Endorsement: 2nd Congressional District

After the 2010 elections,  I weighed in my mind whether to continue my lonely fight against Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID.), a career politician with a big-spending tendency. Hopefully, the Tea Party revolution would send a loud and clear message to Rep. Mike Simpson.

To Simpson that message has been to go back to Washington and beg more money from his special interest masters while proposing tax increases in violation of his tax pledge.  His defense for this was, “When I signed the pledge not to raise taxes… I didn’t know it was a marriage agreement that would last forever.”

Unlike most people, I’ve been in a position to sign a pledge back when I ran for the State House a few years after Simpson was elected to Congres. In addition to the pledge, Americans for Tax Reform sends out a packet of information explaining what exactly you’re getting yourself into. Their FAQ at the state level is little different than their Federal FAQ which makes it clear this pledge is a long-term arrangement:

Do I have to take the Pledge again if I run for re-election?

No. Pledge signers are bound for the duration of their tenure in the office to which they are elected.

When I signed this pledge, I resolved that if I ever made the decision that  a tax increase was necessary my only honorable course would be to resign and face voters again. Of course, I doubt the question of what an honorable course would be was on Simpson’s mind when he signed this pledge. His more pressing concern was getting conservatives to give him that first term back in 1998.  Did he read the FAQ? Did he even give any contemplation to what it meant to give your word?

We know what Mike Simpson’s word is worth. That’s what I’m endorsing Chick Heileson for Congress. Chick Heileson stands firmly for constitutional values. He opposed Wall Street Bailouts.  Chick Heileson is a businessman, veteran, and citizen who will bring integrity back to the representation of the second district. I will vote for Chick Heileson and in the strongest terms possible, I encourage everyone to go out and cast your vote in the Republican Primary for Chick Heileson for Congress.

Read more at Adam’s Blog