The last week has been an exciting one for our campaign.  There is no question that the people of western Pennsylvania are deeply concerned about the direction in which the Democrats are leading our country.  Everywhere I have gone this week, I have sensed a growing confidence that this year we can—and must—elect people this November who will take the lead against the radical agenda of President Obama and Nancy Pelosi.

          At the same time, I can tell you that there is a growing awareness that there is a real contrast between the two candidates in the Republican primary.  I am not a career federal employee, hoping to move up another step on the political ladder.  I put my career on hold to run for this seat for one reason:  the stakes for our country are just too high for those who care about the future of the United States to do nothing.

          The professional politicians of both parties have failed us—and every day I am encouraged by the voters I meet who are determined to elect a real conservative this fall.