Question:
Patricia, this is a bona fide question: “You are a politician. That is your chosen profession and how you get a paycheck. Politicians are about assuming and keeping power; nothing more and nothing less. Experience tells us that virtually all politicians are pandering liars. What can you say to convince me or others that you are nothing more than another pandering liar?”

Having asked that question, I will further explain. Leaders are not pandering liars. Leaders are not politicians. Leaders have vision and a pure moral sense. Leaders can stand up and swim against the stream of those who want to use “politicians” for their own personal gain. This is the root of corruption. The Beltway crowd has become about nothing other than corruption. Leaders cannot be used by the corrupt crowd. They cannot be manipulated by the money changers.

Loren

Patricia's Answer:
Dear Loren,

Thank you for writing and I appreciate the question.

First of all, it is important to note that I am not currently a politician. I have not been in the state legislature for 5 years, and was in the legislature for three terms. Since that time, I have been working in the private sector.

I do agree with you about leadership and the need for elected officials who will stand on principle rather than acting purely for politics. While all who run for office are political by definition, the "politician" need not be a dirty word -- the key is electing politicians who, as you alluded to, have a principled, moral core and will not be afraid to stand firm in the face of pressure to conform to the ways of Washington.

The good news is that there are, indeed, good people in government and who have had the courage to run for office. While too many lie and pander, there are also many who have the strength to stand for truth and let the political chips fall where they may and we must do what we can to support them. I admire your passion in seeking to elect more people who possess such a mindset.

Since the beginning of this campaign, I have been firm and consistent about my principles and what I believe. I will not relent in my belief in limited government, economic freedom, individual liberty, and the other core belief I hold dear. It is my belief in those principles -- and the need to restore them in government -- that inspired me to run for Congress.

If elected, the voters of the 3rd District will have the right to judge my record against those principles and state their opinion at the ballot box. I would simply ask you to do the same -- and I believe you will find that leader you are looking for.

Patricia