Young Guns : A New Generation of Conservative Leaders (22 page)

In order to strengthen our economy and preserve the opportunities for the next generation, Adam knows that we need to change the direction of this country, and he is once again ready to answer the call to service and fight for better solutions in Washington for the people of the 11th District.

Obviously, there isn’t space to talk about all of the great candidates that have been recruited and are running in districts all across the country. The above list is only a glimpse into the quality people who are working hard to change this country and their party for the better. We are excited about supporting them and watching them push toward victory.

A lot has changed in four years since I made the fateful
decision to run for Congress in 2006. In many ways it has been more difficult than I might have imagined. The Republican Party has seen some dark times and the challenges our country faces have only grown.

And while the political environment has changed in important ways there is still an epic battle for how this country is to be governed taking place in Washington.

But I am excited about the future because of the people I’ve discussed here and hundreds like them all over America. The work is hard and we have a long way to go. But we do it because we know it is about more than getting elected. Because, like Stephen Fincher, we know it is about the future for our children and grandchildren. This is about a new commitment to what it means to be an American.

I’m often asked how, if Republicans win back the majority in Congress, we can ensure that we won’t violate the people’s trust the way the previous Republican majority did. How can we be sure we won’t fall back into the high-spending, earmarking culture that was the party’s downfall in 2006?

My answer is, through hard work we are re-earning the people’s trust. We are making a commitment to America, a commitment in the form of solutions based on our principles.

Should we regain the American people’s trust, we will insist that our feet are held to the fire. If given the opportunity to govern, we will deliver on our commitment. If we
don’t, I’m confident the American people will send us packing. That’s what democracy is about. We know we don’t have an automatic right to lead. As Ronald Reagan used to say, America is a nation that has government, not the other way around. We’re ready to be held accountable.

When I walk up those steps in the Capitol Building, I want to know that I have done all I can to live up to my ideals and represent the citizens who sent me there. And when I no longer get goose bumps walking into the People’s House, I’ll know it is time to go home.

Appendix A

Members of the House Republican
Economic Recovery Working Group

Appendix B

Members of the House Republican
Young Guns