These days, politics are more polarized than ever. Both parties have changed over the years and the extreme is too frequently taking center-stage. I have the utmost respect for most Republicans and indeed I have cast my ballot for some fine Republican candidates but I am a Democrat. I’m a Democrat that believes we should strive for bi-partisan solutions when possible and I acknowledge there are many different perspectives on any given issue. I value our multi-party system because it helps preserve the checks and balances that are the bulwark of our democracy and which have beginnings that date back to the founding of our nation.

Fate has it that I was born into a democratic family. I recall Governor Bayh visiting our family 4^th of July celebration when I was a teenager. My mother’s side of the family were small business owners that were active in politics and hosted a public fireworks display every 4th of July. I had dinner with Evan Bayh. He sat down right next to me with his two body guards standing behind us. At that time, I thought I wanted to be a poet. I had grown my hair out long and identified with the grunge rock movement. I was likely wearing shredded jeans. I was impressed with Governor Bayh because he struck up a conversation with me and asked about my plans and ambitions. I felt outclassed but I respected that he didn’t discredit me. Of all the people he could have been “politicking” with, he chose to strike up a conversation with me, and I certainly didn’t look like somebody with a wide influence or deep pockets.

I considered putting in my name as an independent but if I did so I would not be true to myself and my roots. Democrats see themselves as advocating for the working class and for custodianship of the future. But we can advocate for the average person and for future generations in different ways. I have always been a moderate and to be frank, it will take a moderate to win District 65.

My promise is that I will always listen to what you want, whether you’re Democrat or Republican, and will take a wide consensus on the issues. Whether you like Evan Bayh or not, you have to respect that he would take the time to talk to a long haired rebel with shredded jeans. I want to embody that, to be somebody you can approach. Ironically, one of my greatest frustrations in government is that it often seems that no one is willing to listen when an issue is raised. If I’m elected, I promise that I will listen to you as I pursue a quest to seek sensible laws, opportunity for my constituents and the accountability of the government.