In the 2008 Primary, I was elected as the Republican Nominee against Congresswoman Susan Davis and as a member of the San Diego Republican Party Central Committee.

San Diegans want a candidate with moral clarity that stands up for financial integrity, ethics in government and honesty in public service, and that is exactly what they got when they voted for Michael Crimmins.

Early last year, I learned from some GOP staff and several Central Committee members that there were serious concerns about fiscal malfeasance within the San Diego GOP. I was vocal at the time about the need for an investigation into their concerns, calling for an audit and to hold those accountable for any items found to be irregular. There was evidence to support some of these concerns and good reason to be worried about the rest of it. Unfortunately, the party leadership, including Chairman Tony Krvaric, claimed that these concerns were not valid, there would be no audit, and they led a charge of libelous accusations to censure me and to teach me not to question them again. Since when is it American to tell people to shut up and sit down? And an audit still has not been performed!

This past fall, rumors were circulating state-wide about allegations that California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring had committed acts of domestic violence against his then girlfriend and then intimidated her from going to the authorities. Meanwhile his friend, Tony Krvaric, the San Diego County Republican Party Chairman, continued to harass the woman until he succeeded in having her employer release her. When an email detailing this was circulated to State Party leaders and then forwarded state-wide in September 2009, I responded privately to those same state leaders, sharing my concerns as a candidate for Congress, about these two individuals and encouraged them to conduct their own due diligence. I was already clearly aware of the domestic violence and harassment accusations, because the victim was a regular attendee of San Diego GOP monthly meetings and had confided and shared not only her fears and concerns, but also documented evidence with other Central Committee members.

This woman had already been working with an attorney to find resolution in civil court. So when I shared my concerns with Party leaders in the email, I was confident in the truth of these very same serious accusations against our Republican Party leaders.

When Tony Krvaric and Ron Nehring learned that their conduct and story was going to be released in the Sacramento Bee, they devised a plan to slander my Congressional campaign and credibility, deny their activities and cover up their past by spreading lies that I had said a racist word and made violent threats against a fellow candidate. And additionally, that I had acted to undermine the Party by sharing my concerns with a respected community leader. I was disappointed when my fellow candidate tried to give credibility to the rumor of racist language, but he was caught in a lie about another conversation at that very same meeting.

I think the people of San Diego would agree with me that they want a candidate and a Republican Party that investigates legitimate claims of financial irregularities when it becomes clear that a Chairman might be directing funds to his friends and making large personal reimbursements. Or when a State Party Chairman commits acts of domestic violence and then continues to harass and intimidate the victim.

This is not Chicago and this type of behavior is not only illegal, but it is totally uncalled for. The Executive Board of the San Diego Republican Party violated their own bylaws, due process and committed egregious acts of libel against me to serve their agendas and to cover up the despicable conduct of party leaders. San Diegans want a “We the People” kind of leader. Mr. Krvaric represents anything but that!

I know the people of San Diego will not tolerate a County Chairman that finds it appropriate to harass, intimidate and slander fellow Republicans to promote his own agenda. San Diegans also will not tolerate a State Party Chairman who handles himself in a similar manner.

Going forward, I plan to focus on my campaign. The San Diego Republican Party’s leadership should seriously consider resigning for their outrageous misconduct. The County Party’s own rule (3.01.02) prohibits them from endorsing, supporting, attacking or opposing a candidate in a Primary, such as myself.

These leaders have violated the trust of the voters; they must admit to their libel and retract their false accusations.

Whether or not I am choose to return to the Central Committee is beside the point. I want a strong, conservative Republican Party with leaders who are there to serve the people and not vested self interests.

2010 is the year for Republicans to unite around a common cause, to stand up for honor and integrity in government. This is not the time for Party Chairmen to slander and harass their own fellow Republicans.

I fully agree with what Sir Winston Churchill once said, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

More than a year after the market crashes, two bailouts and a drastic rise in unemployment, most Americans are still wondering what has really been done to actually fix the problems we face?

Housing prices might be slowly going back up, the stock market seems to have stabilized and consumers are still making purchases beyond their means.

I surprisingly agreed with President Obama during his radio address a month ago when he said that “too many small-business owners remain unable to get credit despite administration steps to jump-start lending, which was virtually frozen when the financial crisis took hold last year.”

Two weeks later, FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair reaffirmed our concerns when she said that, “I’m very worried the larger institutions don’t seem like they’re stepping up to the plate providing credit, because if they don’t do that, we’re all in the soup.”

Yet over ten months ago during his confirmation hearing, Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner told Senator Max Baucus, “I will carry out the reforms that President Obama and I believe are needed in this program. This program must promote the stability of the financial system and increase lending.”

It has become a political art form to speak the truth and produce a false solution, if any at all. However right now, and honestly, a year ago, we needed a solution.

The market and Main Street can solve many of the issues we are facing as a Nation, if the banks begin lending money now. While I cringe at the thought of any further government intervention, President Obama and Congress do have the power to successfully encourage banks to begin lending to small businesses and larger businesses.

The lack of access to capital has led to the collapse of tens of thousands of small businesses nation-wide. Lines of credit were frozen and revoked for thousands of large businesses that depended on those funds to meet payroll, cover overhead and make large purchases, but instead were forced into cutting overhead, laying off their workforces and going into survival mode.

The same thing happened to real estate developers, home builders and much of the construction industry. Solid, profitable and good developments were stalled and foreclosed on by the banks. New projects were stopped mid-construction or at the preliminary stages, hurling hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans, who depended on these types of jobs for their survival out onto the streets.

This has also been the experience for many in the green power plant sector. While the government may applaud its efforts to invest in smart grids, green technology and cleaner cars, it has failed to support creating green power plants now. While hundreds of planned green power plants were under various stages of development prior to the recession, many of them have slowly been disappearing off the map due to a lack of access to capital.

Our leaders in Washington have the power to turn the faucet on right now. Yes, we can create jobs, we can empower small businesses, we can spur the economy, we can create green energy solutions across the country and most importantly, we can do it right now.

Michael Crimmins
Major, USMC (Ret.)
2010 Candidate for Congress (CA-53)

I am a firm believer in the intent of our Founding Fathers as they originally wrote the Constitution. As a candidate for Congress, I am a pragmatist when it comes to policy making and the role of the federal government. When electing a representative, you should foremost be fully aware of their principles and values. Elected officials should be held to the same high standards of conduct and behavior we hold our military officers too. I hold the following to be some of my core policy values:

1. I support smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes. I do not believe stimulus bills fundamentally save or create jobs or boost the economy. I believe all cases of fraud, waste, and abuse should be severely dealt with.

2. I support market-based health care reforms and oppose the option for a government run health care plan. Much of health care reform is non-partisan. These reforms include tort reform, lowering costs, increasing competition by permitting insurance policies to be sold across state lines and allowing groups to form coalitions to achieve lower prices. We should be drafting and voting on 3 to 5 specific bills to reform health care; not one massive overarching bill.

3. I support market-based energy reforms by opposing cap and tax legislation. Consumers and businesses are taking tremendous strides to go green, whether by installing solar panels, recycling, building the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) qualified green infrastructures or by purchasing carbon credits to lower their impact. The market is setting the precedent for responsible business operations. We do not need to tax businesses out of business for the sake of lower carbon emissions, especially when India and China have no restrictions.

4. I support the workers’ right to a secret ballot by opposing card check.

5. I support legal immigration and welcoming legal immigrants as proud new citizens into American society. However, I oppose rewarding illegal entry with amnesty for those who broke our laws. Many of those who aspire to live and to work in the United States are great people with a rich heart, strong family values and an impenetrable work ethic. I welcome them to stand in line, share in the American Dream and pay taxes. We can do this by implementing an effective guest worker program and immigration reform package that includes due process, tamper-proof identification cards and a path to citizenship.

6. I support victory in Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting military-recommended troop surges. Supporting our troops should never be about polls or public relations or the agenda at hand. It must always be what is best for the security interests of the United States and the safety and security of our troops, our true national treasure.

7. I support containment of Iran and North Korea and particularly in effective action to eliminate their nuclear weapons threat.

8. I support the traditional family values. These were at the very core of our Founding Fathers, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

9. I oppose health care rationing, the denial of health care and the government funding of abortion.

10. I fully support the Second Amendment and oppose any further government restrictions upon it.

Major Michael Crimmins was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, served one combat tour of duty in Vietnam as an artillery officer assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Following his return to CONUS, he went through flight school and became an A-6E Intruder Bombardier/Navigator and subsequently served in Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm.

Michael received a Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon for action in Vietnam. If you review his platform statement on his website, www.CrimminsForCongress.com, you would be pleased with his views and that they agree with the Combat Veterans For Congress Mission Statement. We look forward to supporting Major Crimmins in any way we can, and are so pleased that a Combat Veteran of his caliber is running for Congress.

###

Michael Crimmins is a U.S. Congressional Candidate for California’s 53rd District. He was nominated by the voters of San Diego to serve as the Republican nominee for this district in 2008 and is the front-runner in the 2010 primary. Michael Crimmins’ candidacy is anchored by the basic tenets of honor, integrity, respect, and true representation for the people of San Diego. Having served a career in service to America as an officer in the Marine Corps, and later as a teacher and principal, Michael Crimmins is uniquely qualified to best serve the citizens of San Diego’s 53rd Congressional District.

Immediately following the vote, President Obama sent out an e-mail, saying that “we were making history”. He praised Congress and told fellow like-minded Democrats, “You stood up. You spoke up. And you were heard.” However, President Obama and Susan Davis continue to ignore the voices of a majority of Americans and San Diegans like yourself!

Over two million Americans marched on Washington, D.C. on 9-12, and over the summer, millions more showed up to their local town hall meetings across the country. The voices heard were loud and clear: health care reform should be done responsibly, without gross government intervention and should not come at the cost of higher taxes and reduced medical services. Last night, those American voices nationwide were ignored by the Democrats in Congress, including our own representative, Susan Davis.

With your help, we can vote Susan Davis out of the U.S. Congress in 2010 and bring responsible & representative government back to California’s 53rd Congressional District.

Will you join with me to stop irresponsible spending, rising tax rates and promote representative and responsible government?

America is divided, and she is in trouble. There’s just too much at stake to be sitting on the sidelines during this critical moment in our nation’s history. Getting America back on track will require each one of us to get personally involved by taking a stand, starting right now. Everyday Americans are disappointed with the path President Obama and his fellow comrade, Susan Davis are leading us down.

As we close in on Veterans Day, may God continue to bless America, and hold our armed forces serving and protecting us even closer.

Michael Crimmins
Candidate for Congress (CA-53)

P.S. I encourage you to join me this Monday evening from 6 to 8pm in Mission Valley, at the Town and Country Hotel, for the San Diego Republican Party’s Monthly Meeting and Sheriff Candidate Forum.

Rather than grow the economy and reduce taxes and regulations on hard working San Diegan families, Pelosi and Davis are working to take even more money out of your pockets and saddle your children with trillions more in public debt. This is not only clearly wrong and bad public policy for the future of our country, it is generational theft!

We can improve our health care system without outsourcing it to distant bureaucrats in Washington. By taking on the trial lawyers, increasing competition across state lines, and allowing free market forces to bring down the costs of health care, we can cover more people, increase efficiencies, and keep “bean counters” from telling us when and which doctors we must see, and wait in line for maybe days to see them.

I need your support to help me win this campaign and run aground this “ship of fools” in Washington. Throwing Davis overboard is a good thing. Winning back the 53rd Congressional District for the people will stop the Davis-Pelosi spending spree in its tracks and help restore fiscal sanity in Washington.

I urge you to call and tell Susan Davis that this is bad legislation for the 53rd! That it just creates another huge government bureaucracy and raises taxes when we should be lowering them to protect our fragile economy. It is a proven fact that you cannot tax an economy into prosperity. Rather, this proposed legislation will stifle new medical research and medicines, and it does nothing to improve health care for the American people. Her local office is (619) 280-5353. Should you want to try to get through to voice your concerns to her in Washington, the number is (202) 225-2040.

Any contribution you are able to give to my campaign to stop this out of control left leaning and dangerous Congress will be greatly appreciated! I especially need your financial support at this critical juncture! If you are able to give whatever amount I guarantee you it will go just that much farther towards our victory in 2010. Any contribution you are able to give will be greatly appreciated! I thank you for your support and I urge you to please call Congresswoman Susan Davis now. Remember, the clock is ticking; it’s your money, not theirs!

Sincerely,

Michael Crimmins

Briefly: I am a proud American first, a conservative second, and a Republican third; a retired United States Marine Corps Naval Flight Officer, a combat wounded veteran, a teacher and former school principal and a dad.

In 2008, I was the Republican nominee for Congress in the 53rd Congressional District, the seat presently held by Susan Davis. I am proud to announce that we have kicked off my campaign for election to Congress in 2010, to serve you and to best represent San Diego.

Having lived in our district since 1976, I have been a witness to a myriad of changes that have affected our overall quality of life. I have had numerous encouraging and informative conversations with the thousands of neighbors I have met within our district’s communities.

I always make it a point to take the time necessary to listen and to comprehend, so that I may carry your concerns forward with me, on my quest to become your next representative in Washington, D.C. Understanding your needs in these difficult times and conveying your thoughts and insight are always foremost in my mind. Earning your trust and confidence as well, is my ultimate goal.

My promise to you: A commitment to excellence and integrity in the performance of all my responsibilities on your behalf. I will only represent your interests, not the career politicians!

Michael Crimmins
Major, USMC (Ret.)

Increased taxes, excessive government, obscene borrowing and spending are policies that should be “dead on arrival” in Washington. Unfortunately, that’s not the case today with President Obama’s plan for a cap and trade energy plan, a public option health care plan and many of the other bills being put before Congress and being supported by our own San Diego Representative, Susan Davis.

Susan Davis and her liberal allies in Congress are rushing to impose new legislation to increase spending, increase the national debt and to create a system of government that literally cannot support nor sustain itself.

It is high time for a new direction! Not just in speaking of change, but in proven leaders who believe in public service, ethics, responsible government, efficient spending and accountability in our elected officials.

My name is Michael Crimmins and I would be honored to serve and represent you in Congress. Briefly: I am an American first, a conservative second, and a Republican third; a retired United States Marine Corps Naval Flight Officer, a combat wounded veteran, a teacher and former school principal and a dad.

In 2008, I was the Republican nominee for Congress in the 53rd Congressional District, the seat presently held by Susan Davis. I am proud to announce that I will again be kicking off my campaign for election to Congress in 2010, to serve you and to best represent San Diego.

Will you join with me to stop irresponsible spending, rising tax rates and promote representative and responsible government?

Please write back to me with the support of your endorsement and consider forwarding this e-mail to at least 5 of your friends, family members and neighbors. Let them know about my campaign website:  www.CrimminsForCongress.com.

Friends and neighbors, if we all work together and stand by our principles, we can stop this wasteful agenda being promoted by Susan Davis and Barack Obama. We will regain the trust of the American people as the party of individual liberties, national security, low taxes, family values and fiscal discipline.

There’s just too much at stake to be sitting on the sidelines during this critical moment in our nation’s history.

Can I count on your support?

With warm regards and God Bless,

Michael Crimmins

P.S. I have long been committed to fiscal discipline and accountability and, based on what we have all seen so far, is to not expect that coming from either Susan Davis or Barack Obama. Rather, we see programs that amount to little more than the government printing, spending, and borrowing money to promote a social agenda best described as a redistribution
of your wealth.

Please donate $25 or more today to help support my campaign.

Michael Crimmins, Republican candidate for San Diego, opposes Washington’s plan to force taxpayers to pick up the bill for a $700 billion dollar bailout of Wall Street.

“My opponent, Congresswoman Susan Davis has voted lock-step with her party 98% of the time, making her one of the least independent Congressional Representatives in America,” said Crimmins. “Talk about being fused to the hip of Nancy Pelosi. Today she voted for the bailout plan which was eventually defeated. Now is the time for Susan Davis to show some leadership, stop being the perennial backbencher, and oppose the $700 billion dollar bailout of Wall Street As a fiscally conservative candidate, I have been skeptical all along of this rush for “the quick fix”. The proposed bailout plan is a short term fix at best, not a long term solution. While we could possibly see an immediate spike in the financial markets, with the current culture of corruption in Washington which led us to this very moment, we will as a nation continue to be driven deeper into debt if this bailout plan is left unchallenged.”

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson promised America a stabilized economy after rescuing Bear Stearns last March, then Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and then AIG. Crimmins believes, “Enough is enough! A trillion dollars of taxpayer dollars towards bailing out our economy is entirely unacceptable. Just where was Susan Davis when oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was most needed?”

“I agree that Congress must take action, but the current bailout plan is not the answer. We cannot dismantle Main Street in order to save a few firms on Wall Street. Private capital should bailout Wall Street. By immediately suspending the Business Tax and Capital Gains Tax we will free up private capital, which is a far better alternative than taxing Main Street. Congress must look further into overall market reform as the best long term solution.”

Crimmins continues his promise to fight for hard working San Diegans. Crimmins added, “Why should my future constituents, who have scrimped and saved and spent their money wisely, be forced to bail out Wall Street executives who drove their corporations into the ground? Forget about those golden parachutes gentlemen. You deserve a room in the long-bar hotel with pink jump suits, three hots and a cot!”