Michigan families are hurting. They need real solutions to real problems, not overheated campaign rhetoric. I have always prided myself on my ability to work across the aisle, and I will continue to do so in Washington. However, I will not compromise on finding real solutions that work. I believe that the many of the radical ideas of the Tea Party are a danger to our democratic society, and I will fight them at every turn. Michigan families simply cannot afford to have a Congressman who is distracted by these fringe ideas. I will focus like a laser on jobs and the economy, and fight to bring economic prosperity back to West Michigan. My time in the U.S. Marine Corps taught me that perseverance is the key to success, and I will bring that spirit, and work ethic, to Washington.