VA FReeper Running for Senate.

My name is Kevin Harrison Newman and I’m asking you to make me your next United States Senator. I have never before aspired to public office, but have grown increasingly tired of the inability and unwillingness of the senior Senator from this Commonwealth to uphold his oath of office. Those who know me know that I have been an outspoken critic of those who would sacrifice our freedoms on the altar of political expediency. Therefore, beginning today, I am offering you my services as his replacement. This campaign is purely a grassroots effort on behalf of those who really desire to see a change in government. I am not on the ballot, and I am not raising funds. I will not be held accountable to any groups other than the people of Virginia.

Throughout the history of this great nation, Virginians have taken the lead in proclaiming individual, and states rights. From the first settlers at Jamestown in 1607 to Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death”, to General Washington’s victory over the British at Yorktown. Many great Virginians have led this country in times of war, and in times of peace.

George Washington, from Westmoreland County, our first president and recognized by many as the father of our Republic. Thomas Jefferson, from Albemarle County, crafted the Declaration of Independence, and began the westward expansion of America. James Madison, from Port Conway, the “Father of the Constitution”, who led the country during the turbulent days of “The War of 1812.” James Monroe, from Westmoreland County, established the nation’s first true foreign policy. William Henry Harrison, from Charles City County, who though he died one month into his term, previously distinguished himself as a military commander. John Tyler, also from Charles City County, became president when Harrison died, and was a champion of “States Rights”. Zachary Taylor, from Orange County, led this country briefly during the war with Mexico. Woodrow Wilson, from Staunton, who led this country through “the war to end all wars.”

Leadership is a Virginia tradition, and I believe that it is time for Virginia to take the lead again and elect a Senator that will look after their interests, while at the same time honor his oath to protect and defend the Constitution. One that will not be indebted to anyone but the people that put him in office, and who will not be afraid to stand up and say enough is enough when it comes to the erosion of our liberties.

My political ideologies run staunchly conservative. I believe that the US. Constitution, as it is written, is sacred, and that the framers knew exactly what they were doing when they penned it. I believe that government has two primary roles, to serve and protect the people that put it in place.

Congress must support the individual right of freedom of speech. I believe that this includes political speech, religious speech, and personal opinion. No person, ethnic, social, or religious group should be given preference based solely upon their status as a member of any group, whether it is perceived as a minority or not. Additionally, neither should anyone be ostracized for expressing their opinion, regardless of whether others deem it offensive.

The lawful citizens of the United States have an inalienable right to protect themselves from those that would seek to harm them, those who would seek to deprive them of rightfully gained personal property, and those in political office who would seek to deprive them of their liberties. Therefore, I believe that it is the right, and the obligation of every law abiding American citizen to possess arms sufficient to defend themselves from all such aggression, and to be trained in their safe and proper usage.

The purpose of the military is to provide a corporate defense of the United States, it’s interests, and it’s citizens. That the use of the military, and/or state militias (National Guards), against the people of the United States is an act of aggression by the government. I believe that this also extends to the various law-enforcement organizations either local, state, or national. At no time do I believe that America’s armed forces should ever come under the command of an international governing body, or the government of another nation.

America was built on the backs of men and women who, by virtue of their pioneering spirit and vision, sacrificed to bring about a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. Government can best serve the American dream by focusing on the things that it does best, and getting out of the way of private individuals and corporations who operate within the framework of the law. I believe that this also includes reducing, and ultimately ending federal funding for elective medical procedures, education, and the elimination of occupationally related federal mandates (quotas, minimum wage laws, regulations, etc.). The government’s violation of this principle has led to the establishment of a society dependent upon it for day to day needs, and has led to confiscatory tax rates and a reduced standard of living for all working Americans.

The state of America’s educational system is not good. This is especially significant considering that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Many families are locked into sending their children to public schools, where both their safety and their potential for learning is in question. Many parents would like their children to attend schools where their belief systems will not be undermined, while many others would also like to improve their children’s chances of a good education in order to allow them to break out of the loop of poverty. I believe the proper way to approach the improvement of our children’s education is to allow the individual to apply some of the money that they earn to their children’s future. I fully support a per child tax credit for school age children to allow parents to provide for the possibility of a better future for their children, and for America.

Congressmen and all other politicians should be subject to a full disclosure of the source of all backing. Representatives are elected by the people to conduct business on behalf of the people. While it is imperative that all Americans to have a voice in their government, it is also wise to disclose to the American people the details of who are influencing their representatives. Particularly if that influence is directly contrary to the will of the people they have been elected to represent, and the representative’s oath to defend the Constitution.

Much has been said about Social Security in the last few years, but until there is a real incentive to change the system, it will most likely remain status quo. The problem is that while many in congress have stated their desire to overhaul the system, it doesn’t seem to be high priority for others. To give impetus to this effort I fully support the abolition of the Congressional Pension fund, making Congress subject to the same retirement provisions as the rest of Americans. This will give the program the necessary priority to receive the attention it deserves, and reduce the proliferation of “career politicians.” If Congress has to depend on Social Security for retirement, then it will be to their best interests to see to it that the program remains solvent, or a better program replaces it.

Married citizens should not be subjected to a greater tax burden than single citizens. The current system is inequitable, and discourages marriage by the imposition of financial considerations. The United States’ tax code has become an unwieldy beast, which requires that many individual taxpayers and corporations enlist the services of tax accountants and lawyers. This code must be reformed and simplified. I fully support an across the board flat tax. This will simplify the tax system by removing the bureaucracy necessary to support it. I also support elimination of the Inheritance Tax, and the Capital Gains tax.

The United States is not sufficiently represented within the United Nations, especially given the fact that the major share of the funding for the organization is provided by this country. Therefore I fully support the exodus of the United States from the UN, and the relocation of all UN offices to a different country, thereby removing them as a source of financial burden on the American citizen.

Congressional legislation should be submitted with no riders. A piece of legislation should stand on it’s own merit, and not be weighed down with “pork barrel” spending packages. This will streamline needed legislation, while at the same time reducing government costs. It also has the benefit of showing the electorate just where their representatives stand on the issues, without them hiding behind questionable legislation.

Again, I am not seeking a place on the ballot prior to the election, and I am not raising funds, I only ask that you write in my name, Kevin H. Newman, as your choice when you exercise your right to vote on November 5, 2002. I also ask that you contact friends that may be likely to do the same. As I stated before this is an entirely grassroots effort. If you are like me, and are tired of the marginal representation that you are receiving in Washington, DC, then this year is the time to act. Otherwise, if the provisions of the Shays-Meehan-McCain-Feingold legislation are upheld in the Supreme Court, the opportunity may never come again.

As concerns my personal qualifications for this position, I am a natural born American citizen, 45 years old, and have lived in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1984. I am married to a wonderful woman; we have a beautiful newborn son. I am an honorably discharged veteran of the United States, Navy, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

I am just getting started on this write-in campaign, so bear with me while we develop an information infrastructure.

Congressional districts and counties statewide are holding their conventions and mass meetings beginning tomorrow. If you care to visit any of them, here's the calendar of events at the Republican Party of Virginia site.

Have you considered going to any of the city/county GOP committee monthly meetings and addressing them? I would love to see the look on the face of John Warner's lackey when you say your peace right after him.

Have you considered going to any of the city/county GOP committee monthly meetings and addressing them?

I have some folks working on setting up something right now concerning these meetings. When we have something firmed up I will post notices here on FR to let people know so that they can attend.

This could be the best thing to ever start on Freeper! Lets all work together to get Freeper US Senate Candidates -particularly you folks in South Dakota!

Good luck to you, P8riot. I think you're going to pull it off! Just think, all we need are 2 FReepers per state with political aspirations like you, and it's game, set and match. Just 100 FReepers, that's all, to undo years of liberal crap legislation. Perhaps we need to gently 'recruit' students in the poli-sci and law departments at colleges to check out FR. I believe that once people frequent FR, they can't deny the truths that they confront here. That may be the ticket to a brighter USA future.

You beat me by 3 replies. (Although, I added another twist; basically create/recruit more FReepers in the future-politician-rich poli-sci and law departments and universities.)

Too bad you we are not in your district.

You're in luck. The election of a U.S. Senator is statewide.

"My hat is now in the ring."

You wouldda been a vast improvement to the status quo...MUD

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