Red Rock On Air

Michael Cummins is no longer running for the District Eight Congressional Seat.  The Republican candidate was challenging Congressman Jim Oberstar.

Cummins, who works as a general contractor, said in a statement to Red Rock Radio, “If I cannot put 100% into the race, then it is unfair to the 8th district to run a race that I cannot be focused on. It is also not fair to those who I will be working with on their construction projects.”

Statement from Cummins:
I have decided to withdraw from the race for U.S. House to focus on work for Marty Seifert and Rhonda Sivarajah for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Chip Cravaak for Congress and Roger Crawford for State House in 8B. These individuals have the values that I support and the ability to restore hope to families who are struggling under bloated federal and state governments. I’m confident that these candidates advocate meaningful change to the offices for which they are running.

Marty Seifert is a committed servant to the people of Minnesota. In 2008 while driving more than 25,000 miles within the district, I encountered Marty no fewer then 30 times working, not for himself, but for our conservative candidates. It was his leadership that kept the left from overriding any of the governor’s vetoes and holding the Republican House Caucus together in 2009. I have full confidence in his choice as running mate. It will be his strong common sense leadership in the governor’s office that will guide us through this critical episode in Minnesota budgetary history.

As a father who is watching his second son enter into the Army this summer and a businessman, I need to spend time with my family this year. I am throwing my support behind Chip Cravaak for Congress. While we watch Washington spending our future one piece of pork at a time, we need to send a message to our out-of-control house member that his time is up. I know Chip can send that message powerfully and confidently, but he cannot do it alone. We all must get along side of him and support his campaign.

Roger Crawford is a former mayor of Mora. This no-nonsense businessman is solidly capable of bringing his years of experience to St Paul. Roger is the only candidate in this race who has suffered the sting of paying out-of-control property taxes, out-of-control income taxes and years of corporate taxes. For Roger, governmental problems aren’t just political science; they are his life experience.  He will use these experiences to provide enlightened pro-business leadership, job growth and a recovery from our state’s extraordinary financial crisis.

Politics in 2010 is not a spectator sport. 2010 is a year to get out and support our conservative candidates. Find someone you can support; then commit to his or her campaign. I will commit to all of our endorsed candidates who share my strong conservative values.

Thank you all for your support in 2008. I will remain on the campaign trail supporting our candidates.  I look forward to seeing you at events this year as we work to take our country and our state back.