I've said all along, since January of this year, that I'd graciously step aside if anyone, equally qualified and taking a Constitutional stance, would offer themselves up as a candidate for the 7th District. Well, as of a week ago, Don Cravins, Jr. announced that he would be a candidate against Dr. Boustany. Of course, in every interview, he stated that he was the first to announce his candidacy. Wrong, Junior. Peter Vidrine has been a candidate since January. Junior may have chosen to ignore my candidacy, which he did know of, but the Seventh District will still have a candidate to represent the working class and poor. The Seventh District will still have a candidate who knows the importance of the United States rule of law, the Constitution; and it won't be Don Cravins, Jr..
Junior and Charlie have a lot in common. Both were born with political silver spoons from their father's political positions. Indeed, Junior, while demanding to be respected as his own man, also brags about following daddy's footsteps. That, of itself, isn't a bad thing. Everyone should be proud of their fathers. Everyone should wish to emulate their fathers. I am also proud of my father. My own dad, Hugee Vidrine, worked hard every day of his life. Until the day he was hospitalized with a brain tumor, he worked diligently to support his family. I, too, can brag about my dad. To his five sons, he left a tremendous work ethic. I have always been proud to call Hugee Vidrine my dad and I pray that my own sons can look up to me as I look up to my dad.
But, just like most of you, my father wasn't rich. He wasn't a lawyer, doctor, or politician. I, like him, like most of you, had to work hard for everything I became and received in life. Should, by the grace of God, I become your next Representative, it will not be because of my dad's political connections. It will not be accomplished by playing a game of threatening to run as an independent, just to coerce the national party to come begging and giving to me. I will certainly not be elected because of the sour grape antics of my father because he didn't receive the singular blessing of the state or national party. I will be elected because you wish to be represented by someone who has had the same experiences and trials that you've had.
What Junior, Charlie, and I must do is run on ISSUES. Not just talking about the problems facing us today (the voters already know what the problems are) , but what we, as YOUR REPRESNTATIVE, will do about the real issues and challenges facing you, the voters. Peter Vidrine is the ONLY candidate NOT AFRAID to put his positions on the internet. You, the voters, can make practical judgments in who offers the most promise for the Seventh District. I have never before, and will not today, play to the crowd. This election is not about conservative or liberal. This election is not about Republican or Democrat. It's about Right and Wrong. $4.00 plus a gallon for gas is just wrong! 141.42% Interest rates on the working class and poor is just wrong! An over 9 TRILLION dollar deficit is just wrong! Spending over 550 BILLION dollars on a war that never was our war is just wrong! Forcing the poor and working class to become slaves to outrageous credit card interest rates and fees is just wrong! But, I won't just tell you it's wrong. I will not promise you that these are issues that I'm going to look at (ala Junior). I will tell you as honest and straightforward as possible what I believe we need to do about it, and what I, as your Representative, intend to do about it.
This year's election really is in your hands. In 2008, the 7th District does have a choice. But I really need your help. I need you to volunteer for my campaign and if at all possible, this campaign needs your contribution, even if it's just five dollars. Put a sign in your yard. Tell 10 of your friends about my candidacy. Invite me over to a lunch or breakfast with you and your friends. I will go anywhere at any time to spread this message of hope for America. Let's together tell Washington that their party is over. The 7th District is a great place to start.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Peter Vidrine