What Sets Craig Apart

Friends,

In just one week, the May 29th primary election will take place in Texas. I've been on the campaign trail for the last five months and it's been quite a ride. One thing people have asked as they prepare to cast their votes is what sets me apart from the other candidates in this race. To answer that, I think it's best to summarize this race and the stances I've taken as a candidate.

Transparency

Within weeks of declaring my candidacy in January, I did something that was very uncomfortable for me: I released five years of my personal taxes. It's not required for candidates to take such an extraordinary step. But I wanted to show voters who I am and that I am completely committed to being transparent with them. To this date, no other candidate in the race has done the same.

Accountability

I've often said that my purpose in life is not to be a U.S. Senator. That may sound odd since I'm running for that very position. What I mean is that my purpose in life is not to be a career politician. I have committed to only serving two terms in the U.S. Senate. We need representatives who understand what's happening on Real Street. After twelve years, they need to go back to the private sector and reconnect. I will be a citizen legislator who serves the people for a period then returns to my life on Real Street. Can the other candidates in this race say the same?

Boldness

Voters are tired of politicians who only listen to political consultants and do what's politically expedient. I was told by those in the political establishment that endorsing a presidential candidate was foolish. But I firmly believe that Rick Santorum was the true conservative alternative to Barack Obama and I wasn't afraid to say it. I ran T.V. ads supporting Rick because I believed in his message. It might not have earned points with the establishment, but it was the right thing to do.

Passion

It's safe to say that on essential issues, most of the Republican candidates in this race share the same views. But we need more than that if we're going to restore our nation to its greatness. We need people who can passionately articulate our values. After the BELO Debate in April, my campaign received countless notes and messages from people expressing how moved they were by my passionate closing statement. They saw a man who genuinely cares about our nation and isn't afraid to speak the truth.

Perseverance

On the campaign trail, many people have been surprised to hear about my humble background. They didn't know that my mother left an abusive relationship when I was a child and had to raise two young boys on her own. They had never heard that I ate my fair share of mayonnaise-only sandwiches, or that I saw that eviction notice on our front door when I was in third grade. I have lived the American Dream and making sure that same Dream is preserved for future generations is what keeps me on the campaign trail.

These are just a few of the many things that set me apart from the other candidates and that I hope will convince voters I am their best choice for U.S. Senate. My campaign does not have the money to get this message on the airwaves 24/7, but if you will forward this email to your sphere of influence, we can create a viral campaign. Texans deserve to hear from each of the candidates. Please help me by sharing my message with everyone you know. I humbly ask for your vote.

For Faith, Freedom and Texas,

Craig James

P.S. I need your help in this race. Please donate today and then share this message with your friends and family to help us spread the word!