$1 TRILLION BAILOUT

Contrary to my two opponents in this Congressional race, I am strongly opposed to both versions of the irresponsible and dangerous $700 billion (later turned $1 trillion) bailout plan. This plan is unfair because it forces hard-working taxpayers to subsidize investors and institutions that made risky investments. Furthermore, the plan lacks oversight and there are few defined goals. Despite claims made by both Republicans and Democrats, the Paulson bailout plan does not provide relief to the troubled homeowners who are defaulting on their mortgages. Instead, it is bailing out poorly-managed and grossly wasteful companies like AIG, which sent executives on a $440,000 retreat to a posh resort less than a week after being saved by the federal government.

Although the effects of the bailout may be considered disastrous, the real disaster may be the legislative process that produced this travesty. Legislators from both parties chose to ignore the earnest and insistent suggestions from hundreds of America's leading economists, many of them with innovative and feasible solutions to our economic problems. Instead, they cobbled together a flawed plan and tried to force it upon the American people. When opposition arose, those legislators fell back into the rhythms of the worst partisan politics. Then, when Congress finally passed the second version of the Paulson plan, it was only after they had added over $300 billion of additional pork-barrel spending.

America deserves better, and that's why I will return integrity and responsibility to our government. As an independent, I will fight partisan deadlock and corrupt party politics, and I will advocate intelligent, common-sense solutions to our problems. I will reduce wasteful spending and legislative pork. The American people will no longer stand for this type of shameful behavior, and neither will I!