I type these words from a lecture hall at the NIU Facility in Hoffman Estates after having presented myself to a sub committee of the Illinois Democratic Central Committee. My presence is part of my consideration as the Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate. My heart is easy now, my time in the light is over for today. I am seated in the back, near the channel 7 camera man.
I am pretty sure I am situated somewhere behind a snowball in hell in the grander scheme of things. However I am satisfying my call to service. With some luck and providence, I will reach that goal someday. For now I need to battle a snowstorm to get home and start building the bookshelves I promised my beautiful fiance.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lets make "Change" mean something again.
Today I submitted my candidacy papers to be chosen as the Illinois Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate. Those of you familiar with this blog know that recently I sought nomination as the Republican US Senate Candidate from Illinois. What I learned during that campaign, besides what truly great people live in our state, is that party affiliation only fuels the fires of isolation, rendering our government ineffective. To make a real change, we need to start working together.
During my Senate Campaign I was told my views were not considered conservative enough by the Republican Party Hierarchy. Although I hold many Democratic ideals within my beliefs, I do not feel I can be called a Democrat. I, like many people of Illinois, find myself gifted with a sense of Midwestern Pragmatism that does not dictate belief by party nomenclature. Each issue should be considered with Human perspective.
Our Country has lost that perspective and we need to return to our roots, leaving monetary interest behind. We need to legislate to create a better world for our children not to line the pockets of corrupt politicians. Only together can we have change which is so desperately needed.
Ed Varga, Lieutenant Governor.
During my Senate Campaign I was told my views were not considered conservative enough by the Republican Party Hierarchy. Although I hold many Democratic ideals within my beliefs, I do not feel I can be called a Democrat. I, like many people of Illinois, find myself gifted with a sense of Midwestern Pragmatism that does not dictate belief by party nomenclature. Each issue should be considered with Human perspective.
Our Country has lost that perspective and we need to return to our roots, leaving monetary interest behind. We need to legislate to create a better world for our children not to line the pockets of corrupt politicians. Only together can we have change which is so desperately needed.
Ed Varga, Lieutenant Governor.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Blessed Event
Good news doesn't always travel fast, but it does tend to surprise you when it arrives.
On Monday of this week I heard from my Fiance' that her adoption is nearly complete. In four days she will travel to Haiti to pick up her son and finally bring him home. The timing of this news is odd, considering that delay after delay caused her to be optimistic that after two years of waiting she might have her son home by Christmas. Now he will be home for Thanksgiving.
It seems now more than ever my decision to not seek a place on the 2010 primary ballot was prudent. My focus is needed right here, nurturing a bond with a little boy who will one day be my son.
On Monday of this week I heard from my Fiance' that her adoption is nearly complete. In four days she will travel to Haiti to pick up her son and finally bring him home. The timing of this news is odd, considering that delay after delay caused her to be optimistic that after two years of waiting she might have her son home by Christmas. Now he will be home for Thanksgiving.
It seems now more than ever my decision to not seek a place on the 2010 primary ballot was prudent. My focus is needed right here, nurturing a bond with a little boy who will one day be my son.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Out for now...
Today, after much thought about the race for the US Senate, my own family situation, and the current state of the Republican Party, I have decided not to pursue a spot on the February 2010 Primary Ballot. Therefore, I officially declare that I am no longer seeking nomination as the Republican Party Candidate for United States Senator from Illinois.
It should be understood that I still very much think myself qualified for the job and that American Government needs the input of non-career politicians more now than ever before. As of right now there are ten candidates for the seat currently held by Roland Burris; five are Republican, four Democrat, and one Green Party. There is very little chance that my staying in the race would do anything short of split the Republican vote further than it already is. Over the past five months I have learned more about American Government, Politics, and the Constitution than I ever thought I could. Hopefully with all of the people I have had a chance to meet, all the concerns I have heard, and all the miles I have traveled, I have accomplished something.
Those of you who regularly read this blog are aware that I became engaged three weeks ago to a wonderful woman, who even before meeting me, made the decision to become a mother and adopt a child. Many plans are to be made as she and I bring our families together and I intend to use this break in my busy schedule for just that. In addition, I have discussed with my campaign consultant the possibility of running in the general election as an Independent. This may be the best option since I never did curtail my beliefs to the strict norms of either political party and my love of the Constitution and this nation has never been stronger.
For the many well-wishers, family, friends, and supporters who encouraged me on the way, I say thank you. Your impact on my life and my beliefs will never fade. May God bless each and every one of you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Ed Varga
It should be understood that I still very much think myself qualified for the job and that American Government needs the input of non-career politicians more now than ever before. As of right now there are ten candidates for the seat currently held by Roland Burris; five are Republican, four Democrat, and one Green Party. There is very little chance that my staying in the race would do anything short of split the Republican vote further than it already is. Over the past five months I have learned more about American Government, Politics, and the Constitution than I ever thought I could. Hopefully with all of the people I have had a chance to meet, all the concerns I have heard, and all the miles I have traveled, I have accomplished something.
Those of you who regularly read this blog are aware that I became engaged three weeks ago to a wonderful woman, who even before meeting me, made the decision to become a mother and adopt a child. Many plans are to be made as she and I bring our families together and I intend to use this break in my busy schedule for just that. In addition, I have discussed with my campaign consultant the possibility of running in the general election as an Independent. This may be the best option since I never did curtail my beliefs to the strict norms of either political party and my love of the Constitution and this nation has never been stronger.
For the many well-wishers, family, friends, and supporters who encouraged me on the way, I say thank you. Your impact on my life and my beliefs will never fade. May God bless each and every one of you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Ed Varga
Friday, October 30, 2009
Still on the Stump!
This is the week for filing candidacy papers in Illinois. Needed for the office I seek is the collection and submission of at least 5,000 valid signatures of Illinois registered voters. Although it does not sound like a difficult task, this is the first time the candidates have a chance to knock each other off the ballot.
When I first contacted the Illinois GOP about seeking elected office, the Chicago representative I spoke with suggested obtaining at least 8,000 signatures. His impression was with the attrition caused by incorrectly filed petitions and the disqualifications from other candidates, that would be the minimum number I should aim at to make sure I had 5,000 when all was said and done.
To make sure I accomplished this goal, the Committee to Elect Edward Varga contracted with a political consultant downstate to assist with not only campaign consultation but also with signature collection. They are still hard at work to finish signature collection as close to the 8,000 they can. I have collected what I can at events I attended but it is hard to work the room (as they say) and carry a clip board.
Monday, November 2, 2009 is the last day to submit candidacy paperwork. Until then I am on the stump!
When I first contacted the Illinois GOP about seeking elected office, the Chicago representative I spoke with suggested obtaining at least 8,000 signatures. His impression was with the attrition caused by incorrectly filed petitions and the disqualifications from other candidates, that would be the minimum number I should aim at to make sure I had 5,000 when all was said and done.
To make sure I accomplished this goal, the Committee to Elect Edward Varga contracted with a political consultant downstate to assist with not only campaign consultation but also with signature collection. They are still hard at work to finish signature collection as close to the 8,000 they can. I have collected what I can at events I attended but it is hard to work the room (as they say) and carry a clip board.
Monday, November 2, 2009 is the last day to submit candidacy paperwork. Until then I am on the stump!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Am I a Moderate?
Last night I attended the Concerned Citizens of America meeting in Rockford. The CCA is a political action committee and last night they held a candidate's forum for those seeking the office of United States Senator.
It was good to see some of the other republican candidates again. We have been attending events together for the last three months and the atmosphere is always congenial, for the most part. The only candidate I have not had a chance to really talk to is representative Mark Kirk. His appearance style is much more traditional to what we expect from campaigning. His handlers show up before the event starts, the lawn outside the event gets plastered with signs, Kirk shows up to speak and as quickly as he arrived, he leaves.
Last night I found myself at a table with Eric Wallace and Don Lawry waiting for our turn to speak. These are two of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. I was up to speak second, after Bob Zadek. He and I met in Dekalb and he was his normal ear-to-ear grinning self last night.
The moderator of the event was Larry Jacobs, VP with World Congress of Families. His job was to make sure each candidate got asked the same questions and to make sure we followed the rules. Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves, followed by 5 quick answer questions, then more in-depth questions in which we had up to three minutes to answer each. The final question was a two minute allowable time frame.
The meaning behind the title of this blog entry is based on my answer to one of the quick fire questions. All of the candidates that presented last night answered every question the same, except for one. The question was whether or not I would support a constitutional amendment to define marriage as occurring between a man and a woman. My answer was that I would oppose such an amendment.
On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer question and any candidate trying to appeal to a conservative voter would support such an amendment. However, I was not out to pander to voters, instead I approached it from a constitutional viewpoint. the constitution makes no provision for the federal government to regulate marriage and therefore the decision belongs with the individual states. I guess since my answer differed so much from all of the conservatives, that means I am a moderate.
The people in attendance were very interactive and seemed receptive to my position that for issues from education, to health care, and even the economy, we need to remove the influence of the federal government and empower the states to meet the needs of their populations.
It was good to see some of the other republican candidates again. We have been attending events together for the last three months and the atmosphere is always congenial, for the most part. The only candidate I have not had a chance to really talk to is representative Mark Kirk. His appearance style is much more traditional to what we expect from campaigning. His handlers show up before the event starts, the lawn outside the event gets plastered with signs, Kirk shows up to speak and as quickly as he arrived, he leaves.
Last night I found myself at a table with Eric Wallace and Don Lawry waiting for our turn to speak. These are two of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. I was up to speak second, after Bob Zadek. He and I met in Dekalb and he was his normal ear-to-ear grinning self last night.
The moderator of the event was Larry Jacobs, VP with World Congress of Families. His job was to make sure each candidate got asked the same questions and to make sure we followed the rules. Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves, followed by 5 quick answer questions, then more in-depth questions in which we had up to three minutes to answer each. The final question was a two minute allowable time frame.
The meaning behind the title of this blog entry is based on my answer to one of the quick fire questions. All of the candidates that presented last night answered every question the same, except for one. The question was whether or not I would support a constitutional amendment to define marriage as occurring between a man and a woman. My answer was that I would oppose such an amendment.
On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer question and any candidate trying to appeal to a conservative voter would support such an amendment. However, I was not out to pander to voters, instead I approached it from a constitutional viewpoint. the constitution makes no provision for the federal government to regulate marriage and therefore the decision belongs with the individual states. I guess since my answer differed so much from all of the conservatives, that means I am a moderate.
The people in attendance were very interactive and seemed receptive to my position that for issues from education, to health care, and even the economy, we need to remove the influence of the federal government and empower the states to meet the needs of their populations.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
More Good TARP News!
If you think I am going to write good news about the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), then you did not see the sarcasm in the title of this Blog entry.
CNN just ran a report on the testimony offered by Neil Barofsky, special inspector general for the treasury's financial sector rescue. In his testimony and supporting report, he states the bailout has several hidden costs. According to Barofsky, "the monetary loss will likely be substantial... the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Troubled Asset Relief Program will ultimately cost taxpayers $159 billion." $159 billion... is that all?
Here is one point I got from the CNN staory that I want to share with as many people as I can. The treasury department has spent $467.1 billion so far on the bailout. A substantial portion of that borrowing was through issuing debt as treasury bonds. In his report, Barofsky indicates 46% of government expenditures in 2009 are related to that debt. In the past 10 years, the average of new debt issues was 9%. This clearly mirrors the steep increase in this year's deficit numbers.
Say it with me; HOLY COW!
Kudos to Mr. Barofsky. He shows more of a human side than most in Washington these days because his testimony includes the psychology of our financial troubles and the way our government is addressing them. From the CNN report, "Barofsky also said that the government's lack of transparency about the bailout could cost taxpayers in the long run, as a growing distrust of the government could impede its ability to enact important legislation."
Good point, Mr. Barofsky.
CNN just ran a report on the testimony offered by Neil Barofsky, special inspector general for the treasury's financial sector rescue. In his testimony and supporting report, he states the bailout has several hidden costs. According to Barofsky, "the monetary loss will likely be substantial... the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Troubled Asset Relief Program will ultimately cost taxpayers $159 billion." $159 billion... is that all?
Here is one point I got from the CNN staory that I want to share with as many people as I can. The treasury department has spent $467.1 billion so far on the bailout. A substantial portion of that borrowing was through issuing debt as treasury bonds. In his report, Barofsky indicates 46% of government expenditures in 2009 are related to that debt. In the past 10 years, the average of new debt issues was 9%. This clearly mirrors the steep increase in this year's deficit numbers.
Say it with me; HOLY COW!
Kudos to Mr. Barofsky. He shows more of a human side than most in Washington these days because his testimony includes the psychology of our financial troubles and the way our government is addressing them. From the CNN report, "Barofsky also said that the government's lack of transparency about the bailout could cost taxpayers in the long run, as a growing distrust of the government could impede its ability to enact important legislation."
Good point, Mr. Barofsky.
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