“Principles Before Party” … First Whig Since 1800s Qualifies As Candidate For Federal Office

Florida Whig makes history.

Ocala, Florida – April 15, 2010 – Craig Porter of Miami made history on Wednesday, April 14 by becoming the first Whig to be qualified as a candidate for federal office since the 1800s.

Mr. Porter is a contractor, lifetime resident of Miami, 49 years old, married, and the father of three children, qualified to become the first Florida Whig and Whig in the nation to officially qualify to run for Congress from the 25th Congressional District.

Mr. Porter has over 25 years of business management and ownership experience, has been involved in several community projects, and is a man who has the core values of “We the People” where a “principles before party” view of government service will best serve the nation.

Upon being notified of Craig’s qualification, Chairman Truesdell of the Florida Whig Party responded with one word: “Fantastic!” Truesdell added, “Since the first day we spoke on the telephone about his ambition, goals, and vision for America, Congress, and his community, I knew we had a man who was humble yet determined, relaxed yet forceful, and savvy in business yet open to learning the practical side of political campaigns with maturity. I’ve liked Craig Porter since day one and am thrilled that he bears the banner of being the first Whig to qualify as a candidate for federal office since the 1800s. With this hurdle accomplished, there are many that lay ahead. Both Craig and I are fully aware of the road ahead, and so, each journey begins with the first step, we now begin the second.”

Upon being qualified, Porter took the opportunity to speak of the need for cooperation. Porter stated: ”Qualifying to be on the ballot in the August Primary or the November General Election begins shortly. Many of the candidates that you want on the ballot are regular working people like you. They need your support. Word of mouth, physical effort, donations and most of all, your vote and the vote of that person you’re bringing to the polls with you.”

In response to Porter’s statement, Chairman Truesdell observed: “There he goes again. Instead of making his qualification about him like the traditional politician does, Porter calls for the support of all Average Joe candidates. Porter is truly is a class act.”

Craig Porter is one of several registered voters of the Florida Whig Party who announced their candidacies for Congress and local office. The most recent addition was Dr. Douglas Shearer of Marion County who is seeking to become the first Florida Whig on the Marion County Commission.

Porter believes there are eight key issues in for the voters in the 25th Congressional District, they are:

1. Government Spending – Government spending should be brought to a level that can be maintained and also begin to pay down the debt. A country as great as the United States should be able to even build and maintain an adequate reserve.

2. National Defense- National Defense must be the first priority of our military. Funding for the protection of our soil must be number one on the budget.

3. Immigration- Legal immigration is necessary. Legal immigrants should be afforded the appropriate courtesy the United States government offers; however, illegal immigrants need to be handled differently. Legal is legal while illegal is illegal.

4. Government- The government has become larger than it needs to be. We the People will restore the republic and regain control of the government of and for the people.

5. Economy – Once upon a time the American entrepreneurial spirit was unbound from an overburdening government. For the economy to regain its health and resume its growth we must unbridle the business owner from the yoke of excessive and inappropriate regulation.

6. Foreign Policy – We should always deal with foreign nations in a manner that respects their wishes for self government while always remaining strong for the self interests of the United States.

7. Energy/Environment – We must balance the needs of the economy with the preservation and conservation of the environment.

8. Everglades – The Everglades is a critical state resource whose importance cannot be emphasized enough. The surrounding economy and ecology of South Florida depends upon the proper use, maintenance, and preservation of the Glades.

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Paid for by the Florida Whig Party. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.