Shays Declares For U.S. Senate, Balancing Budget The Priority

From Chris Shays:

Hartford, CT – Christopher Shays today officially announced he is a candidate for the United States Senate. He made the announcement just after noon before an enthusiastic crowd at the Old State House in Hartford.

During his speech, Shays said he would make it a #1 priority to balance the federal budget. As Congressman, Shays sponsored and voted for a balanced budget amendment, and balanced the budget for four years despite a Democrat President.

“When I am elected to the United States Senate, I will sponsor legislation that balances the budget within my six-year term of office, and vote that way, regardless of the political consequences, and regardless of which party is in the majority,” said Shays. “Until we get our financial house in order, nothing else matters.”

Shays emphasized that we need to send someone to the United States Senate who can get the job done, someone who doesn’t need on-the-job training; someone who is ready on day one.

“We need to elect a United States Senator who possesses the courage, the record, and the experience to get things done,” said Shays. “That’s why I’m running for United States Senate. I have the courage to stand up for what needs to be done, but I also have the knowledge and experience to know how to get it done, and a record of accomplishment that you can rely on.”

“For the first time in my life, I’m worried about our country’s future,” said Shays. “I cannot, and will not, sit on the sidelines and watch the madness in Washington continue. Washington is broken, the Senate isn’t working. Nothing is getting done and I know I can make a difference. We need to elect a United States Senator who possesses the courage, the record, and the experience to get things done.”

Shays went on to say it’s past time to get our country’s financial house in order, enabling the private sector to grow once again and to get Americans back to work.

Standing on grounds where George Washington once stood, Shays noted the historic significance of his announcement site at the Old State House. He pointed out that General George Washington and French General Rochambeau met on those same grounds to map out their successful plan to defeat the British. Shays’ campaign headquarters is in Stratford, in what was the home of William Samuel Johnson, Connecticut’s first United States Senator. Citing the patriotism, heroism, and the priorities of those founding fathers, Shays said,

“I know we can get America back on track and Americans back to work when we get our financial house in order; transform Washington by simplifying our tax code and cutting red tape; rebuild and invest in America; and become truly energy independent. When we do this we are putting America first. And first is where America belongs, now and always.”