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Let the Voters Be Heard April 21, 2008 I started advising Brian last year, but recently was asked and I accepted the responsibility to become Campaign Manager. I have been on the campaign trail with Brian and have met several of you. I, personally, want to thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t met me, let me tell you right now – I am to the point. I have committed myself to this campaign in order for Brian Ruiz to be elected as District 31’s next Congressman. With that stated, let me apologize ahead of time if I come across slightly abrupt.
Brian is also my brother. Although we are family, we are very different from each other. Just like many of you, we have different feelings and views on the Democratic Presidential candidates. But, we work well together in this campaign to unify the party and continue the momentum created this election year.
Brian is not a seasoned politician and doesn’t claim to be one. He is running for Congress to represent ALL of Texas Congressional District 31.
We are extremely busy drafting positioning papers, making public appearances and securing financial contributions. We are working feverishly to meet or exceed our April goal of $20,000. We are doing our part to raise the money needed to win in November. All we are asking the voters of District 31 is $10 each. We understand the economic strain put upon you during these trying economic times. Think about this:
Congressman John Carter owns several million dollars of oil company stock. (I wanted to say, “Every time you fill up your car or truck…”, but who does that these days?) Every time you pump gas into your vehicle, you are essentially contributing to Congressman Carter’s campaign.
Congressman Carter is dependent on the oil industry. He is personally invested. How does that represent you?
Brian believes in energy independence and wants to end the US foreign oil addiction.
As Campaign Manager, I have been going through all of Brian’s writings and positions on various issues from his educational and professional years. Along with the original “Together We Can!” speech he gave in middle school, I also ran across some of Brian’s radio projects – some of which were never aired. One of the projects I ran across was a radio tribute to Pat Tillman. Cpl. Tillman will have past away 4 years ago this Tuesday, April 22nd. I thought this should be released again to continue to raise awareness and concern for ALL our servicemen (active, reserve, veteran and deceased). As a USAF veteran, I was moved by this tribute to a great “American Soldier.”
I asked Brian about the history of this tribute and believe his thoughts needed to be shared with all of you. I discovered a story that I didn’t even know.
“…after I produced this tribute I seriously considered joining the service to do my part. I went into a Marines recruiting office on North Lamar (in Austin) and met an old high school classmate that was now a Marine recruiter. We spoke for a long time and he recommended that I go through ROTC.
I started training so I could physically meet the requirements and had even longer conversations with my fiancé about this decision. I could enroll and do basic training during the summer of 2004 and be back for my wedding on September 4th and then leave two weeks later for active duty.
After hours of contemplation and prayer, I decided not to join based upon my emotions.
A month later I learned about the lies of Tillman’s death and it made me wonder, ‘how many other young men and women signed on before learning the true story?’
About a year later, I found myself asking the same question regarding the misinformation we were told before invading Iraq.
Today, I am noticing the lengths we go to for recruitment and retention and clever ways to ensure the goals are met, but inhibit the veterans of the Iraq war from being adequately compensated for their duty to this country.” - Brian P. Ruiz
With so much going on Tuesday (Earth Day and Pennsylvania Democratic Primary), I thought we should take time to remember Cpl. Tillman and address the “war” in Iraq to remind the voters how Rep. Carter addresses this issue.
You have probably heard Congressman Carter state, “this is not a war in Iraq, this is just a battle. It's the battle for Iraq in the 'war on terror.'” – NOW Transcript, November 2006
This is a statement that he has used repeatedly over the last couple of years and continues to use it to this day. This is his way of justifying our occupation in Iraq and deflecting the focus away from the primary objective of “War On Terror” – Osama Bin Laden. This “war” cannot achieve victory without its primary objective being met.
“…the Iraq war, in my particular district, is very—very supported by people. The present state of the war is 62 percent favorable in my district.” - Congressman John Carter, NOW Transcript, November 2006
This is the same person who claims to be consistent on his views on Iraq. How can he call Iraq a battle when he himself is on record referring it as a war? Also, 62% of District 31 is in favor of the war? I am not sure where is getting his numbers, but they probably need to be fired. If the voters of District 31 really believe this, then why did the Ruiz for Congress campaign receive approximately 12,000 more votes than Congressman Carter in the March 4th primary?
I understand many of you might perceive this to be negative towards Congressman Carter. I am only stating facts and referencing his statements. It is time for the voters to hold him accountable.
I have committed to Brian and will publicly commit to the people of District 31, our message and campaign will not change. We will not accept PAC money! This campaign is about YOU! If you are ready for change, then contribute, donate, volunteer and most importantly – go vote.
I am a proponent of the political process - let the voters decide. If the sentiments from the voters are true, then in November, I am confident that Brian will be preparing to be inaugurated.
We are continuing to update our website to create a more interactive environment. If you haven’t seen it lately, you may not even recognize it now. If anyone wants to donate their time to help us keep it updated, we would greatly appreciate it. Also, we have begun accepting resumes for full-time/part-time staffers.
Meet the Candidate
Brian Ruiz will be attending the upcoming events
April 26-27 Red Poppy Festival Georgetown, TX
If you would like to host a fundraiser for Brian, know of an event or meeting we should attend, please contact me via email.
Abel C. Ruiz
Campaign Manager
Ruiz for Congress
Democratic County Convention Speech March 29, 2008 Williamson County Round Rock, TX Bell County Belton, TX
For almost a year, I have been traveling District 31, attending meetings, shaking hands, and listening to your everyday concerns. This past year I have learned that I am a lot like many of you!
I am not ashamed to say that my family lives the everyday life, living month-to-month, trying to make ends meet with a one and two year old. My wife and I both have our college degrees and at times we have held 2 to 3 jobs at a time and still we cannot seem to get ahead. With the rising costs of gas, groceries and other day-to-day expenses, it has become even harder.
When you are in this position, one family crisis, one car accident, one medical emergency can cost more than your insurance will cover. Medical bills or one lost job can put many of us into a financial disaster!
When I think about our policy makers in Washington, D.C., to find one who understands this point of view, I don’t find many people that do.
This is why I decided to run!
I’d like to thank all of you that voted for me in the primary to become the Democratic Nominee for Congressional District 31.
When it comes to answering the question regarding experience, I can tell you I have the best real life experience to be your Representative in the United States Congress.
When it comes to my ability to handle the pressures and stresses of Washington, D.C., it reminds me of a time when the head football coach of the University of Texas, Mack Brown, could not win the BIG game. Year after year, he would lose to Oklahoma and one year, just a few days shy of the game, he was asked about handling the stress and pressure of the game and I remember he said, “This is only a football game. Real stress, real pressure comes when people struggle to put food on their table for their families to eat.”
If that is a measure of real pressure and stress, I can tell you right now that I understand the need for this voice in D.C. I am ready to lead and I am the best candidate running to represent you!
I’ll be honest, I know I’m not your everyday politician that dodges questions and rubs elbows with people of wealth, but I have the passion and the deep commitment to be your voice for American families in Washington, D.C.
We can’t keep electing the same type of politicians for the same type of positions and expect something to change!
A vote for Brian Ruiz in District 31 gives you a chance to bring a fresh perspective to the United States Congress.
I believe it is time to bring all of our voices together throughout the District and this great state of Texas to form one unifying voice that says,
“Together We Can!”
I will be your voice to help change the everyday politics of Washington, D.C. I have humbled myself and I realize no one person can do this alone, but
Together We Can!
I will be your voice to ensure the American people are heard and not just the special interest groups. No one can do that alone, but
Together We Can!
I will be your voice for our failing healthcare industry so anyone that would like insurance would be able to afford it. No one can do this alone, but
Together We Can!
I will be your voice to work towards energy independence and away from our foreign oil addiction. No one can do this alone, but
Together We Can!
I will be your voice and raise our level of public education while paying our teachers the professional salaries they so deserve. This cannot be achieved alone, but
Together We Can!
I will be your voice to bring our military families back home from a war that should never have been started in the first place. This cannot be done alone, but
Together We Can!!!
I will be your voice to show the Republican Party how to become fiscally responsible by balancing the national budget. No one can do this alone, but
Together We Can!!!
This is our time to make a difference – right here, right now!
I will not accept money from special interest groups because this campaign is for you! It is time to get involved. Come and join our campaign, contribute what you can and help achieved victory in November.
Together we can change District 31!
Thank you!
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