Congressman Tom Cole Announces Re-Election Bid

Congressman Tom Cole Announces Re-Election Bid

Pointing out the need to maintain a strong economy, to reign in federal spending, to support our troops in the continuing war on terror and to secure our borders, Congressman Tom Cole announced today that he would like the opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District for another term. Congressman Cole will be running for a third two-year term this November.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Representative from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District. The voters in the Fourth District sent me to Congress to be an advocate for the issues they care about most--defending America, promoting opportunity and protecting Oklahoma values. This has been my first priority and it will continue to be my first priority if I am re-elected."

"I do not take the opportunity to hold this office for granted. I work every day to better understand the needs of my district and to effectively address the concerns of each and every citizen, family, business and institution. My promise to the voters is to faithfully serve them and represent their views in Washington. Last year alone, I received and responded to over 23 thousand letters from Oklahomans and helped over 900 people with problems they were having with a federal agency. I will do everything I can to continue to represent the values and priorities of the people who live in central and southwest Oklahoma."

"While serving in Congress, I have had the ability to voice concerns and support issues that are important to Oklahoma and the nation."

"Pro-growth policies passed by the majority party in Congress are working and both the state and national economy are on the rise. The economy has created about 2 million jobs over the past 12 months. Since 2003, Oklahoma has gained tens of thousands of jobs and the latest unemployment rate is 4.0 percent--one of the lowest rates in America."

"Thanks to the work of the Oklahoma congressional delegation and to state and local leaders, Oklahoma gained both jobs and missions during the 2005 BRAC round. These gains, without a doubt, will have a positive economic impact on our state for a long time to come. More importantly, they will make our military both more efficient and more effective in protecting us.

"One of my priorities, while serving in Congress, is to give more students the opportunity to attend college. I have formed a higher education task force in the state and have worked to protect programs like TRIO and GEAR UP that are especially vital to Oklahoma students. Last year I was named a TRIO Champion by the by the Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance."

"I believe our government has a responsibility to our men and women in the service, while they are serving and after they retire. While in Congress, I have worked to increase veterans' spending, solve the concurrent receipt problem and eliminate the Social Security offset under the Survivors Benefit Plan."

"While many efforts have been successful, there is still much work to do. I will continue to work to lower taxes, reign in the expansion of government, address the energy crisis, lower the deficit, give our men and women in uniform every resource they need and regain control of our borders, so that we are the ones deciding who enters our country."

"There are many challenges ahead for our country. Success in Iraq, Afghanistan and the broader War on Terror is vital to the long-term security of the country. Protecting our country is one of the most important responsibilities of the government. This is a job I take very seriously. I have traveled to Iraq five times and Afghanistan once since I was elected to Congress and now more than ever I am convinced we are doing the right thing. Our troops are doing good work there and they believe in their mission. It is not the time to cut and run, we must have an even stronger resolve than the terrorists and insurgents that prefer chaos and violence to peace and democracy."

"It is an honor to represent our great state, a wonderfully diverse district and the many hard working, compassionate and decent people who reside in it. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as their representative in Congress."

http://www.tomcoleforcongress.com/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=15469