Why I support Marlin Stutzman for US Senate

The five Republican candidates for the US Senate are all very fine men. I have met with each and they all understand the need to reform the laws in relation to child custody issues. You can see their response to my question at the debate - here.


There are a few things that I believe distinguish Marlin from the rest.

Marlin takes it very seriously when he says he is a servant of the people. He wanted to challenge Evan Bayh and was the first candidate to file to do that. Once Bayh announced that he would not run the field of challengers then ballooned.

He was also the only one to have his campaign finance reports in by the deadline. To me there is no valid excuse for not having those reports in on-time. Either you don't have competent advisers, competent staff or you don't want people knowing who is funding you. None of the three present a good reflection of the candidates.

More important than those issues are the character of the man. When the Republican leadership brought a budget bill to the members, literally hot of the presses, and asked for a favourable vote Marlin said no. He and two others were each reading a portion during that six hour period but couldn't finish before vote time. He wasn't going to vote in favour of something he hadn't read. That takes guts and shows character to go against the wishes of the party leaders. I think if more of the legislators on the hill read the bills maybe some of these intrusive and expensive laws wouldn't get passed.

I asked him again on Saturday if the well funded contributors gave push back on a bill and party leadership wanted it defeated would he still vote for a good bill even if it would cost him re-election. Without hesitation he answered with a list of priorities that exceed the wishes of party leadership which he would follow first. Those included his morals and the wishes of the people. If following his principles cost him his seat then so be it.

When I first cold-called Marlin at the State House we were meeting in a conference room within 10 minutes. There was no rush. He was truly interested in the issues for which I advocate. He didn't just idly listen to me and give me a polite moment. He had ideas, he had questions and he had a desire to see more child-friendly legislation in Indiana. He understood already many of the issues children face in various custody situations. He is truly interested in ensuring that children's right to the care, companionship and support of both parents is upheld.

Now he wants to be able to do that on a federal level. As much as I hate to lose him in the IGA I do believe he can better serve the residents of Indiana by being our next US Senator.

My interview with him should be transferred to digital soon. I will post when available. Then you can hear him in his own words. You can do it in-person also.

If anyone would like to meet Marlin and personally ask him questions please come see him at any of the public appearances.

The next one is Sunday 25 April 2010, Woody's Library Restaurant, Carmel, IN 2:00-4:00pm.

You may check my FaceBook page for daily updates on central Indiana event appearances by candidates.

Stutzman has received numerous endorsements. Very noteworthy is that 23 of the 32 Republican Indiana Senators have endorsed him. These legislators who were chosen by the people say they would choose Marlin. The Board of Directors of Indiana Custodial Rights Advocates has endorsed only one candidate this year. That is Marlin Stutzman. It only takes one of the nine directors to oppose an endorsement to kill it.

Please feel free to call me, Stuart Showalter, by e-mail or call if you have questions or want to help. 317.454.6184. Thank you.

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