It’s Time for a New Style of Leadership

Editor’s Note: A local newspaper in the 2nd Congressional District asked the 2 CD Congressional candidates to submit an op-ed piece on why they are running for Congress.  Below is Luke Puckett’s op-ed that appeared today.

By: Luke Puckett

My name is Luke Puckett and I’m running for Congress in Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District. As a small businessman, father, and citizen I’m running for Congress because I believe that we need common sense solutions to the challenges facing our country. The status quo in Washington needs to change and the actions of this Congress offer us no hope that real change is imminent.

(Read the rest below the fold)

As I’ve traveled this district and talked to people I’ve found that there are three very important issues that many of them are thinking about: the first is the economy, the second is health care, and the third is our national security.

Perhaps nothing illustrates the seriousness of the current economic uncertainty like the rise in gas prices. According to AAA, since the start of 2007 gas prices have risen 50% and Hoosiers, myself included, are feeling this increase every time we fill up at the pump.

Unfortunately, as Americans have been faced with higher and higher gas prices, politicians in Washington have continually failed to push for policies that will bring both immediate and long-term relief.

Recently, Congress passed legislation giving a tax credit to the producers of cellulosic alcohol fuel. There are zero gas stations that sell this fuel. This same Congress has refused to pass legislation that would allow for environmentally friendly oil drilling to take place in Alaska and elsewhere.

As the next congressman from Indiana’s 2nd District, I’ll fight to open up domestic energy sources and I’ll advocate for real solutions that will lower gas prices for Hoosiers.

Another concern that many people have today is the rising cost of health care. Rep. Joe Donnelly’s party believes that the best way to solve this problem is by having the government take over our health care system. Why would we want the same people who couldn’t get water to the Louisiana Super Dome in charge of our health care system? Europe and Canada have already found out that nationalized health care is a boondoggle where only the bureaucrats win.

Our national security is very important and I firmly believe that we need to give our military and intelligence agencies the tools they need to keep us safe.

It is an honor to be an average citizen running for Congress. I’m confident that together we can dream big dreams about America’s future and work to solve the problems that we face.

Luke Puckett is a Republican candidate for Congress.  Visit www.puckett08.com to learn more about him.