO MORE. We will NOT allow you to destroy the American dream.

The time has come to re-build a business-friendly environment that promotes prosperity and new jobs, NOT a phony stimulus plan that only grows bigger government.

And while we’re at it, the time has come to stand up for the rights of the unborn and to pass a uniform, national policy that protects the sanctity of marriage in America as a union between one man and one woman. On these crucial moral issues, there can be no compromise.

We must also avoid foolish compromise when it comes to keeping America safe. Iran and North Korea should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

And if I am given the honor of serving as your Congressman, there are other steps I will take to protect our nation. I will fight to secure the borders of America. I will fight to stop illegal immigration.  And I will do all I can to win the global war on terror.

And on that point, let me say this: had I been your Congressman last year, I would never…never…have voted against the troop surge in Iraq. Nothing will prevent me from supporting our men and women in uniform who risk their lives every day for the cause of freedom in the world.

And had I been you Congressman last year, I would never…never… have voted for any bailout or allowed our national debt to reach 13 Trillion Dollars.

In Congress, my goal will be to finally give the people of Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens and Union counties a conservative voice.

And beginning today, I ask that you join me in this important campaign for the future.