I support Hayden Rogers for Congress (D-NC)

In North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, I support Hayden Rogers for Congress (D-NC). The race in 2012 will determine who will replace the retiring Congressman Heath Shuler (D), a former NFL quarterback, prominent member of the Blue Dog Coalition, and 2011 candidate for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

From 2004 to 2006, I worked for Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX). For many years, Chet had the distinction of being the Democrat who represented the most Republican district in the House of Representatives. I learned a great deal from Chet and I was schooled in pragmatic, centrist, yet distinctly Democratic solutions to improve the quality of life for all Americans. Our 2006 campaign slogan was, “Chet Edwards: The independence to do what is right, the experience to get things done.”

Heath Shuler was one of my favorite Representatives. Congress needs more Members like Heath Shuler (D-NC), Dan Boren (D-OK), Chet Edwards (D-TX), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), John Tanner (D-TN), Bart Stupak (D-MI), and Stephanie Herseth (D-SD). Unfortunately, Republicans, in their never-ending quest to increase their numbers at the expense of cooperative centrists and good government, have either defeated all of these Representatives in recent years and replaced them with hardline conservatives or have forced these Representatives into retirement via partisan redistricting.

At no other time in recent memory has it ever been more critical to elevate pragmatic, solutions-driven candidates to leadership positions. Our government is occupied by hardline, hardcore partisans on both sides who proudly hold themselves out to the public as such. This incites religious fervor among the partisan activists, but does no good for the country when it is time to tackle the issues the country faces.

Hayden Rogers, an entrepreneur and Heath Shuler’s Chief of Staff, will continue the legacy of Heath Shuler in the House of Representatives. He will be a much-needed voice of reason who will advocate and pursue policies that will benefit America instead of an ideology. Support Hayden Rogers for Congress.

http://www.haydenrogersforcongress.com/