3 years and $6.3 Trillion of Obamanomics later

President Obama is asking Congress to increase the debt limit by another 1.2 Trillion dollars.  Since Obama took office, the national debt has shot up by 42%. Today, 151 days after Congress gave the President a massive increase to the debt ceiling, the country will come within 100 billion dollars of the current limit. This is outrageous and is not sustainable.

The fact that the government is again asking, in such a short time period, to increase the debt shows a catastrophic failure of leadership.  More than ever, it is a sign that Washington is dependent on borrowing from its citizens and from foreign countries to finance the current government’s reckless fiscal policies. Washington isn’t simply shifting the burden of difficult choices today on to the backs of our children and grandchildren, Washington’s inability to deal with debt is threatening our livelihood and freedom today. Every penny of additional debt undermines the American Dream with the promise of future taxes and financial insecurity. This crisis of debt is literally threatening our freedoms.  Americans deserve better.

We don’t have 30 or even 20 years to fix these problems. We can’t stay on this path for even an additional 10 years. But I know that we can fix this. We will fix this by electing leaders with the courage to restore fiscal disciple and principle to Washington.  I pledge that I will fight to restore the constitutional limitations envisioned by our founding fathers and carve back the ever-expanding federal government.  I will push for a balanced budget amendment to force financial discipline. We will restore America’s prosperity.

Chris

Merry Christmas

Evie and I send our heartfelt thanks to all of our troops serving at home and abroad on active duty at this Christmas time – and to your families. The sacrifice you make gives all of us greater peace, and we are deeply grateful. We also send our best wishes to all those who are celebrating Christmas everywhere.

The 25^th of December is the day we set aside to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, and His message of peace on earth and good will towards men has carried for 2000 years to all nations and beliefs. During this holiday season, we turn all of our thoughts to others: our children and families, our troops for their dedicated service to our safety, our neighbors, and our country for the blessing of being free. We reflect on the life of Christ, and His example of mercy and compassion.

In his first Christmas in the White House, President Ronald Reagan reminded us that Christmas is “more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man.”

As we bow our heads, let us remember our blessings and extend humble gratitude.

Merry Christmas

Glenn Beck's Introduction for me

You may have heard that Glenn Beck introduced me at my official announcement. I am proud to call Glenn a friend. Here is the full video introduction Glenn gave at the announcement.

Cottage meeting tonight at Todd Weiler's

I’m going to be at Todd Weiler’s house tonight for a cottage meeting from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This will be a great opportunity for those of you who haven’t met me yet to listen to why I’m running and ask questions. Share this with your neighbor and I look forward to seeing you tonight. Todd is the former Davis County GOP Chairman.

Address is 1248 West 1900 South, Woods Cross, UT

Pearl Harbor Day

On this 70^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we pause to solemnly consider the ultimate sacrifice made by those who gave their lives on that historic day. What followed—the American entry into the war—proved the mettle of the American spirit. Soldiers and citizens worked together: all gave some, and some gave all. A great national spirit of unity and industry combined to bring about the victory that made America the leader in bringing democracy to nations throughout the world.

As the son of a World War II pilot, I cannot but think of the bravery that paid the price for the freedom I have known all my life, that my children have known all of theirs. No simple words can express my gratitude for the gift they’ve given us—and the world.

And now, a question to ask ourselves: If those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor could speak to us, what action would they want us to take today to preserve our country?

I believe they would want us to remember that strength and preparedness inhibit aggression; that our freedom, purchased at so dear a price, can be taken from us; and that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

I believe they would expect us to never take the blessings we enjoy for granted. I am sure they would want us to continue to be proud to be citizens of this great United States of America that they fought so hard to protect and preserve.

We render all our gratitude. We will never forget.

Chris

Video from the formal announcement!

Supporters were packed into former Congressman Jim Hansen’s cabin like sardines in a can leaving about 30 more crowded around the door and window to hear the introductions from Jim Hansen, Governor Norm Bangerter and Glenn Beck. Each of these men were proud to introduce Chris as a friend and as someone they trust and admire.

Rod Arquette Radio Show interview.

As requested, here is the audio from yesterday’s interview with Rod Arquette at KNRS.

Chris talks about the announcement and the events that led to his decision to run for Congress. Rod and Chris talk about the the election and the issues Chris is running on.

via KNRS

The Salt Lake Tribune covers the campaign kickoff!

David Montero from the Salt Lake Tribune writes:

…Hansen joined former Utah Gov. Norman Bangerter in introducing the former U.S. Air Force pilot, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional District.

The 51-year-old Stewart, who is president and CEO of the Shipley Group — a consulting and training company, also got a pre-taped video introduction from conservative icon, Glenn Beck.

Read the full article here.

via Salt Lake Tribune

Audio from today's interview with Doug Wright

In case you missed it, here is the interview from Chris’s interview with Doug Wright.

Take a second to fill out a survey and show your support for the campaign!

Follow this link to Utah Policy and fill out the survey to show your support for the campaign!

via Utah Policy

Campaign Kickoff

We’re proud to announce the formal kickoff of the Chris Stewart for Congress Campaign. More details will be posted to the website soon. In the meantime, check out the Facebook event on the Fan Page!

My Thanksgiving Message

On this Thanksgiving Day, we pause to give thanks.  Despite turmoil and uncertainty in the world around us, our blessings outweigh our troubles. We unite in gratitude for our freedom and prosperity, when so many in other places have much less.

In 1782, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation stating that it is “the indispensable duty of all Nations” to “offer up their supplications to Almighty God…for his gracious assistance” and to “give him praise for his goodness in general.” They recommended that the inhabitants of this land observe the final Thursday of November as a “day of solemn Thanksgiving to God for all his mercies.”

From the time of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Thanksgiving has been an officially appointed day for our nation to pause and give thanks for the abundance of harvest, for safety from enemies, and for all the blessings of our lives.

Our harvests are plentiful, our industries are productive and our researchers are making discoveries. It is a tremendous time to be alive. America, even with its current challenges, is still the greatest experiment in freedom ever embarked upon.

It is important to remember on this day that our freedoms were bought with a price.  Our men and women in uniform continue to pay this price today. I join with all of you in expressing our boundless gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

I echo the words of Ronald Reagan when he said, “I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love of faith and freedom. Our pioneers asked that He would work His will in our daily lives so America would be a land of morality, fairness, and freedom.”

Although we are a society of many beliefs, we can show our bond of unity through our expressions of thanks for all that we enjoy. Today on Thanksgiving, as we pause to consider all the blessings that surround us, let us remember humility, let us determine to share our bounty with those less fortunate, and let us determine to reaffirm our gratitude through the actions of compassion and kindness that make the United States of America the greatest nation in the world.

Best Wishes,

Chris Stewart

Press Release | Stewart reacts to Balanced Budget Amendment

FARMINGTON – 2^nd District Congressional Candidate, Chris Stewart, reacted to the announcement that the United States House of Representatives will be voting this week on an amended Balanced Budget Amendment, and cautioned against the Democrat-sponsored “jobs bill.” Stewart emphasized that in a time when Utah’s families have made significant sacrifices to provide for their own well-being, Washington must also live within its means. He continued, explaining that Washington must understand that efforts to balance the budget should not place excessive taxes and regulations on small business.

“Washington’s deficit problems must be corrected by cutting wasteful spending and bringing balance to the budget” said Stewart. “The balanced budget legislation from Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate goes a long way towards correcting years of out of control spending. We must balance our nation’s budget and pay down the deficit. However, balance does not mean ‘half right and half wrong.’ Proposed tax increases by the Obama administration and Democrats in their latest ‘stimulus’ bill, in their effort to sell across the board tax increases, only impede economic recovery. 75% of the Democrats’ proposed tax increases will affect only small businesses. This is nothing short of an assault on workers and job creators. Small business will be the driving force behind our nation’s recovery and any tax increase will rob Utah’s unemployed of job opportunities as businesses are forced to hand over even more money to the government. I’ve seen in my own small business that added government regulation and taxes translates to less capital to expand and hire.

Stewart stressed that “Utahns have made significant sacrifices balancing their family budgets to make ends meet, cutting unnecessary expenses. It’s time Washington does the same.”

Find Chris on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChrisStewartforCongress
and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ChrisStewart4UT.

Press Release | Stewart on dept. of Interior Wilderness Designation Report

FARMINGTON – Candidate Chris Stewart expressed deep concerns over a report that the Department of Interior has released which details backcountry areas in Utah they want to designate as wilderness; the report ignores the voices of 22 Utah counties telling the administration, at DOI’s request, they do not currently have any lands they believe should be designated as wilderness. As the proposal has already been rejected at the local level, Chris fears the administration may bypass Congress and designate the areas as National Monuments – a move that harkens back to the designation of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

“Everyone wants to protect our wilderness,” Stewart said. “But the process of wilderness designation must begin from the request of local elected officials and leaders in correlation with local citizens – those who will be most affected by the decisions that are made. It makes many of us suspicious when the process appears to be a backdoor for the Administration to do what it has already determined to do, regardless of local input.”

Deseret News picks up the announcement!

By Lisa Riley Roche, Deseret News

First-time candidate Chris Stewart said he’s running for Congress for the same reason he went into the Air Force.

“I just reached a point where I thought I’ve got to do something,” said Stewart, who served as a pilot in the Air Force for 14
years. “I just thought I had to get in there and join the fight.”

The Farmington father of six, now an author and the head of a government consulting firm, is among the Republicans vying for the
2nd District seat now held by the state’s only Democrat in Congress, Rep. Jim Matheson.

Read the full article here.

Press Release | Stewart on job losses at Hill air Force Base

FARMINGTON – Today, 2^nd district Candidate, and former Air Force pilot, Chris Stewart, expressed anger over the Air Force’s announcement to weaken our national defense and eliminate jobs at Hill Air Force Base. Chris cautioned that these decisions should not be made behind closed doors without the presence or input from representatives of Utah.

“Utah’s military facilities, especially Hill AFB, but also the Utah Test and Training Range, are absolutely critical to our national security. Anything that weakens these installations will hurt us in ways that we cannot afford.  The current administration’s willingness to cut funds that go toward our national security is dangerous. It weakens our ability to sustain the infrastructure that is so vital to our national defense. This job-killing measure is inappropriate in this current environment of high unemployment. Moreover, it is troubling that the process of decision making is being done behind closed doors and without involvement from the states that are going to be impacted by these decisions.”

Press Release | Newcomer Chris Stewart finishes first among Utah Policy readers in new poll!

In a recent poll from Fox 13 and Utah Policy asking viewers and readers which candidate is most likely to be the party’s nominee, Chris finished first with 54% among Utah Policy readers and finished a strong second among all the political insiders polled. The only demographic Chris did not poll well with was Democrats.

See the full results from Utah Policy here.

Read about me in the Salt Lake Tribune

Robert Gehrke from the Salt Lake Tribune writes:

Chris Stewart is president and CEO of The Shipley Group, which provides government consulting as well as anti-terrorism tactical training and some environmental consulting.Stewart is the author of 14 books, including several volumes of a military techno-thriller series and more recently The Miracle of Freedom: Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World, which was featured on Glenn Beck’s television program.

Read the full article here.

Utah Policy Breaks Announcement

By Bryan Schott at Utah Policy:

Stewart’s name might be familiar to Utahns. He is the younger brother of federal Judge Ted Stewart and is the author of several books, including The Miracle of Freedom: Seven Tipping Points that Saved the World and Seven Miracles that Saved America.

Stewart says he decided to run because he thinks he can make a difference in Washington.

Read more: Utah Policy – Add Another Republican Name to the 2nd District Race

From Utah Policy: