CihaBlog

Tuesday night the 2008 election came to historic end. Over the last ten months we worked tirelessly and diligently to get our message out to the voters of the 2nd district. Although a nomination did not result from our hard work, I am proud of the way we ran the campaign and we learned a lot about the process to lay the ground work for the next election.

I greatly appreciate everyone that contributed to the cause through your time, donations, encouraging words and prayers. I know that each of you and your families have many activities that tax your time and pocketbooks, and I can't thank you enough for the sacrifices that each one of you made to further the campaign efforts. I am humbled by the outpouring of support that everyone has given me and my family during these long months and I am eternally grateful.

Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Thank you for joining me in this first step toward cleaning up our government. With your continued support we will bring the needed change to Congress, it is only a matter of time!

As an independent, my candidacy is different than the others. It is rooted in basic American values that are first and foremost non-partisan, and it is premised on the belief that Americans are ready to rise above partisan politics and really accomplish something positive for America.

I believe that voters are seeking a new kind of representative – one that takes an objective view towards our most difficult problems, who proactively seeks to address America's challenges before they become a crisis, and who tells them the truth without regard to political consequences. They seek a representative that has a strong work ethic and a basic sense of fairness. In short, they seek an everyday Iowan who is committed to putting the interest of the people first. I am that candidate.

By way of introduction, I am a long time Iowan living in North Liberty with my wife, Alicia, and three children, Aidan, Alex, and Caityln. I work as legal counsel at the University hospitals and teach Masters students as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the College of Public Health. My key objectives are very straight-forward.

First, we must pass real governmental reform by outlawing PAC campaign contributions, supporting transparency and public financing of campaigns, and using term limits to weaken the entrenched interests. Only an independent can truly pursue these objectives and advocate on behalf of the people regardless of the effect on the political parties.

Second, we must establish a comprehensive clean energy policy rather than just talk about it. For decades Republicans and Democrats alike have promised to end our dependency on foreign oil, but our dependence has grown dramatically during that time. We must act now.

Third, we must repair our standing in the world by re-building our international relationships. We cannot afford a continuation of current policy.

Fourth, we must control spending. Our national debt exceeded $10 trillion dollars this year under the control of a party that promised fiscal responsibility. That equates to $135,000 of debt for a family of four. I believe it is a moral obligation to defend our children against this reckless spending, and we can only do it if we elect representatives that are committed to fiscal responsibility.

Fifth, we must save our social security system and reform our health care system. It is common knowledge that the solvency of the social security program is in jeopardy, yet Congress does nothing. Soon, it too will become a crisis of an even greater magnitude and we will once again be forced to bail out a Congress that didn't act sooner.

I encourage you to visit my website at www.brianwhite2008.com to learn more about my background and my position on the issues. There, you will also find a link to the only debate that included all four candidates on the ballot and judge for yourself which of us is best suited to be your representative.

As you go to the polls on November 4th, I hope you consider the strength of the candidates' messages rather than their party affiliation. As an independent, I am under-funded and without a pre-existing network of ground forces, but I am also an American optimist and an everyday Iowan that wants to see a bright future for our children. I want to make a difference in the lives of Americans and in how history perceives us, but I can only do this with your vote. Please consider voting for an independent this election, and spread the word to your family and friends. I welcome your support!

To celebrate the end of the campaign and the beginning of a new democracy, we are going to gather at the Vine in Coralville on election night. Anyone and everyone is welcome – Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens and the independents in all of us! The festivities will begin around 6PM and last until everyone leaves or they kick us out.

In these last days, remember to keep spreading the word about the campaign and directing people to the website: www.brianwhite2008.com. Thank you!

What: Election Party – Brian White 2008
Where: The Vine (on the Coralville strip)
When: 6PM …
Who: Family event – all ages welcome