We have lived blogged with Fighting Dem Vets from state where there are more than one candidate (AR, CO, FL, NY), for the FD sisters and the Sarges running for congress, and now we want to spotlight states where only one Fighting Dem Vet is running for Congress or Senate.
Today we will profile the following eleven (11) candidates, some of whom will be live blogging with us today:.
Lee Ballenger (SC-03), Duane Burghard (MO), Jim Nelson (GA-01), Carl Sheerer (RI-Senate), Rick Sexton (NJ-03), Bert Smith (OK-05), Vic Spadaro (WI-96), Dennis Spivack (DE-at large), and Tim Walz (MN-01).
(See also our Muster Roll on Fighting-Dems.com and Band of Brothers).
Lee Ballenger for Congress (SC-03)
Service: U.S. Navy. Lee served on the USS Sterett; the Philippines and Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.
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Profile: Lee has been a teacher in the South Carolina public school system for twelve years and understands the economic, social and educational challenges facing our district. As an educator he knows the value of a quality public education for every South Carolina child, and knows all too well that politicians' promises about our children's educations often aren't kept. He also believes in fiscal responsibility. Our current congressman doesn't seem to be concerned with the enormous national deficit that will place additional hardship on every hard-working South Carolinian, or the jobs that have been shipped overseas due to unfair trade deals that he voted for after promising he wouldn't. We need a representative in Washington who wants to be a faithful steward of the taxpayer's money, who will fight to keep our good jobs in this country, and who will also work hard to bring the best jobs that the 21st Century has to offer. We're asking for your help and support, so that we can make a real change for South Carolina. ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE?
Duane Burghard for Congress (MO)
Service: While a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, he was awarded an NROTC Scholarship and subsequently graduated and was commissioned to serve on board USS-KIDD (DDG-993) and at the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island.
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Profile: While on active duty as a United States Naval Officer, Duane began writing software for Macintosh computers and founded Mardun Software Ltd. (dba The MacXprts Network). Other business accomplishments include the creation of CyAds in 1995, Columbia Missouri 's first Cyberspace advertising firm. He also founded Tranquility.Net in 1996, one of Central Missouri's best and most popular Internet Service Providers. He formed Supernova Publishing, publishers of the monthly Macintosh magazine, Get Info, serving as Editor. He founded the MacOS Radio Network, an Internet-only talk radio station about the MacOS. Duane is an active community member in his local community. In the 1990s he was a regular volunteer with CASA (the Columbia Aeronautics and Space Association), the NASA sanctioned space simulator at Hickman High School. He is a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans' Commanders Club.
Duane and his wife, Mara, reside in Columbia, Missouri with their daughters, Taylor and Jordan. Duane says, "I have been an active part of the 9th District for over 20 years am well-known in the district, having run for congress as an independent in 1992. I am running for Congress to help shape my children's future, a future that is threatened by out of control spending, a growing and ever more intrusive federal government and a tax policy that favors the wealthy over the working. As your representative in Washington, D.C., I will work for you so your healthcare decisions are made by you and your doctor instead of drug companies, so our energy future is not dictated by large oil companies and so critical government positions aren't filled by cronies, friends and relatives. As your representative in Washington D.C., I will bring fiscal responsibility, guard our liberties, bring genuine progress in the pursuit of alternative energy sources and serve as a necessary "check and balance" in defense of our values. I reject the notion that there is a Red America or a Blue America. As your Representative I will show that there is ONE America, and that we must treat those with whom we disagree as we ourselves wish to be treated. You will find me working hard with Republicans and Democrats to solve the problems we face, and doing so in a way which will restore dignity in our government and your confidence in it."
Jim Nelson for Congress (GA-01)
Service: U.S. Army, serving as an Airborne Infantry Officer during the Vietnam War at Fort Gordon. He also spent more than a decade in the Army Reserve and National Guard.
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Profile: Jim Nelson lives in Savannah with his wife, Marty. Jim works as a United Methodist pastor in Savannah and has been serving churches in South Georgia for more than 10 years. In 2004, he founded the not-for-profit World Changing Faith to educate people about issues involving Faith and Politics. Jim has written regular columns on the subject in newspapers and magazines. Recently, Jim authored the book, "Where would Jesus Put the Sidewalks? A study of Faith and Politics." Prior to entering ministry, Jim worked in the corporate world for companies such as IBM, Lockheed, GE, and Apollo Computers. He has also owned a successful business, Signatures Unlimited Fundraising Consultants. A long-time community activist, Nelson has been a leader of local groups such as S.A.F.E. Shelter and the Savannah Mediation Center. He's also served as a hospital and prison chaplain. Nelson holds four higher-education degrees: B.A. Speech and Theater, M.A. History and Political Science, Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. Jim has taught religion, humanities and communications as a faculty member of Armstrong Atlantic State University, Ohio Wesleyan University and Northern Nevada Community College. Jim says, "I entered this race to bring new solutions and real morality to Washington. Strengthening the economy is a major concern as is our public education system that must get better or we risk falling behind in the global economy. I also want to improve how jobs are created and retained. Gas prices are out of control, too. I want to go to Washington and do something about that. It's a matter of homeland security. The current leadership has mishandled issues such as energy, disaster response, federal spending, and the Iraq War. As a Vietnam War era veteran, I support the military and plan to propose that will improve healthcare and other benefits for veterans who've served in the War on Terror, as well as previous conflicts. I believe that heavy burdens have been laid on the shoulders of American families who are overwhelmed by work, taxation and cultural expectations."
Carl Sheerer for Senate (RI)
Service: Senior Captain, U.S. Marine Corps combat & staff officer and training instructor. He has worked at the Navy Marine Intelligence Center in Dam Neck and Quantico, VA. He was activated as a reservist in support of Desert Storm.
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Profile: Carl presently is a business owner and financial expert witness for the past 14 years. Has also held management positions at Abbott Laboratories as well as being an Adjunct Professor, Bryant University teaching business and entrepreneurship. His Ph.D. concentration was in Finance from Union Institute & University (Cincinnati, OH), Command and Staff War College and Amphibious Warfare School (Quantico, VA non-resident program), Bachelors with Concentration in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from University of Illinois-Chicago. Also attended University of Maryland (College Park) Undergraduate and Graduate School programs. Carl ran as latecomer in May 2004 as an Independent, against a four-term Republican State Senator in 2004 garnering 41% of the district's vote. Carl balances being a good husband, father, businessman, educator and "Master of Ceremonies" for a slew of dogs, cats, and fish. Carl says, "After Vietnam, we promised "no more". That did not mean no more wars, but wars based on just principles, not personal interests of a few. If we rolled back the millionaire and corporate taxes to pre-2001 levels, brought our troops home and invested in cutting edge technologies like stem cell research (bio-tech) and alternative energies, we'd be back on the global map in job creation and a cleaner environment. If we adopted policies where health care was everybody's responsibility, we'd hold insurance companies and HMO's accountable and make health a right, not a privilege. If we made education an investment, we'd see stronger communities and a more competitive society. If equality was a mandate and not a special interest goal, we could focus on the needs of all Americans, not just a few. It's time to return to our Constitution."
Rick Sexton for Congress (NJ-03)
Service U.S. Navy. Graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and stationed onboard an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Enterprise, at the time the largest warship in the world. Rich served over 4 years aboard the Enterprise, including three overseas tours in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Northern Arabian Sea. During his time on the Enterprise, he was awarded the Pacific Fleet Shiphandler of the Year Award.
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Profile: Rich was born and raised in New Jersey. After his active duty military service, Rich transferred to the Naval Ready Reserve but continued in public service, this time in law enforcement , working with the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Delaware State Attorney General's office. During this time, he also attended Rutgers Law School at night. While practicing law, Rich continued his service in the Naval Ready Reserve and Standby Reserve, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also continues to serve as a volunteer in many community and church activities, working with groups protecting the environment, providing aid to the homeless and hungry and coaching youth sports. Rich has been married for over 24 years to Kathleen Logan Sexton and they have three children Sarah, Andrew and Matthew. Rich says, "I am running for Congress because we need strong leadership for a new course in Washington and representation for the citizens of New Jersey's 3rd District that is more in tune with mainstream America and working class families, not the hard right wing agenda from the Bush-Cheney-DeLay-Saxton team. There is nothing more important than protecting the security of our citizens. To that end, we need our leaders to say YES to National Security, Social Security AND Job Security. We also need our leaders to say NO to Social Security Privatization, Irresponsible Deficit Spending and reckless Foreign Policy. I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail and I hope that this website helps you learn more about where I stand on the issues and who I will fight for in Congress."
Bert Smith for Congress (OK-05)
Service: Bert retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 28 years in the US Army Reserve. He is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and was Honor Graduate of the Infantry Officers Basic Course. In 1971-72, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in combat in the Republic of Vietnam with the 3/17th Air Cavalry Squadron as an Aircraft Commander, Lift Section Leader, and Assistant S-2.
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Profile: My wife, Carol and I were both born at St. Anthony Hospital and have been residents of Oklahoma all our lives. I received a BS degree in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University in 1969 and an MBA (Finance) from Oklahoma City University in 1989. I have completed the first of three exams required for the professional certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst. I am currently a teacher for Oklahoma City Public Schools teaching math at SE High School, having previously taught at Hillcrest Santa Fe, Moon Middle School and Dungee Academy. I have had positive experiences as a small business owner in Western Oklahoma and as a credit administrator at a large bank in Oklahoma City. Bert says, "It is TIME TO TAKE A STAND against Mr. Bush's war in Iraq. As a combat veteran and a graduate of the army's Command and General Staff College, I am outraged by the almost criminal incompetence being displayed by the civilian leadership of our military operations in Iraq. It is TIME TO TAKE A STAND for the preservation of Social Security and stronger pension protection. Social Security has served our nation well for 70 years. It has never bounced a check or failed in any way, and has given millions of Americans hope and confidence as they proceed toward and through their retirement years. It is TIME TO TAKE A STAND for our veterans. Even with the recent 8% budget increase, their needs are growing rapidly and are not being met. Our solemn promise to the warriors who have served us so nobly is being gradually broken. At this critical time, as more and more veterans from all of our wars are in need of its services, the Veterans Administration is continuing to cut its budget, relative to rising health costs and our veteran's needs. Our country's heroes deserve proper assistance. It is TIME TO TAKE A STAND and declare the Medicare Drug Plan a failure.
Vic Spadaro for Congress (WI-96)
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Profile: I am running for Congress because I feel it is time to return oversight to government and for Representatives to do just that, Represent the People, not Corporate Greed. It is time to tell President Bush and his Neo-Con Cronies "NO MORE!" No more dead and wounded US service men and women! No more hiding behind "Executive Privilege"! No more welfare for the wealthy while plunging our country into debt! No more stealing from Veterans, Farmers, Children, Seniors and the Disabled to line the pockets of your Corporate buddies! No more destruction of Our Civil Rights! No more selling out our National Security! No more abandonment of Americans hit by natural disasters! The American Dream If there are two things we've always believed, as Americans, is that our children can have a better future than we have, and that our Government will, to the best of their abilities, enact legislation that will benefit ALL AMERICANS. Until the Neo-Conservative wing of the Republican Party seized total control of both Houses of Congress, the Presidency and Judiciary, this was true. The current Administration and Congress have chosen an irresponsible path for our nation that will destroy everything we, as Americans, hold dear. Their arrogance, corruption and cronyism in our government, threaten to destroy the values of our democratic society. Locally, Tom Petri's neo-con priorities, irresponsibility, greed and arrogance have led him to ignore the needs of America, Wisconsin and the 6th District. My commitment to you: Integrity, Honesty, Accountability to the people
These values are what we have always expected from our elected officials and its time that they be restored to the 6th congressional district."
Dennis Spivack for Congress (DE-at large)
Service: U.S. Navy, serving as a communications/intelligence officer. Dennis completed two tours of duty in South East Asia (including time in hostile Vietnamese waters).
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Profile: Dennis Spivack is a native Wilmingtonian who is focused on real reform and he's not afraid to stand up and be counted on the issues facing Delaware and the US. He has forged an impressive legal career with several prestigious Delaware firms and is currently a senior member of Morris James in Wilmington. He is also highly respected for his volunteer work in the non-profit sector. Dennis graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and gained a JD degree in 1975 from the University of Michigan Law School.
Dennis and his wife, Marcia, also of Wilmington have two grown daughters. Dennis Spivack is a seasoned political campaigner, and his credentials run from work on the presidential campaign for Hubert Humphrey through State Democratic Party affairs work under Henry Topel and attendance in Washington D.C. on a Credentials Subcommittee for the Democratic National Convention, under the chairmanship of Congresswoman Geraldine Ferrarro. He has represented the Delaware State Housing Authority, and has served on several committees for the betterment of the Brandywine School District. He has volunteered legal services to many non-profit organizations and he has participated in a project to assist minority students transition from high school to college. Dennis has also served on the Resource Committee of Project Hope, an initiative of the City of Wilmington to address crime and violence. Dennis has been inspired by former American politicians who embrace inclusiveness and who work hard to form a meaningful connection with those Americans who may be overlooked or forgotten, largely through economic circumstances. He is determined to adopt these positions. His drive for greater fiscal responsibility is his key message, with the positive impact this can have on health and welfare reforms that create more equitable ways of ensuring access to a national health system. A reality-driven re-think of the Iraqi war is a position to which he is committed, and he supports totally the Privacy, Freedom and Liberty banner of the Democratic Party as it relates to a number of issues. Dennis Spivack sends a message to voters that is forthright and compelling, and his call for real leadership is being heard loudly and clearly particularly by those who want nothing more, and deserve nothing less than a decent life for themselves, with hopes for their future, dreams for their children, and a chance to be a worthy and worthwhile part of what it means to be an American. The winds of change are blowing in Delaware, and it could be just the climate shift that the entire nation has been waiting for.
Tim WALZ for U.S. Congress (MN-1)
U.S. Army National Guard
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After 24 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Walz retired after serving overseas with his battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After he finished high school, Walz accepted a temporary teaching position at the Native American Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. It was his experience at the Pine Ridge reservation that convinced Tim to follow his father's lead and become an educator. In 1989, Walz earned a B.S. in social science education from Chadron State College in Nebraska. Harvard University offered Walz an opportunity to teach in the People's Republic of China. Following his return, Tim developed a program of cooperation between American and Chinese students that continues to this day, called Educational Travel Adventures, Inc. Over the years, Walz has also served as a visiting Fellow of International Relations at the Macau Polytechnic University and full-time in the Army National Guard. He taught and coaching in Nebraska where he was named the Outstanding Young Nebraskan by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce for his service in the education, military, and small business communities. Married in Nebraska where he met his wife, Tim and Gwen Walz moved to Mankato, Minnesota where both taught at Mankato West High School and where Tim continues to teach today. Tim has been recognized as the 2002 Minnesota Ethics in Education award winner, the 2003 Mankato Teacher of the Year, and the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence. Walz completed his master's degree in educational leadership in 2001 and is currently working on his doctorate at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. Tim says, "Improving America requires that we improve the quality of our leadership. The era of closed-door favors to insider lobbyists must come to an end, but we cannot rely on those that are part of the culture of corruption to police themselves. To bring about such an end, change must come from the grassroots level. When elected, I will consistently vote to give the House ethics committee authority to investigate and indict members without the consent of party leadership. I will also vote to strengthen lobbyist registration rules, bar lobbyists from congressional chambers and ban all privately funded congressional trips."