The system we have relied on for years to identify and elect our representatives is broken.  We can no longer depend on the Party system which focuses its selection process on a narrow field of people who have "paid their dues" and whose turn it is to move up.  We need candidates who have demonstrated success in whatever career field they have chosen.

It's time to start thinking about who will replace ineffective legislators at the state and federal level in 2012.  The goal, however, should not be simply to toss out those who are mediocre - and they are legion - but to put bright shining stars of integrity in office, people who will actually LEAD and support bottom line conservative values.  How about you?

I decided to run for Congress in September of 2009, and launched headfirst into a campaign that frankly took the Third District by storm. This was one of the most challenging, and rewarding things I have ever done. Though 44% of the popular vote in the primary was pretty darn good, we often think of how much better we could have done had we started planning earlier.  So if you are considering a run for Congress, Senate, or the state assembly, or know a good prospect, you need to start planning now.  Trust me, GOP and Democrat operatives are hand-picking the next mediocre group of politicians to send down their greased pathway to power.  Citizens need to come forward.

Here's what to expect: Until we turn this around the establishment will do everything in its power to see that you are defeated, all the while claiming "neutrality."  You will be the object of scorn, lies, criticism, and so will your spouse and family.  The Colorado state GOP is looking for new management, and that is a good thing.  We can only hope for better days where new energy and ideas will be accepted. 

You will need money, lots of it, because this is the unfortunate state of affairs in politics.  While your GOP or Dem establishment opponent is going to private parties, having big donors write big checks, you'll be getting $20 from families that can't afford it.  It's heartbreaking and very difficult.  The whole process requires nerves of steel, a big heart, and a very thick skin. Are you up to the task?

Mediocre politicians populate the halls of Congress and the Assembly. They have been protected by the establishment, shepherded through the caucus and Assembly processes, given the benefit of all the complex political procedures, and shaped by the good old boys who have often been in power for decades.  By the time they finally get to whatever race they are deemed fit for, they have lost all independence from the system, all intellectual zeal, and all passion. Those days are done.

You will work and travel 24/7.  Since you are "grassroots," there will be a complete dependency on your family and friends to step up and make it work.  The press will have a field day with every honest thing you say, and the establishment may try to keep you out of the information loop.  Leadership in many counties is open to us, and more fresh faces are moving into leadership positions.  You will need to be prepared and determined. 

Service to the country and to conservative ideals is critical and totally worth the misery of the political process.  I met thousands of honest, hard-working, caring Americans who gave me their hearts, their trust, their money.  I am still devoted to them, and to the cause, and  I will assist any candidate from any party if they have integrity and complete commitment to conservative principles.  I will give these folks my time, the benefit of my experience, and I will back them 100% in whatever way possible.  If you are thinking about such a move, please contact me, and we will gather like-minded people and start your campaign.  Further, go out in your communities and actively recruit the people you know would make stellar leaders.  Convince them it is time to serve, and then help them every step of the way.  

This country is circling the drain because we continue to send mediocre, worn out, soulless politicos to DC and Denver.  These are the people who have compromised from Day One, and they will "stay in the middle" as Dick Morris advises, in order to get elected and reelected. Let's start fielding candidates of excellence, citizen leaders who will not pander to politics. We must start cultivating candidates. Are you with me?