For Release:

I have been patiently waiting to inform our supporters of a watershed decision made late last Fall
and many of you have been patiently waiting to let the cat out of the bag, as well. I truly
appreciate the circumspection shown the early stages of this campaign.
I was approached independently by certain factions of the leadership of both the Democrat and
Republican parties, from BOTH counties in our district, and for the same reason.
They are not satisfied in the least with our present representation, and understand that the
Republican Machine will never let that golden goose get away.
I have been asked to consider, and will be seeking, the nomination of the Democrat Party to run
as their candidate in the 2016 Congressional Race in New Jerseys third district.
Our own organization supports this decision fully, and remains at my side, and watching my
back, as we move forward toward November.
Does this change my independent stance on the issues we face? Not a jot. The Democrats
know this, and fully understand and respect that. In fact, any vacillation on this on my part
would have shown me to be unworthy. The Republicans that reached out, who are not part of the
friends and family plan, are tired of being told they have to accept the mediocre failure-ship
of my opponent as the best we have to offer, also understand why this decision had to be made.
It began with a phone call from a trusted opponent a Republican. Then, another this time
from an ally who ran as an independent in the last election, but was and is strongly Democratic.
I was a little shocked, at first. We spent very little in the last campaign, as we were really only
seeking the pulse of the district, and determining how best to serve ALL of the voters who live
there not just conservatives, not just liberals.
I was reluctant, at first. I believe anyone who knows me knows that I abhor machine politics
but it was made plain to me that, while we would enjoy the backing of a party organization, it
would not require that I change my jersey (intentional pun).
No Handcuffs. Do you realize what that implies? REAL representation.
As I have been a registered Democrat since my younger brother clerked for Senator Bill Bradley
in Washington DC., my eligibility to run as a Democratic Candidate is not in question. I dont
think anyone who knows me questions my positions on a given issue we may not agree, but
they know where I stand.
I spent several hours with one of the leaders of the Democrat Party effectively, a thesis
defense.

I suppose I did well.

Some of my more conservative supporters took a little more convincing, but now they know I
have a free hand in this. Their continued support may well be the tipping point.
If this sounds unprecedented, it is. Breaking a long-term corrupt monopoly is never easy
except when the rank-and-file are continuously ill-used by their own elected officials.
Youve heard me say it. Were coming for them they know.
There have been several sudden and unexpected changes in their 2016 ticket to avoid our culling
the easy targets in November because I pull NO punches. Those who would, under other
circumstances, have been safe where they were, have elected to go home at the end of their
enlistment. So much for the Sunshine Patriots.
You dont have to win an election to affect public policy. Looks like already we have - all the
better.
Town by town, precinct by precinct, I will be visiting your neighborhoods over the next 10
months. Come on out, shake my hand, and speak your mind. Im not coming to speak Im
coming to listen.
I will focus on what WE are going to do together to make things better here in CD3, and for
our Nation.
My role will be as a Federal Legislator, but dont think for one moment I wont use that bully
pulpit to affect needed change in the status quo back home for the benefit of the residents. Part
and parcel of the mission ahead.
In 2014, we showed many that we would represent Democrats, Republicans, and Independents
with equal vigor. Those folks already know what were about. For those of you who dont, I am
sure that you will read much over the next several months.
I am also sure you can expect plenty of astro-turf in your mailbox. A one-trick pony is not
what this district needs. Heck, if theyre funny enough, Ill autograph them. Who wouldnt want
an inked Harry S on a Dewey Defeats Truman newspaper?
I will be calling for 8 debates four in each County. He can show, or not show. If he doesnt, I
will treat them like a town hall meeting, and all are welcome supporters and detractors alike.
Why not? If Im elected, youre the beneficiary you might as well see what youre getting.
Each one will target specific issues that affect our residents Federal issues opportunities to
correct our present errant course. No slow-pitch, stage-managed pillow fights.

I frankly dont care a jot whether he comes or not. He blew off the veterans at the Willingboro
VFW post, last year, and did so a second time at an event scheduled at the Foster Military Lodge
also in Willingboro. He picked both initial dates, by the way.
I am sure hes not looking forward to a repeat of the shellacking he took at Ocean County
College, (video available on my web-site, without the hour-and-twenty-minute leader he
probably paid to add so people wouldnt watch.) but hell have to man up and show up if he
expects to retain the seat. I can hardly blame him for being reluctant. Hes left most of what he
promised undone, done much harm to our environmental protections, and is proud of proposing a
National Fish, that we purchase our military insignia only from US vendors, and promoted a
Congressional Reading Challenge of three books from September to March 18th. At least the
last one is being donesetting the bar a little low, dont you think?
He can pretend an independent opponent isnt a factor. This is quite another story.
He cant stand on his record, and he cant hide from debateso, since cornered, we can expect
all kinds of lovely accusations to fly. Lets put his only ammunition to rest, right now.
Im not a millionaire - never cared to be. In my family, we measure success very differently.
Im overweight. I live my life with gusto.
Im happily married for 26 years, and, as to my affairs theyre in order.
Now, what?
The gentleman spent nearly 9 million dollars to win an election for a job that pays $ 175,000 a
year or more, now, since I believe they just voted themselves another raise. Even a cursory
examination of his recorded sponsors shows how our favorite self-funder is getting back his
investment and it aint with thousand-dollar pancakes.
I am sure he wont go quietly, or even honorably but GO, he WILL.
I expect him to get nasty early, and continue to be. He will avoid his own record, which is an
even greater obstacle to his incumbency than I am.
Just remember, when watching a magician, its the other hand you have to keep your eye on
and remember, further, that the difference between a magician and a pickpocket is that the
magician gives you back your wallet and watch at the end of the trick.
When caught in a lie, he doubles down - watch for it. At least, in that, hes consistent. If it
werent so important, I would find it mildly amusing.
Im not amused.
In fact, Ive had enough.

Have you?
Stand for whats right, or settle for whats left Frederick John LaVergne