I write to you as a friend and fellow citizen of Idaho. Our state will hold its primary election on May 23rd, 2006, and each vote counts in deciding the future of our Idaho. I, like you, value the abundant opportunities and unique quality of life our state offers. To preserve these exceptional characteristics, Idaho's citizens must address the vital issues which threaten our future: education, livable wages, tax reform, and fiscal responsibility.
I'm not a career politician, but a citizen of Idaho. I am convinced it is time for change. I believe in Idaho. I believe I have what it takes to succeed as your employee in the office of Lieutenant Governor. I have made a commitment not only to myself, but also to the citizens of Idaho because I believe you should have a voice in the future of our state.
The issues challenging this state are complex. They require tough choices, and innovative approaches and determination. These issues will continue to worsen unless we are open to the implementation of new ideas - not just new packaging. Without conviction, we won't change enough hearts and minds to initiate the momentum needed to inspire shifts in fiscal policy critical for serious change to occur. Popular support is imperative to craft a state policy to tackle the challenges of education, energy dependence, property tax reform, livable wages, and protecting our quality of life. Broad political support and effective strategies are crucial to repair a deficient health care policy and lift large numbers of our fellow citizens out of poverty.
Our goal should be to an unwavering focus on the core values that make this state great, with a spirit of flexibility and sustained attention to achieve our goals. Together we must create powerful consensus around our problems - benefiting from collaboration with Democrats, Republicans and Independents of good will. This is more than just a matter of ’framing’ - although clarity of language, thought, and heart are required. It is a matter of having faith in the ability of the citizens of Idaho to hear and respond to an authentic debate about the issues that matter.
As citizens of Idaho we need to ask ourselves, “What is government for the people?” Abraham Lincoln in his famous 1863 Gettysburg Address proclaimed “...that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” American citizens deserve Lincoln's vision of the ideal form of government. Let us vigilantly protect against a government of the people, by the political class, for the special interests.