Ed Martin For Congress » Jobs

Why We Must Have a Balanced Budget Amendment

Webmaster — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 22:44:33 +0000

The current debate over debt limits, deficits and spending cuts are important, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that the budget that will be agreed upon is only binding until the next budget is passed. Though Senators and Representatives speak loftily about trillions cut over ten years, the fact remains that Congress cannot bind its future hands. The next fiscal year is a clean slate, and once the heat is off it is back to mortgaging our children’s future to pay off well-connected interests.

Almost every state in the union has a balanced budget requirement in their constitution. Some are weak, some are strong, some are easily gamed by legislators, but they are there to protect the fiscal health of the state.

Only the constitution of a state can bind a future state legislature to fiscal responsibility. Only the constitution of the United States can bind future Congresses to the will of the States, a fact made all the more critical since the Federal government can print money whereas the States cannot.

Neither party has had the stomach to balance the nation’s books save for one short period in the 1990s. The latest spell of runaway spending has terrified the nation and roiled the people who see their children born with obligations in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Yes, we must stop spending more than we receive, but I have no faith that we will see fiscal discipline over the long haul without a balanced budget amendment. It is a shame that our political class must have such a sword dangled over their heads, but 70 years of profligate spending and half-hearted attempts at restraint have proven utterly that it is desperately needed.

Freedom Week Countdown – My Pledge to YOU – Jobs

Webmaster — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:09:33 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) Oct. 26, 2010 – Jobs are without a doubt Ed Martin’s main focus. His dedication to creating shovel ready jobs is evident from his grassroots effort Shop Local-Hire Local to his determination to stop Cap and Trade, his Agricultural Advisory Group, lowering the regulatory burden on small businesses, to simply where he buys his shoes.

Ed Martin’s pledge today is: “I will work tirelessly and do everything possible to create shovel-ready jobs for Missouri’s 3^rd district. I will fight Cap and Trade and work to lower the regulatory burden on our small businesses. And I will not vote on a stimulus plan that simply benefits my family and does not create jobs.” – Ed Martin

Congressman Carnahan voted for the bailout of Chrysler. The auto company closed its Fenton plant and moved the jobs to Mexico and Canada. He never demanded any accountability in his bailout bargain vote. Carnahan also voted for spending billions on a stimulus bill that only created 568 jobs in Missouri’s 3^rd district. That stimulus funneled a $107 Million cash payment to his brother, Tom Carnahan’s wind mill farm. His brother’s wind farm may be why he also voted for Cap and Trade – which would be crippling for everyone from farmers, small businesses and families. Carnahan’s vote for the government takeover of health care also proved to be job-killing in this district.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Russ Carnahan’s “One Minute Speech” on Chrysler Bailout

Webmaster — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:11:13 +0000

What did Russ Carnahan do to keep Chrysler from taking taxpayer money and closing down the Fenton Plant? Former Chrysler workers will have to pay the taxes to cover the bailout, as will their children.

A Call for More Debates

Webmaster — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:15:07 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Voters Want Answers on Jobs

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) Oct. 8, 2010 –Ed Martin sent a letter to Congressman Carnahan today requesting two more debates. “The people of south St. Louis County and Ste. Genevieve deserve a chance to hear from us,” said Ed Martin. “Yet another month has gone by and the unemployment rate has gone untouched at 9%. A lot is hanging in the balance for the families of this district and they deserve to know just how candidates will fight for jobs – fight for them. Voters want answers – whether it is defending a vote for stimulus money to funnel funds to an out of district, family owned, wind farm as Carnahan did or my proposal to cut the over-burdening government regulations to allow small businesses to grow and create shovel ready jobs.”

Congressman Carnahan stated previously he feels debates are important – and they are now more than ever. Constituents want to hear from their candidates and should be given ample opportunity to do so. While Ed Martin has held some 250 “Ask Ed Anything” meetings and a number of town halls he encourages Congressman Carnahan to join in him in two more debates. He also asks the Congressman allow them to be broadcast for those unable to attend.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Campaign Ads

Webmaster — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:44:47 +0000

We have a new television ad up and running in our area. It highlights Russ Carnahan’s lockstep voting record with ultra-liberal Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

This is a radio spot airing called “Big Difference”

It is becoming clear that Russ Carnahan is following the Washington Insider playbook. Don’t mention your support of the government takeover of health care. Don’t mention your support of the failed stimulus, bank bailouts or your refusal to secure America’s borders. Their advice? Smear your opponents and try to duck accountability for reckless spending and arrogance.

Your support is needed for victory! A combination of your generosity and a tight, frugal campaign has helped us keep pace with Russ Carnahan’s wealthy liberal friends. Can you get us over the goal line with a contribution of any amount? Do you have the means to “max out” in these last few weeks of the campaign? Your support will keep our small army of volunteers in the field and on the phones reaching out to voters ready for a return of commonsense leadership.

Contribute by Mail
Ed Martin for Congress
6037 Hampton Avenue
Saint Louis, Missouri 63109

Contribute Online

Support the Air Campaign	Repeal Russ Carnahan	Support the Mail Campaign
Your contribution of $180 helps us reach hundreds of households on radio and television.	We need yard signs, literature and more to Repeal Rubberstamp Russ	Your contribution of $44 allows us to send a message of responsible government to 100 of your neighbors.

NFIB Endorses Ed Martin

Webmaster — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:30:04 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077
All Other Campaign Inquiries: (314) 256-1776

Recognizes Candidate’s Dedication to Small Business and Jobs

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) September 27, 2010 – The National Federation of Independent Business is endorsing MO’s 3^rd district candidate Ed Martin. NFIB is a business association which provides discounts, research, online forums, networking, state and federal lobbying for small businesses across the US.

“I’m honored to have the support of the NFIB. It is well documented that small businesses are the mainstay of Missouri and that two-thirds of jobs are created by small businesses. Yet our current Congress is stifling their growth and threatening their futures with an abundance of costly restrictions and regulations, like Cap and Trade. We need to stop threatening their future and instead encourage their growth.” said Ed Martin.

What: Announcement of NFIB Endorsement

When: 10am, Monday, September 27th

Where: Kenrick Design/Construction Services 2727 Jefferson Ave., St. Louis 63118

Kenrick Design/Construction Services, owners -Bill and Maureen Elliott, is just one of more than 500 small businesses in the NFIB in Missouri’s 3^rd district. The NFIB is a proud supporter of Ed Martin and his dedication to job growth and helping cut the government regulations stifling small business.

Ed Martin created the grassroots plan, Shop Local- Hire Local. It is a plan with proven positive results that will help energize the local economy and spur job growth by supporting local businesses. The Shop Local – Hire Local campaign debuted in June and continues to grow as word spreads. The mantra of Shop Local – Hire Local is “when small businesses thrive…small businesses hire!” For more information; log on to www.shoplocalhirelocal.com.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Carnahan Martin Debates – Dates, Times, Locations and Maps

Webmaster — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:04:42 +0000

Below are the dates and times and location maps for this weekend’s debates between Congressman Russ Carnahan and Ed Martin.

Sunday’s Debate

Sunday September 26
7:00-9:00 pm
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Arnold Recreation Center
1695 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO

View Larger Map

Labor Day, 2010

Webmaster — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:06:49 +0000

Labor day is a day first established to celebrate ”the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” Today all of America’s workers enjoy the holiday, both those who are and are not organized. The interests of both categories of workers have converged and in most ways we are all in the same boat. As we enjoy the lovely weather and take the day off from our labors, I think it is important to look at where we are when work resumes on Tuesday.

Too many Missourians are out of work. Recessions are part of the cyclical life of an economy. I have lived through at least three, depending on how you count them, and while it is frustrating and worrisome, America has always bounced back, stronger than before.

This recession has enjoyed a great deal of “help” from the Federal government, or at least what has happened has been billed as help. As the various schemes to “help” the average worker have unfolded, we find the only folks helped were the politically connected.

Consider the Chrysler bailout, ostensibly to help stabilize the job situation for auto workers. First, the deal shut-down hundreds of dealerships. Sales staff were laid off at these firms, along with union service workers, disproportionately in areas away from an urban center. The decisions to shut down one dealership over another had nothing to do with the long-term economic health of the company, but rather was done under an airy rubric of “shared sacrifice.” In reality, the closures brought no measurable improvement to Chrysler’s bottom line, and may be a long-term detriment as buyers switch to other makes that have a local presence.

Fenton workers certainly shared in the “sacrifice” as they watched their tools, equipment and jobs packed up and shipped to Mexico and Canada. Their children and grandchildren will be paying the taxes that cover the cost of Chrysler’s bailout with no job to show for it. The Chrysler bailout fiasco is an unfortunate example of this congress’s incompetence.

The stimulus, another attempt by Congress to borrow enormous sums of money to shore up the economy is proving to be a colossal failure. Among the few types of projects we can all agree create jobs that benefit us all are “infrastructure” projects. How many times did we hear “shovel ready” jobs. The River Des Peres was built during the Great Depression era and benefits St. Louis to this day. However, in nearly a trillion dollars of borrowed money that we will have to pay back, only about 5% is going toward those sort of long-term infrastructure jobs. What of the other 95%? Did Russ Carnahan tell us only 5% will be going toward “shovel ready jobs? Who do we blame for this bald-faced lie?

Any reasonable person would see spending 300 million dollars in our district to make 561 jobs as an insulting waste of resources America simply does not have, but that’s what we have done here in Missouri’s 3^rd District. Millions of dollars have evaporated into the pockets of the politically astute. Congressman Carnahan’s brother Tom is in line to receive $90 million stimulus dollars for his wind farm, one example among thousands of insiders getting their “fair share” at our expense, with no accountability whatsoever, and no jobs as promised.

America’s workers are the most productive in the world, and we love to work. Our government has been overtaken by nannies bent on regulating every aspect of our lives and greedy politicians who cloy and grasp at every dollar they can send to their friends who in return send pennies on the dollar in campaign contributions for favored treatment. 55% of Russ Carnahan’s campaign war chest comes from political action committees who want to keep their place at the trough he fills with borrowed money.

The private sector is being strangled with red tape and robbed with high taxes, wrecking jobs that exist and preventing job growth that would normally occur naturally after an economic correction. It is Congressmen like Russ Carnahan tightening the collar.

These days, what we need in Congress are men and women with a conscience. One of my ancestors is James P. Mitchell (my grandmother’s father’s cousin, though we called him our “great uncle”) who served as Eisenhower’s Labor Secretary. Secretary Mitchell was well-regarded by both labor and business owners for his fairness and obvious concern for the workers of America. As I have come to understand my uncle’s career and approach, I see a man who knew that business owners and their employees need each other to succeed. This congress is punishing business owners without regard to the effect on the tens of thousands who are being thrown out of work, or kept off payrolls all over the country. I will work to be a leader like Secretary Mitchell, who provided commonsense leadership and put the needs of the people first.

No more wealth redistribution, giveaways to family members and campaign donors. Stop the takeover of health care, energy, and finance. Congress needs to change direction and chip away at the taxes and regulation that are creating uncertainty in the business community and destroying growth.

No more bailouts. No more regulatory burdens and stifling taxes for small business. I mean to go to congress and get the IRS and the bureaucracy off the neck of small business. From this new, free environment will flow jobs, jobs, jobs. Congress just needs to get out of the way.

Lowlight of Carnahan’s Reign; Highlighted in New Ad

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:22:19 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

Congressman Carnahan Bailed Out Auto Industry – Jobs Moved to Mexico

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) August 16, 2010 – Jobs! Missourians need them and Congressman Carnahan is working against them. That is the focal point of the newest ad “Lost” from the Ed Martin for Congress campaign. The ad kicked off and began circulation today.

Congressman Carnahan approved Billions for an auto bailout, then sat and watched as Chrysler closed its Fenton plant and shipped the jobs to Mexico and Canada. The hard working people of Carnahan’s district want to know why $550 Million, of their tax dollars, was spent on stimulating jobs across the border. (Bloomberg Businessweek, Thomas Black, June 24, 2010) While 700 Chrysler dealers were closed in the U.S., five new Chrysler plants were built in Mexico – creating 1600 jobs…in Mexico. (Southeast Missourian, Melissa Miller, April 21, 2010) (IndustryWeek, Agence France-Presse, Feb. 9, 2010)

Where was Congressman Carnahan? He was busy jet-setting around the world on lobbyists’ dollars and rubberstamping Nancy Pelosi’s bills that he admittedly didn’t even bother to read. A short list of Congressman Carnahan aka Congressman Bailout’s wasteful spending votes are as follows:

$700 Billion Wall Street Bailout

$787 Billion Stimulus Plan

$1.1 Trillion Obamacare Plan

$1.1 Trillion Earmark Spending Bill

$846 Billion Energy Tax Plan

Enough is enough! Congressman Carnahan is obviously out of touch with his constituents. It’s time to say “No” to Rubberstamp Russ.

Congressional nominee Ed Martin, even while never having served in office before, has a proven track record of fighting for jobs. In 2008 he took on a David and Goliath fight and founded SaveAB.com. It was a grassroots effort to help save local jobs at Anheuser Busch. Even with 85,000 supporters the sale went through, but Ed’s determination to save jobs has not and will not waiver. He is willing to go up against the biggest Goliath of all –b ig government.

“Every day I am out traveling the district meeting with families and small business owners and spreading the word about my grassroots efforts “Shop Local – Hire Local.” There is such a sense of desperation and uncertainty among people. We need someone in Congress who will work in their best interest. The government can be described as a blanket for businesses, it can provide a small bit of comfort however wrapped too tight it becomes constricting and can smother small business. The intrusive regulations of cap and trade for example that Congressman Carnahan supports would be devastating to small businesses and smother them into non-existence. That is not how you create jobs,” said Ed Martin.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is in St. Louis today meeting with Ed Martin and lending his support. Congressman McCarthy knows what it takes to create jobs and keep small businesses in business. “Before his 21st birthday, McCarthy successfully opened and operated a small business, Kevin O’s Deli. Owning a small business gave McCarthy important experience about the difficulties that entrepreneurs face from burdensome regulations and onerous taxes.” (kevinmccarthy.house.gov)

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Carnahan Touts More Spending But Jobs Still Flatlining

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:16:21 +0000

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

A mere 568 jobs created in Missouri’s 3rd since stimulus first approved

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) August 12, 2010 –Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Congressman Carnahan back to Washington last week to sign off on yet another spending bill. Now, like the subservient Congressman Pelosi wants him to be, Carnahan has returned to his district in full spin mode. He has set up press conferences today to try and convince constituents how much the latest spending bill he approved will help them.

Well, Congressman Carnahan, if it’s as “helpful” as the stimulus bills which get your full nod of approval maybe you should step out of the spin zone. The facts are jobs are not being created and the government is digging us deeper into debt.

Missouri currently has a 9.1% unemployment rate but delve deeper into the statistics and you will see that parts of Missouri’s 3^rd district are even higher. Jefferson County holds a 9.6% unemployment rate and St. Louis City holds a staggering 11.1%. St. Louis County and Sainte Genevieve Counties are 8.6% and 8.4% respectively.

The stimulus bill didn’t create jobs as Carnahan and his liberal spending friends like to claim.

Here are the job numbers from the stimulus, found on recovery.gov , for Missouri’s 3^rddistrict:

Missouri’s 3^rd district received $228,323,826 (Million) – far less than many other areas

Jobs created:

72 – 1st reporting period jobs

135.6 – Q4 2009 jobs

124.1 – Q1 2010 jobs

236.3 – Q2 2010 jobs

That’s a total of 568 total jobs since stimulus was approved. That means the government spent $401,978.57 per job. That costly rate begs the question; Where are the jobs Congressman Carnahan?

Outside of Washington, regular folks -if they were to even spend a small fraction of that sort of money would demand to have something in return…or we daresay they would stop spending, recognize it as a scam and not make the same costly mistake again. So as Congressman Carnahan tries to fool the people into thinking more spending is “helping” them we hope the press asks him the following questions:

1) Um, where are the jobs?

2) Why did Missouri’s 3rd only get $228,323,826 ? Seems like other places got more than their fair share?

3) $401,978.57 per job? Seriously?

“We must stop the wasteful spending and concentrate on jobs. Our children’s future depends on it! Congressman Carnahan can tout ‘programs helping families afford college tuition’ all he wants but people are more concerned with having a family sustaining job. Carnahan should spend more time in his district, maybe hold a town hall or debate, and actually listen to what his constituents are saying” said congressional candidate Ed Martin.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Ed Martin For Congress » Jobs

Why We Must Have a Balanced Budget Amendment

Freedom Week Countdown – My Pledge to YOU – Jobs

Russ Carnahan’s “One Minute Speech” on Chrysler Bailout

A Call for More Debates

Campaign Ads

Support the Air Campaign

Repeal Russ Carnahan

Support the Mail Campaign

NFIB Endorses Ed Martin

Carnahan Martin Debates – Dates, Times, Locations and Maps

Sunday’s Debate

Sunday September 26 7:00-9:00 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Arnold Recreation Center 1695 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO

Labor Day, 2010

Lowlight of Carnahan’s Reign; Highlighted in New Ad

Carnahan Touts More Spending But Jobs Still Flatlining

Sunday September 26
7:00-9:00 pm
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Arnold Recreation Center
1695 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO