Doug Keller: Oregon’s 1st Congressional District Candidate Renounces Special Interest Funding

Sept. 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Doug Keller has announced his candidacy to run against David Wu in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. There are a number of challengers for the incumbent already, but Doug Keller stands out as probably the most unconventional challenger in recent history.

A graduate of Sunset High School in Beaverton, Doug attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and then went on to flight school in Pensacola, FL. For the next 20 years, Doug served in the United States Navy around the world, from war zones to relief operations. After retiring in 2007, Doug returned to Oregon and now works for Evergreen Helicopters Inc, with headquarters in McMinnville, OR.

"I am not a politician." Doug said, after delivering his speech at the Labor Day Tea Party in a crowded Pioneer Square. "I am really concerned about the direction the country is headed and haven’t seen any good competition for David Wu in past elections.  So, instead of just complaining, I decided that it was time to step up and do something." And doing something unusual is what he has in mind. "Our country is about individual liberty and freedom, those unalienable rights that our forefathers described.  It’s not about socialism and handouts or the redistribution of wealth…it’s about giving people the opportunity to pursue happiness. If you make people dependent on the government, you make them into slaves, sapping their will and drive to achieve. Welfare to me is the slavery of the 21st century."

Fiscally conservative views and a belief in the ideas behind the Constitution are not surprising coming from Doug’s background, but what makes him stand out is how he intends to win the race. "I am just a regular guy who is tired of what I see from our representatives. They say one thing, and then they vote another. I have my platform and I intend to stick to it once elected, even if that means I serve only one term." Doug says that special interests seem to be able to twist the way our officials act and notes that the people he has met around the first district seem just as concerned.

When asked, how he’ll be any different, Doug says, "No doubt, you need money to win elections and I estimate you need around $650,000 to have a good chance of winning here.  Where that money comes from is the key. If you get it from Political Action Committees, businesses, or special interest groups, you have to compromise to make them happy in many cases. So, I have decided that if the people are truly to be represented the money must come from individuals. I will only be accepting money from individual supporters. If I can get $50 from 13,000 supporters, that is $650,000. Of course, individuals can give up to $2,400 and that is always appreciated.  If you like what you see on my platform and intend to vote for me, I ask that you put your money where your vote is.  Without that support, special interests will win the money battle."

What if you don’t get the money you need? "Well, we will do the best with what we have and fight the good fight. People need a good alternative to the status quo.  I will provide an option that people know is not on the payroll of special interests. I will be on the payroll of the people. Where we spend that money will be transparent as well."

This is a very unusual tack.   If he wins, however, he won’t be tied to special interests. Instead, he has a vested interest in staying true to the people by staying true to his platform.  As he has stated, "The only danger here is not sticking to my platform.  Then the people who hired me will certainly fire me. I can tell you this: I won’t be pleasing or bending to special interests and that is why support from individuals is critical to my success. I am sure special interests will focus their attacks on me because of this.  I say, with the help of the people…bring it on."

More information on Doug’s platform, biography and views can be found on Doug’s website at www.Keller4Congress.com.

Media Contact Information:  For further information please contact Doug Keller’s campaign at Doug@keller4congress.com.