Since running for US Representative in 1996 (Open Seat), I have had desire to run again. Certainly, Chris John failed greatly to represent this district as the Constitution clearly dictates. I one conversation I'd had with Mr. John, after he'd been in office over one year, he admitted that he'd never fully read the Constitution.

I had hoped that Charles Boustany would represent this District in a better manner. It became clear, soon after taking office, however, that, despite his being a good man, his representation falls horribly short of what our Constitution demands of all representatives. This same Constitution he swore to defend, he would continue to ignore.

I've been told at times that I "make too big a deal" about our constitution. These same people fail to realize the importance of this founding document. The United States of America is a Constitutional Republic, whose principle law is this founding document. When the Constitution is either ignored or breached, there is no law. As a nation of laws, how can we tolerate our leaders blatantly breaking the law?

History is splattered with stories of citizens whose rights were abused by the leaders they put their trust in. This history was the lesson recalled by our founding fathers in writing the Constitution. They were intent that the law would not ever again allow those in power to tread the rights of the people. With the Union of thirteen states, they were completely away of the risks of this concentration of powers. The 1787 convention was driven by two objectives:

• Creation of a national government with enough power to protect its people.
• Not enough power to oppress them.

Our final ratified constitution accomplished that difficult task. Over the years since, however, those who would dare to have power over the citizens of our nation, found it too difficult to work within the confines of the Constitution. Our Constitution was written with controls that made making changes too difficult for their lust for power.

Gradually, over time, however, those that thirst for power found it easily ignored. Ignoring our Constitution is easily accomplished when Congress abdicates its authority. That is where we are today. You will find that most of the problems facing America are easily remedied. We don't need new laws. We don't need more authority given to leaders. We simply need our leaders to obey the Constitution they have taken an oath to defend.

Congress and ONLY Congress has the authority to declare war. Yet, today our sons and daughters are off fighting a war that isn't our war because Congress abdicated. And our noble children are dying. When our President willfully disregards the law and the Constitution, Congress just watches.

When the courts brazenly stifle religious free expression, Congress just watches. Sure, they'll tell you about how upset they are with the "runaway judiciary," but they refuse to even try to exercise the authority given then by Article III, § 2 of the Constitution. We don't need new judges so much as we need new Congressmen.

The greatest power granted by the Constitution is given to Congress, not the Presidency and not the Judiciary. Congress has the power to restore America, yet they abandon their authority. This nation needs, District 7 needs a Representative who has the courage and tenacity to stand face to face with the President and judiciary gone awry and tell them NO! NO, we will not send our children to die fighting wars that are not our wars. NO, we will not stop our children from praying at football games. NO, we will not infringe on the rights of law abiding Americans to protect themselves. NO, we will not take away Americans property or restrict their use of their property with due process. NO, we will not spy on Americans without due process. NO, NO, NO!

This year, after failing to find even one candidate who adheres to Constitutional principles, I decided that it was again time to be a candidate. In spite of the difficulties ahead, I know it's the right thing to do. I am running as a member of the Constitution Party because their platform exemplifies the intent of our founding fathers. They are a party I am proud to be associated with and proud to be nominated by.

Some have tried to discourage me from running as a "third party" candidate, believing it to be impossible to win unless I run as a Republican (which I ran as in '96.) First, the reality is that I could never win as a Republican. Ron Paul is a perfect example of, even with much financial support and a great following, the machinations of the Republican Party kept him from getting this district's nomination. Mr. Boustany is a toady of the Republican Party. He epitomizes the party. Within the Party confines I would have no chance to ever get the votes of Democrats and Independents. I would never make it to the November 4th general election. Mr. Boustany will be there representing the Republicans. Secondly, it would be hypocritical to bond myself with the Republican or Democratic Party given their history of violating everything the Constitution stands for. I am convinced that there are enough like-minded Americans in this district who wish to restore America for themselves and their children. Given the opportunity to he heard by these people, I can and will win on November 4th.

But I need your help. I need your prayers and moral support. I need you to tell your friends and co-workers about me. I you have control of any web sites, I need you to mention this campaign and link back to this web site. I need like-minded patriots to volunteer to distribute yard signs and literature. I need volunteers to do door to door canvassing, host fundraising receptions, make phone calls, write letters to the Editor. I need supported to help fund this campaign, because I cannot do it alone. We can Restore America, but we cannot do it individually. We need to do it together. Never ever let the opposition discourage you.

Thank You for your time and consideration,

Peter Vidrine