I want to run for U.S. Congress and provide real representation to the residents of Wisconsin’s 4^th District.  My declaration often garners similar reactions.  First people say, “Good for you!” Then almost immediately afterwards say, “Why would you want to become part of a group of the most disliked people in America and subject yourself to relentless criticism?”

Most people feel that Congress is ineffective and more focused on self-preservation and partisanship than the good of America.  That is unacceptable.  I want to change that.  Public service is not about ego, but many of today’s politicians have forgotten their job is to serve. 

It’s that frustration with the political process that motivates me to run.  I’m aware of the challenges I face.  Fewer people are willing to run for office today.  They are unwilling to endure the rigors of a political campaign.  Yes, it is a challenge.  It’s true that this will be a long campaign. I will be subjected to scrutiny and open myself up for attacks. Those realities don’t diminish my desire to run and my determination to win. 

I feel called to serve because I know I can make a difference. Many things inspire me and chief among them is what President Theodore Roosevelt said in a speech he delivered at the Sorbonne in Paris on April 23, 1910:

It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.

I am entering the arena and plan to win. Your support is critical.  This will be a difficult race, but Gwen Moore must be defeated.  Will you contribute $15, $25, $50, $100 or more to my congressional exploratory committee?  Your generous donations will make it possible for me to officially declare my candidacy, create an official website, print signs and develop advertisements.  This is truly a grassroots initiative and your generous contributions will make you part of the team.  Please contribute today and thank you to those who have already contributed!