Why I'm Running

Half a century ago a Democrat admonished us, saying, “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy, a liberal president, used his inaugural address to remind us that our duty, as citizens, is to our country and NOT vice versa. It seems, in the intervening years, our most progressive brethren have forgotten that – uniting under their preferred refrain of “What have you done for me lately?”

Unlike others in this race, I’m not a professional political operative. I’m a concerned American, just like you - a mother, a tax payer, an employee. I’ve watched as our government has taken away more of our freedoms, more of our money, and in spite of all that, left us less safe, less stable.

I’ve met too many Americans who have simply given up on our country, washing their hands of culpability or capability. But I have also met many citizens who refuse to step aside, who refuse to back down, who are ready and willing to fight for the ideals our Founding Fathers cherished. This country desperately needs honest, hard-working Americans willing to step out of their comfort zone to make a difference. People who are willing to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done, even if it makes them uncomfortable or unpopular.

As I said before, I am not a politician, and I never imagined I would be running for office. Yet here I stand, not for the sake of ‘just another government gig’ but for the people – for the honor of those who have fought, and died, for our liberties; for those working three bad jobs to support their family; for our children, and our children’s children; and even for those do not yet realize all that they sacrifice when they choose to depend on government for everything. I speak for the people because I am one. The people’s story is my story – my struggles, my hardships, my heartaches…and my successes.

I was raised in a poor family and have experienced firsthand the struggles low income families face, especially when raising children. I talk with business owners every day about the obstacles they constantly overcome just to keep their doors open, to keep creating jobs.

I have worked tirelessly all my life to ensure that my children have a better start in life than I did when I was young. I know that, regardless of your current circumstances, you can become whatever you put your mind to, and you can accomplish more than you can even dream.

To regain the American dream for all people, we must unite all people as Americans – black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Native, Democrat, Republican, District 1; the adjectives go on and on, but the soul of the phrase is “American”.

On election day, vote Stephanie Carlisle for Congress - be heard.