"I had the pleasure to work with Allen in Salem.  He is the right man at the right time for Oregon.  His business experience and fresh persepective are exactly what we need to get Oregon back to work." -- Wayne Scott, Former Oregon House Minority Leader

Friends,

October: one month, thousands of driving miles, dozens of events, seven counties, a marathon and we are still one year away from the 2010 general elections.

We are building momentum in our state for bringing a new perspective to Salem.  Everywhere I go people are frustrated about the growth of government and the money it seems to continue to demand of us.  Farmers, foresters, small businesses and working people are all struggling to make ends meet and Salem has only the same tired solution to their budget problems: higher fees, higher taxes, and more red tape.

• I toured private and public forests to learn the difference in the management of our resource assets and how we can improve the health of our forests and bring jobs back to rural communities.
• I toured schools to learn about the tremendous challenge our teachers and administrators face in building a globally-competitive education system.

More than anything, I listened.  In small groups and large, I listened to the stories of Oregonians who aspire to grow companies and create jobs, but feel they are swimming upstream against a current of government bureaucracy.

Reversing the current is not easy; however, my experience in Salem demonstrated that it can be done.  It will not be easy, and I need your help.  I promised my supporters early on that I would run a tireless campaign and concede no vote.  But, I need your support.

Join the effort today.  Take advantage of the Oregon political $50 tax credit (you will receive every dollar back, up to $50 per individual or $100 per couple, when you file your return next year).  Make a donation now.  Your contribution will send an important sign that Oregon is ready for new ideas and new leadership.

Please follow me on Facebook and Twitter as well so you can keep track of our campaign activities and find new ways to get involved.  We're gathering support from every corner of the state.  Be the next one to get involved!  You can make a difference!