The current state of our country and in particular the all time low Congressional approval ratings have the people of the United States longing for something new.  The era of the career politician has proven to be ineffective in the current political scene.

Dr. Craig Schmidtke will bring new meaning to the political process, not as a politician, but as a true Statesman.  His vibrant nature, tenacity, and intelligence regarding the issues will help us to create a future instead of having it unveiled before us.  We have to continually ask how we can improve our state, our district, and our country.  The idea that things are “good enough” or “the lesser of two evils,” will not allow us to succeed on the international stage.

We are at a tipping point in our country's history.  We have an opportunity to create history by developing a country that does not fall into similar traps as previous great nations have before us—apathy leading to bondage.  The people of our district need to rise up with the leadership that Craig Schmidtke can provide to rekindle their flame of passion for what it means to be an American.

Dr. Schmidtke has a vision for the economy of the SE region of Alabama that will help to provide jobs and increase prosperity with the current industry in the area as well as that, which is new.  He believes in the family farm and need of the farming industry to maintain a more prosperous Alabama.  He plans to maintain and strengthen our military, as we have diminished much of our resources in the recent past.  An impressive show of power is necessary to maintain a foothold at home against terrorists and abroad based on the ever-volatile state of affairs.  The needs of our veterans must be met, whether Enlisted, Reserve, National Guard, all soldiers must have consistent and equal benefits during their active duty service. We must remember that these individuals have “written a blank check to the United States that is payable with their lives.”  Health care and education are areas that require free enterprise to improve their viability.  Creating choice for our citizens and their families through competition is what makes America truly great and sets our educational and health care systems ahead of any in the world.  Immigration to the United States is a welcome concept of our culture.  The need to have legal immigration with individuals that respect our tax system, our culture, and our language is of paramount importance.  We must find a way to accomplish this with dignity to all involved.

Dr. Schmidtke will be the candidate that is truly one of the people.  There is no hidden agenda; he stands on his own, as his own man.  His campaign is 100% funded by he and his wife and donations from his supporters.  He has the unconditional support of his family, however, has not asked for any significant financial support from other members of his family.  He will sacrifice a significantly profitable practice as a surgeon that will actually cause him to take a pay cut if elected.  He will also be sacrificing time with his wife and three children while they are in their formative years.  This is a man who has the people in mind, not self-motivated interests.

In short, the answer to “why Craig?”  He is the correct individual for the 2nd District of Alabama because of his unselfish commitment to the people of our district and the United States of America.  Dr. Schmidtke will bring a true statesman to Congress who will help to reinvigorate the people of this country about the meaning of American unity and equality.  The choice is simple, so be part of history and vote:  SCHMIDTKE FOR CONGRESS.