U.S. House candidate introduces himself

Have you ever wanted a representative in Congress who said “no” to money from special interest groups? A representative who stayed independent from those groups by not pledging in advance to consider only their positions in Congress? A representative who actually demonstrates that the people are the top priority?

I wanted a representative who walks the walk, so I ran for Congress.

Jumping into congressional politics was not an easy decision. A statewide campaign entails months on the road, detailed scrutiny of my background, and innovative efforts — most in vain — to reach out to voters. Emphasizing that governing is more important than fundraising adds additional complexity. There are no stories listing me as the top money maker, no stories that a group endorsed me after I signed onto its agenda.

Even with the challenges of running an underdog campaign, I remain optimistic.

Our system is not broken even though it is corrupted. We will get exactly the representative government that we elect. That part of the Constitution works pretty well.

You can, and should, have a voice in politics.

Sitting on the sidelines is easy. I understand that. But if all we do is nothing, then a whole lot of nothing will get done. I want you to join me by standing up and helping get Congress back on track and working for the people. It is not too late, it is not too difficult, and it does not even require that you spend any money. Grassroots politics — supporters telling friends, family and colleagues — can still win an election.

Expressing a thoughtful opinion is more important than the substance of that opinion.

We will disagree on some particulars because no two people are ever the same. My view is simple — real people, not corporations, not special interests and not just the most partisan voices or those with the largest bank accounts, should be the focus of our government. I believe Abraham Lincoln got it right when he said our government should be “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

You might like my view, and you also might like my background.

I was born on a Marines Corps base and moved to Montana when I was two. I grew up around Montana, having lived in Billings, Belfry, Libby, Missoula and now Helena. Blanche and I met in Montana, attended university together and were married here. We are raising our two children here.

I am a small-business owner, but I served as the chief legal counsel for the Montana Legislature this past session. I have traveled the world and have worked at the local, state, national and international level. I am a fan of transparency in politics, so please visit online at www.RobStutz.com to learn more about my background.

Finally, no matter who you support — although I would very much like you to support me — get out there, use your voice and support someone you believe in.

Rob Stutz, of Helena, is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House.