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A Tale of Two Republicans

Matt Sakalosky: No Broken Promises
A vote for Matt is a vote for the traditional conservative values and ideals that made our country great.  Matt will not vote for interventions into the private markets, he will hold the line against spending, and he will fight to reduce our National Debt.  He will fight against the pending Health Care and 'Cap-and-Trade' agendas and take on the challenges we face in the entitlement programs. 

Lee Terry: Typical Washington Politics
Congressman Terry has failed to uphold the conservative ideals that are the foundation of the Republican party.  He has an unquestionable history of voting for government intervention into private markets and spending that greatly adds to our National Debt.  He has failed to deliver on his 'Term Limits' pledge and is now seeking a 7th term.  Lee's candidacy is mired in special interest and lobbyist money that we expect from entrenched Washington politicians.
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A History of Broken Promises...

Lee Terry's Record...A Recent Snapshot
A Progressive Republican Record

-VOTED FOR the TARP/Bailout Spending Bill
-VOTED FOR and Supported Cash for Clunkers
-Co-Sponsored Bill Raising CAFE Standards
-For Expansion of Government Health Care
-Ranked in the Bottom 26% of Congress
-Dems View Terry as one of 5 Weak Links
-Voted One of Dems top 10 Favorite Republicans

Voted for the TARP/Bailout Spending Bill
To use a play on a familiar phrase, I voted against it before I voted for it!  Lee voted for the historical spending in the first TARP bill.  Without a handful of Republicans caving against conservative principles, this bill would have never made it through Congress...but it did.  And like Ben Nelson's critical vote to pass the health care bill in the Senate, Lee's vote was critical to passing the TARP.  Even more disturbing, Lee claims to have consulted Warren Buffet on the decision (remember that Warren Buffet was serving as an economic advisor to then presidential candidate Barack Obama!).  Lee should have consulted the voters of the 2nd district instead of the liberal Obama advisor.

Matt's View: I would have never voted for the TARP spending bills and I will not waiver on fiscal responsibility in both government and the private sector.  As a 'Reagan Republican', I am extremely disappointed that Lee failed to uphold even the most basic conservative tenets.  The TARP will be added to our already burgeoning debt and our kids will be paying for the mistakes of a few for a very long time.

Voted for and supported the Cash for Clunkers Program
Lee Terry was a staunch supporter of the 'Cash  for Clunkers' program and continues to tout the success of this program.  Lee crossed the aisle once again to promote government solutions for the private markets.

Matt's View: Again, I am highly disappointed in Lee's departure from Republican values.  This tells us he supports government intervention into the private markets without hesitation to assist companies that have made poor decisions.  While the belief was 'some companies are too big to fail', let's ask Ford how they made it through the crisis without a government takeover.  The progressive mentality that government solutions can cure the problems of a free market borders on legitimizing 'free market socialism'.  Once again, another government program that will burden our kids with even more debt.

Co-Sponsored and Supported Raising CAFE Standards
In one of the few pieces of legistlation that has Lee Terry's name on it, he crossed the isle with a liberal democrat to construct a requirement of car companies to arbitrarily raise the minimum required fuel standards for car companies.  Mark Levine cites this type of legistlation in his latest book 'Liberty and Tyranny'.   He stated these types of policies are costing car manufacturers tens of billions of dollars in research and development to comply with the new standards.  What does this mean to consumers? Approximately an additional $3,000 to $4,000 for every car that you buy! 

Matt's View: Crossing the isle usually means one thing, a new government program that is going to cost us money.  And to be spoken of so highly by the liberal democrats, well, that usually means you are on the wrong side of the issue.  Unless you believe that Global Warming is a 'man-made' event, there was no reason for this legislation and it is costing every American thousands of dollars every time they purchase a car.  Another departure from conservative and free market ideals, this is a disturbing pattern.

Proposed Expansion of Government Health Care Benefits to Uninsured
Lee Terry's Health Care plan was a late arrival.  Lee had no plan the entire spring, summer, and Congressional summer recess.  He went to town halls claiming he had a plan, but failed to reveal it.  He finally revealed his plan the week that Nancy Pelosi and crew were behind closed doors and shut the Republicans out of the discussion.  It is curious why he waited until no one was listening to produce an idea.  Now he supports another idea that he claims to be a private sector approach that will hold down costs and make it affordable.  It will not be affordable for those out of work or between low paying jobs which is the demographic he is attempting to cover.

Matt's View: As a Health Care expert, I am shocked at the simplicity of what Congressman Terry did reveal.  It does not address arresting the inflationary cost of health care, tort reform, or pooling cost which is crucial to the long-term solvency of our health care system.  He claims his ideas keep health care private...but that's not the case when it's government mandated!  When someone thinks the government can dictate a product to be available within a defined government format for a demographic that cannot afford the product...it will cost consumers in the end.

Ranked in the Bottom 26% of Congress
Dems View Terry as one of 5 Weak Links


This story can be told by how Democratics view Lee's leadership.  Because of Lee's Liberal and Progressive approach, Democrats think they can win in Nebraska and make it another instrument of Nancy Pelosi's agenda for America.  Democrats believe that without a strong Conservative Republican representing Nebraska's 2nd District seat, this is a ripe place waiting to be picked.  This is not only a belief but an action plan.  The National Democratic Committee put Lee on a top ten list of defeatable Republican incumbents and the Obama campaign spent large amounts of money in our district during the last election in attempts to turn it 'blue' and they almost succeeded.  They have now narrowed the list to 5 very beatable Republicans in the upcoming mid-term elections...and Lee is still on the list.  The Democratic National Committee will be pouring tens of thousands of dollars into our district again to defeat Lee.

Matt's View:  Let's take the breath out of the Democrats and elect a strong 'Reagan Conservative' Republican here in the 2nd district.  We should inspire people to once again believe in conservative ideals instead of pandering to liberal voters.  I will not court a group of 'Obama/Terry' voters, they will be Matt Sak voters that believe in stopping the outrageous spending in Washington.

Voted One of the Dems top 10 Favorite Republicans
A poll showed that Lee Terry was one of the 10 Ten favorite Republicans of the Democrats.  Lee Terry responded to the World Herald that it was 'because they like my humor'.  Lee's response may have been tongue-in-cheek, but he dodged a very basic concern of the voters in the 2nd district.  There is only one reason to be on the Dems top 10 list...you are seen as the most likely to listen to, work with, and cross the isle on legislation on the democratic agenda.

Matt's View:  Some of the progressive Republicans fear to be the party of 'No'.  Well, someone has to be the adult in the room and stand up against the debt, spending, and intrusive government that is being debated in Washington D.C. and implemented in incremental fashion.  The 2nd District can take solace in the fact that I will not waiver on traditional conservative principles.  I will uphold their values and principles and help inspire a new generation of conservative Republicans throughout our country.


Voter Letters
The feedback Matt's receiving from the voters

May 8th, 2009
Suggestion for the campaign:

I don't know what the final amount of the stimulus bill that Lee Terry finally voted for, I think it was $819 billion.   Matt could say there are "819 billion reasons not to vote for Lee Terry".  Better yet have some kids around 8 to 10 years old sadly saying, "Thanks Mr. Terry for taking away my future."  What else is there to say?

You have my support.

K.P., Omaha

February 2nd, 2010

Lee Terry represents Nebraska’s Second Congressional District.  Like many in Congress, Terry has lost his way.  He has ignored the compass of conservatism, leaving his constituents in the doldrums.  But the political winds are shifting, and I am part of those winds of change within the party.  I am energized by fellow Republicans like yourself who have the courage to challenge the RINO wing of the party.
 

Terry claims to be a fiscal conservative.  Despite his claim, his actions prove otherwise.  Take for example his vote for the Bailout (H.R. 1424 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008).  In hindsight, Terry would have voted against it.  Unfortunately, hindsight cannot reverse government waste and corruption.  Unlike Terry, I possess the discipline to defend the principles which I embrace.
 

Rather than serving the interests of his constituents, Terry proudly serves lobbyists and special interests in Washington, D.C.  His record does not represent traditional, conservative values which Republicans hold dear.  Terry has abandoned our shared, core values.  I have voted for Terry every time in the past, but that is now the past as well.  He will no longer receive my vote.
 

I have heard the establishment Republicans have chided your campaign to challenge a fellow Republican, the incumbent.  I have this to say to those who may question your loyalty...I would argue that it is those with blind allegiance who have been disloyal.  That is, they have been disloyal to their principles.  While fraternity is important, freedom is more so.  Thank-you for running!

Todd, Omaha

September 7, 2009
We need a decent hard working American to represent us, I am tired of the out of touch representative we have now.  Looking for someone I can actually believe in and talk to.  You have my vote!

Kathleen, Omaha

September 16th, 2009
I met you at a campaign function a few weeks ago and you were a breathe of fresh air.  My husband and I are very serious about getting involved with your campaign and getting you out in front now.  Please let us know what we can do to help.

Robin, Omaha

February 22nd, 2010
I attended a tea party rally last April in downtown Omaha where Lee was making his rounds.   I confronted him about his vote for TARP.  He flatly denied voting for TARP.  I then pressed him again because I was certain that he had voted for the final bill.  He then told me that he voted for it before he voted against it. This was a blatant attempt at misdirection.  This convinced me that he is part of the Washington problem.  I have two witnesses to this exchange with Lee.  They were surprised by his attempted deception as well.   

Chris, Omaha

May 6th, 2009
Matt...I feel that you are RIGHT on the issues!

I would also like to write a check and be involved in your campaign in any way I can.

Doug, Bellevue

December 2nd, 2009
I would love to be able to vote for a real conservative...Lee seems more worried about his next election than the conservative principles that put him there in the first place.  I would love to go to the doors of Republicans and try to get this primary for Matt.

Scott, Omaha

June 3rd, 2009
Matt sounds wonderful and will have my vote and endorsement as well as my family's support!

Marie, Omaha

August 17th, 2009
I have been a registered Repub since 1990 and was active at the county level back when the congress was swept in 94. Back then Lee Terry supported term limits. Well he had to cave on that one. Did Lee Terry voice any opposition to Denny Hestert worthless leadership? Silence.....and we got earmarking nightmares coming from Congress.

I just read the Midlands section on Matt's campaign. Lack of support from the local party hacks might just be the difference to win the primary. Don't forget to let independents know that they can vote in the primary but they must ask for the Republican ballot.

Terry has been there too long. John Thune R-SD is the future of Conservatives in Congress. We need other Reagan Republicans in the House to help change the Repubilcans back to their conservative base. Count me in as a supporter.

Name Witheld for Privacy, Omaha

June 6th, 2009
I am currently a student at Wayne State college. Matt I support your run for congress because Lee Terry is part of the problem. You can't claim to be a republican, and then vote for a 700 billion dollar bailout.  My parents reside in Omaha, and so will in 2010. Good luck to you, we need- Common Sense, and Core Values. We need a STRONG voice in DC. The one thing that bothers me is you never hear about a congressman from Nebraska speaking out, please be that man for us. Goodluck & Godspeed

Brian, Omaha

September 7th, 2009
I look forward to learning more about your vision and views.  Right now I’m more committed to defeating Lee Terry after his vote this fall but I hope that ultimately I’m committed to help you win because I believe you will do what’s best for our country.

Tim, Omaha

February 23rd, 2010
Easily convinced my entire family to vote for you in the Primary!

Matt, Omaha

June 4th, 2009
I was contacted by a friend who was very excited about your congressional bid to unseat Lee Terry.  I am a Reagan Conservative and will support candidates that espouse those principles.  I have BA degree in History and Political Science.  I am pretty much a "political" junkie, so I enjoy learning and discussing issues facing this district and country.  

I went to one of your scheduled events to hear more of your views and ask questions.  It sure didn't take long to realize, you have my vote.  Keep up the good work!

Brad, Omaha
 

February 22nd, 2010
Hi Matt,

I just found your web site and it is a pleasure to find someone other than Lee Terry.  I voted for him last time with great reservation.  I won't forget when he made the attempt for federal funding for a bicycle trail from Fremont to Omaha.  Why are we spending so much money for entertainment?  Maybe we will need these trails when we can no longer drive our cars! What kind of infrastructure is that?

I would like someone to stand up against any bill that has any earmarks.  If the bill won't pass without them then it shouldn't pass at all. LOOK at how much is wasted when everyone thinks the same way.  Take the useless Bob Kerrey bridge  $22,000,000!  And what about the federal government having union workers?

Also, the percentage of work vs. holiday of the congress and senate is way out of proportion and needs addressed. The fat cats work for us but vote in every pay raise for themselves and should be put to a vote by the people...YOU KNOW THE ONES THAT PAY TO KEEP YOU EMPLOYED.  How many private businesses would stay afloat if the employees gave themselves raises?  Not many!

When is the last time you heard of anyone spending their way out of debt?  They are just going to keep digging the hole until they will have to declare bankruptcy.  Hello China!  Good-Bye sovereign nation!

Remember Matt, when you get in office, we the people will be watching and keeping track so serve your term and get out!  That turn coat Ben Nelson is the next one out. He wants it both ways well he's going to get the boot in 2012.  He's not looking out for Nebraska just another Washington Politician!

Concerned fiscal American

Lyle, Omaha

July 4th, 2009
To be honest, I would be more than happy to help in anyway possible.  Not only would I like to see someone in office besides Lee, I think Matt really represents the values that American should stand for. 

We are in a day and age where finding a true conservative is difficult.  Being a conservative I would welcome the opportunity to get the vote out for Matt and do my best on getting him elected!

Sam, Omaha