FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2008
Copple Announces Candidacy for Michigan’s 12th Congressional Seat
Focuses on Jobs, Iraq and Homeowners
SOUTHFIELD – At a news conference today in front of a faltering business in Southfield, 30-year-old Iraq War veteran and local pastor Bert Copple announced his candidacy for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District seat, saying he plans to make the economy, the War in Iraq and homeowners’ assistance his top issues.
“It’s time for a new day and a new way in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District,” Copple said. “We need a fresh start and a new approach to deal with some of the issues facing our residents. The old way isn’t working – on jobs, the War in Iraq and homeowner security – and it’s time for change. I hope to bring together Republicans, Democrats and Independents in our area who realize the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C., is unacceptable. I’m asking voters to look beyond partisan politics and political parties and vote based on what’s best for our country, our communities and our future. I am running for Congress because my two-year-old son Noah and every other child in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District deserve a future filled with hope. We owe them no less.”
Copple is running unopposed in Michigan’s August Republican primary and looks forward to facing 25-year-incumbent Democrat Rep. Sander Levin in the November general election.
“A lot has changed in a quarter-century, but the person representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District has remained the same,” Copple said. “How can we expect progress and change if we continue sending the same person to Washington, D.C., year after year since 1982?”
On the economy, Copple said he plans to reverse the negative trends that have taken hold since Democrats recaptured control of the House and Senate in 2006.
“Harry Reid (D-Nevada), Nancy Pelosi (D-California) and Sander Levin promised change in 2006, but – after just two years with them in charge – our nation and our region face an economic recession. This is not the change the American people were promised,” Copple said, pointing to the faltering business behind him at the news conference with a “for sale” sign in front of it.
“Local workers deserve good jobs with good wages and good benefits,” Copple said. “It’s time for fair trade to replace free trade, because we’ve learned that NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) is anything but free. It has cost local families their jobs and the financial security they deserve.”
After spending one year of his life in Iraq while serving in the U.S. Army, Copple’s on-the-ground experience has shaped his plan for dealing with the war-torn region.
“Michigan residents and our military personnel deserve more than non-binding resolutions with arbitrary timetables for withdrawal,” Copple said, referencing the ineffectiveness of Congress on this issue. “They deserve a realistic plan that brings our troops home as soon as possible without jeopardizing American security. So far, the Democrat Congress has offered nothing but empty promises.”
Finally, Copple said he will push forward solutions to address the volatile housing market that has left many local families with escalating mortgages and fears of losing their homes.
“How can Congress and Sander Levin stand by and watch as families lose their homes due to predatory loans? It’s time to send someone to Washington, D.C., who will put homeowners’ interests above the interests of predatory lenders,” Copple said. “To stand by and do nothing while families lose their homes and everything they’ve worked for is a moral sin.”
In the weeks and months ahead, Copple plans to unveil proposals on additional issues, including taxes, education, illegal immigration, retirement security and senior citizen and military veteran issues. For more information about the Copple for Congress campaign, visit BertCopple.com.
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Copple for Congress
Michigan’s 12th Congressional District
The Committee to Elect Bert Copple
www.BertCopple.com
Contact: Bert Copple
Phone: (248) 904-8455
