Doug Hoffman Strikes Back

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Since early January I have been weighing the idea of once again running for the 23rd Congressional District seat. During that time I travelled throughout the district, meeting and speaking with men and women who supported me in last fall’s hard fought campaign. I did a lot of listening. Their words of encouragement and continued support touched my heart and soul. Their kind thoughts are often repeated to me by total strangers who have approached me while I am at the gas station, in the grocery store, or out to dinner with Carol, my wife.

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Back in January I commissioned a poll. The results were encouraging. The poll showed that 74% of Republicans who vote in primaries thought I should run again. 71% thought I could win back the congressional seat in next November’s election. But, perhaps more importantly, the vast majority of Republicans said they would cast their vote for me in a Republican primary.

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But, perhaps, what has influenced me the most is what I have seen and heard in my professional life, not my political one. As many of you know I am a Certified Public Accountant. My firm has five offices across the Congressional District and literally thousands of clients. January through April is our “busy season” as we prepare tax returns for clients that represent an economic cross cross-section of New York and the nation.

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The words repeated by client after client were that the tax burdens and government regulations they face are breaking their back and that the direction this nation heading is breaking their spirit. The dysfunction and corruption in Albany and Washington is filling them with disgust and they are worrying what will be the future for their children and grandchildren.

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Their words of despair have filled me with resolve. They made me realize the fight we face is bigger than any one individual. If we do not shift the balance of power in Washington and Albany this year, our chance may be lost.

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I have discussed my decision with my family and they are totally supportive. I now want to take this opportunity to let you know that I will be formally entering the race for the 23rd Congressional District seat and this time we will defeat Bill Owens!

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The months ahead will be filled with hard work; because, I realize you don’t inherit a nomination…you have to work for it. I plan to work hard to deserve the nomination of the Republican, Conservative and Independence Parties and unite them, as one team, to defeat the agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Bill Owens.

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I will champion the fight for less spending, lower taxes, and shrinking the deficit. I will speak out about the need to defend our nation and the freedoms of its people. And, I will never back down from taking on the career politicians who conveniently forget that they represent and work for you; average American citizens, not the Special Interests who fill the back rooms of Washington with lobbyists and fill the campaign coffers of elected officials with money.

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I will fight hard for our soldiers at Fort Drum, our dairy farmers, our small business people, our children and our seniors; all the people who live and work in our district.

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I hope I can once again count on your support and hopefully have the opportunity to speak with you between now and Election Day.

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Sincerely,

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Doug Hoffman