Congressman says Louisiana needs a different approach
(Napoleonville, LA) Today, U.S. Representative Charlie Melançon (University of Louisiana, '72) announced that he will run to replace U.S. Senator David Vitter. Melançon made his announcement in an internet video emailed to his supporters in Louisiana.
Later this year, Charlie will do a campaign kick-off with events and rallies around the state.
A web version of the video can be viewed here. The full script is below:
Hello my name is Charlie Melançon. I'm a businessman, who's been an ambassador for our State's Sugar industry...and I've owned and run several successful businesses.
I'm a proud family man, the father of two great children...and Peachy and I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary just last week.
And today, I'm announcing my candidacy for the US Senate to replace David Vitter because Louisiana deserves better. Louisiana needs a different approach. More bi-partisan. More disciplined. More honest and with a whole lot more common sense.
As a businessman, my background has been about demanding accountability, getting results and solving problems.
In these tough economic times we've gotta be a whole lot smarter. First, we must get government spending and this deficit under control...while creating more economic opportunity for Louisiana, by cutting taxes on small businesses, and making responsible investments in job training and college opportunity.
For me it's all about the right priorities. Like making sure our Veterans get the unwavering support that they're earned...because it's a Senator's number one job to protect America, keep Louisiana safe from terrorists and keep our military strong.
And how, in times like these, do we get all this done?
Well, first, those insiders in Washington need to spend A LOT less time scoring political points or sticking it to the other guy -- they need to come out of their corners and bring people together. Because no matter if you are in Mamou or Monroe, it's not whether it's a Republican idea or a Democratic idea - the only question is: does it make sense for Louisiana?
I'm a pro-life, pro-gun, Southern Democrat. I have an "A" rating with the NRA, and I have been an avid hunter and fisherman my entire life. I am a proud centrist -- a Blue Dog -- a straight-up-the-middle fighter for the little guy who is struggling to make ends meet.
That's why my most rewarding moment as a Congressman came from a partnership with private organizations, Republicans, and Democrats after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We came together to alleviate the suffering and ensure people received the help they needed.
Party politics was the last thing on my mind. I got into public service to help people, period.
So, please join my campaign for the U.S. Senate. Because whether it's our senior citizens or middle-class families -- we deserve a new Senator who always puts the people of Louisiana first.
Peachy and I are gonna run a campaign that starts from the ground up -- around the kitchen table, fence posts, and barber shops -- not out of Washington with all the slick mumbo-jumbo that ends up dividing us. God gave us two ears and only one mouth because listening matters most.
And I plan on listening...so please ask me questions about your concerns...how do we protect our energy economy, how do we improve our schools...and how do we create even more jobs...
My philosophy is simple: I will work with anyone or I'll stand up to anyone if it's the right thing to do for Louisiana. That's something about me that won't ever change...I'll be a Senator that you can be proud of.
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