Lake Zurich, IL – February 1, 2010

“This race will be watched by political trend-spotters not just because of any
threat to Bean but because it pits a tea-party insurgent (Joe Walsh) against a Republican mayor (Maria Rodriguez) with support from key GOP politicians”

- Chicago Sun-Times

Rarely in elections are we presented with a choice that is both historic and clear-cut. The Republican Primary in the 8th District tomorrow is such an election. Two very good people are the front runners. One is enthusiastically endorsed by all the tea party groups and conservative grassroots organizations, one was handpicked by a few Party bosses. One is running because he feels like he is losing his country, the other is running because she was asked. One is called the “tea party conservative”, the other is called “the only elected official in the race.”

We’re all tea party folks now because we are all fed up, concerned, scared, and yes, angry about the direction the country is heading. The only way we can beat Melissa Bean in November is with a candidate who will energetically excite and help round up all of the Republicans, Independents,and Democrats who feel this way. Melissa Bean is on the wrong side of this historic debate.

It’s going to take a revolution — passionate and loud — not a typical political campaign. It’s going to take a tea party conservative, not a typical Republican candidate.

Our goal is to beat Melissa Bean, pull our Republican Party back to its conservative roots, and begin to take our country back. This is not the time to be safe, timid, or go with what the newspapers or Party bosses say. This is your time to call the shots. And only by listening to you all, tea party Republicans, Independents, and Democrats everywhere, will we win.

I will lead by example and act as a Citizen Legislator – the type of person our Founding Fathers envisioned. My pledge to you is as follows:

1. I will not serve more than 3 terms in the House (6 years), if so privileged.
2. I will not receive any health plans or retirement benefits that only congressmen get and that aren’t available to all Americans.
3. I will not vote for any legislation which increases the size of government or isn’t supported by the Constitution.
4. I will never add an earmark to any bill.
5. I will always speak my mind and tell my constituents the truth.
6. I will always be accessible to my constituents and hold town halls on a regular basis, in good times or bad

We need to get Americans to feel good about their government again.

Spread the word — email and call — everyone you know in the next 24 hours. Tell them we’ve got a revolution brewing in the 8th district.

Sincerely,
Joe Walsh