February, 2010

My name is John Koster. Many of you have known me for years, and what I have stood for, both in the State Legislature and the Snohomish County Council. Now, I hope to represent you in the United States Congress.

I have never run for office for personal prestige, certainly not for money or glory.

I first ran out of concern for my country and the kind of future I would be leaving my children. Amazingly, the issues that were important to me at the beginning are even more important today. Like many of you, I feel the uneasiness as we watch our nation at the brink of bankruptcy as Congress continues on the biggest spending frenzy in world history.

· Cutting taxes, cutting spending and reducing the size of government.

· Defending law abiding citizens by sponsoring the "two strikes, you're out"legislation for violent sex offenders.

· Respecting and protecting private property rights. My offices in Olympia and Snohomish County have always considered it their paramount duty to protect the inherent right of landowners to enjoy and utilize their property with minimal government interference.

· Protecting your 2nd amendment rights

· Supporting pro-life, pro-family legislation

And one more thing -- I'm known as a policymaker who keeps his promises, sticks to his guns, and is never afraid to speak out for his beliefs. As such, I reaffirm my pledge to you that I will never vote for new or increased taxes. We cannot spend our way into prosperity or out of our problems. I will always hold in the highest regard your right to keep the fruits of your labors. They belong to you, not the government! That is the core definition of true liberty.

You and I know that tax dollars belong to the tax-payers, not the tax-spenders, who are taxing and spending ours and our children's futures into oblivion. Frankly, I am running for Congress this year because I am fed up with the people in Washington, D.C. and the policies that are taking this country in the wrong direction ... I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!

My opponent is Congressman Rick Larsen. He has spent nearly ten years now in Congress and, out of 435 members, he ranks 57th in overall spending. He has been heavily criticized in the 2^nd Congressional District the past year for supporting the Obama administration's multi-billion dollar bailouts and economic "stimulus" packages. He is seen as vulnerable by political insiders and pollsters for his "anti-jobs big government agenda."

And now, Congress is on a course to destroy the finest health care system in the world. They are asking us to believe that it will be more efficient and cost less. The last survey I saw showed that 63% of Americans are against government run health care. What has the federal government done so well that we want to give them our health care?

My congressional platform is really quite simple - STOP THE SPENDING and lower our taxes .... Diminish the size and scope of government ... I want less government intrusion into my daily life and a balanced federal budget! Stop the budget busting earmarks for special interests ... strengthen our access and choice in health care services through free-market solutions.

I do not want any bureaucrat between me and my doctor or making decisions "in my best interest" and I don't believe you do either. Mine is basically the same platform and core political philosophy as that of one of my (political) heroes, President Ronald Reagan.

Please join our team today!

Your financial support is critically essential for victory. The maximum contribution you maymake under Federal law is $4800. ($2,400 in the Primary election plus $2,400 in the General election per individual). I know most people can't afford that much. Perhaps you can.

But whatever the amount, your generous contribution -- whether it be $1,500 . . . $250 . . . $100 . . . $35. . . $20 . . . or even $5 . . . whatever your budget will all -- is needed and needed now!

Together, we can win this race and reinstall hope for our children's future. The issues are clear, the stakes are high, and I need your support. Thank you for your kind attention.

With sincere thanks and appreciation,

John Koster, Candidate

U.S. 2nd Congressional District

PS. It's easy to donate online but if you would rather send a check or money order, please make your check or money order out to John Koster for Congress and mail to the following address:

John Koster for Congress

PO Box 231