As the Baby Boomers move into retirement, America will be facing one of the biggest fiscal challenges in her history. Conservatives and Liberals have a lot in agreement as the challenges ahead of us. But we cannot wait until it is too late to act, we must chart a responsible course for the ship of state now, before we are too close to the icebergs that we know lie ahead. We must come together in a bipartisan manner, act like adults and balance the budget once again.

As a veteran, I stand with our troops in Iraq – we must act appropriately to end the occupation of Iraq. Most of our troops can come home within 12-18 months if we have an effective strategy that forces Iraqi politicians to act responsibly.

Democrats have been ready for years with a comprehensive solution to immigration but have been stopped through fear and attack. By linking immigration and economic policies and understanding supply and demand, we can secure the border and still maintain American values.

Americans with good health insurance have the best health care in the world. But 1 in 7 uninsured is 47 million too many! This is not just a humanitarian issue; it hurts every American with a hidden tax through increased costs. By solving this crisis and insuring all Americans we will lower costs for everyone and increase our competitiveness.

I have always known that the Democratic Party is the party of the heart. I grew up in a Republican house, but became a Democrat after the Republican Party lurched to the far right and left me -- and America -- with only one party that includes moderates. The GOP left me, and I was forced to realize that the only party that represents the values I hold dear -- like a balanced budget, sound fiscal policies, Constitutional limits on government, the rule of law, policies that help all Americans, not just a few -- is the Democratic Party.

I believe in Constitutional checks and balances – No President is above the law. I will protect our rights in Congress and will not be afraid to ask the tough questions & say “No” to anyone – including my own party – who would ignore Constitutional limits.

The last two major economic disasters were caused by trusting big business to regulate itself. We must stimulate the economy, end corporate welfare, keep corporate greed in check, and maintain low taxes and economic freedom to create jobs for more Americans.

I want to offer a real choice for District 32 voters so that they know they can have Texas values representing them in Washington.

I think Washington is broken because we have too much partisan fighting, and not enough common sense solutions.

Our current Representative Pete Sessions misses 12% of votes in Congress and votes with the Republican Party over 90% of the time. I do not agree with any party 90% of the time -- Instead of voting the Party Line, I pledge that with each vote I will stand up to the Special Interests and vote what is best for America.

Pete is currently the lowest ranking member of Congress in the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex, ranking 349th of the 439 Representatives in the House by the non-partisan group www.congress.org.

I pledge that I will work tirelessly to represent you in a competent and diligent manner, to be an effective voice for Texas Values. I pledge that before every vote, I will ask a simply question: “What is best for America,” not what is best for any party or special interest group.

In comparison, Pete Sessions votes the GOP line well over 90% of the time. Worse, when he breaks with the GOP, it is usually to go to the right-wing extreme. I think we need a Representative who is comfortable enough to exercise independent judgment to vote against his party when they think it is wrong and who is willing to work for bi-partisan consensus.

I will stand up for Texas Values in every vote, every time, regardless of the consequences.

If that is the type of Representative you want, I am asking for your support and your vote.

My Political Philosophy
As a Centrist Democrat, my political philosophy is based more on pragmatism than ideology. In fiscal and monetary matters, many people would describe me as conservative. In social matters, many would call me moderate with a strong understanding that Constitutional Liberty includes being free from government telling you how to live.

For every vote, I will ask a simple question, what is best for America, not whether there is a left or right response to the question, whether the issue is a Democratic or a Republican position, or what special interest is involved.

• Like Howard Dean and Chuck Hagel, I am fiscally conservative and socially moderate.
• Like Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, I believe in a balanced budget.
• Like Al Gore and Bob Dole, I believe that the answers to our national challenges is neither bigger government, nor smaller government, but that the answer is smarter government.
• Like Chet Edwards and Richard Lugar, I believe in a strong defense and that the “supporting our troops” means taking care of our wounded after they return.

As a Centrist Democratic, I often - though not always - agree with the positions of The New Democratic Network, the Democratic Leadership Council, Third Way, and the Blue Dog Democrats. Democratic groups that position themselves in the middle of the American electorate.

The American economy is the engine of prosperity and freedom for the entire world. As the world continues to change, we need to insure that the American Dream remains open to every American who wishes to work hard and play be the rules. To do this we need to place primary importance on education -- for America to remain a world leader, we must continue to be the place where the brightest and most inventive can learn and create.

I believe in a balanced approach to capitalism and our market economy. To keep the American Dream open to all, we must also be realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of our great market economy. If we ignore the easily controlled weaknesses of markets and Capitalism, the American Dream will needlessly drown in well-documented ailments of monopolies, manipulation and market collapse. Likewise, if we over-regulate our markets, governmental policy will drown out the economic freedom and ingenuity of the American People. The secret is the never-ending process of maintaining balance through smart and reasoned regulation that maintains a balance of freedom and responsibility.

The most recent administration has been unbalanced in favor of unrestrained and unguided Capitalism. If we can return to balanced Capitalism of the 1990's, the American economy can continue to be the engine that keeps the American Dream alive and drives the world economy forward.