U.S. Senate Candidate John Sharp addresses local Democrats at a Friday noon meeting.

 

U.S. Senate Candidate John Sharp
Makes Campaign Stop
In Sulphur Springs, Friday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

It was a gathering of local Democrats at Sulphur Springs Country Club, that welcomed John Sharp, U. S. Senate candidate, to Hopkins County, for a noon address, on Friday. "I want to introduce to you former State Senator, former State Comptroller, and my friend, John Sharp," allowed Hopkins County Democrat Party Chairman, Bill Brannon. "John is a 'grassroots sort of guy' and one that knows the values that we hold dear here in Northeast Texas."

Sharp addressed the crowd about the unique situation that will exist in Texas, if Texas' U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, resigns her office to run for Governor of Texas, as she has announced she plans to do. "The Governor will call a special election and there will be no party primaries," reminded Sharp. "It's 'root hog or die' out there, with whomever wants to run can get on the ballot. As of now, there are six or seven hopefuls among the Republican Party and at least one other Democrat that has indicated interest in the race. It will be a the candidate that can get at least 50% of the vote or a run-off between the top two candidates!"

 

Local Democrats visited with John Sharp, U.S. Senate candidate, on Friday.

 

"I feel I have the name recognition and the conservative values of the average Texan, to go to Washington and represent those issues that are most important to you," expressed Sharp. "Right now, we're only one of five states in the entire U.S., that doesn't have representation in any kind of Senate Democratic Party functions! We've got two Republican Senators and thus we don't even have a seat at the table with Democrats in control. It's imperative that we take this opportunity to elect a Democrat to the Senate, so that regardless of who is in power, in Washington, we'll have a voice!"

"We need to put party differences aside and elect what is best for Texas, so that we'll have the representation that we need!" continued Sharp.

 

 

"Houston Mayor Bill White has indicated an interest in the U.S. Senate Seat, but up until a few weeks ago, White was a member of an Anti-Gun Group," stated Sharp. "Anybody knows that here in Texas, somebody that is against owning guns is not going to get elected to Congress!"

 

"Serving as your former State Comptroller, I'm naturally concerned about what both parties are doing in Washington," affirmed Sharp. "I'll quote my Czech Grandmother when she instructed me as a child, 'Anytime your out-go is more than your income, your upkeep is going to be your downfall!' We've got to make certain that we can pay for the spending in Washington and not burden future generations with so much debt, they'll never see the light!"

 

John Sharp arrived at Friday's noon luncheon, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club, early so that he could
visit with local residents and learn about their concerns.

 

"I look at this office just like any of the other public servant positions I've held," expressed Sharp. "I want to go to Washington and make a difference, and then come home. I'll promise you I won't run for more than two terms. If I haven't made an impact and contribution by then, it's time for me to come home!"

"I feel that affordable Health Care should be a right of citizenship in the United States. It's one of those rights that should be grouped with the pursuit of happiness," continued Sharp. "But, I'll never vote for a health reform bill that doesn't include a sentence stating that American's will not pay more for drugs than Canadians, Europeans, and the rest of the world. We must do something about the cost of health care in this country and getting the cost of it in line, is the first priority. The American people cannot pay for all the research of drugs, for the world. No other place in the world pays the price for health care that we do as Americans!"

Sharp fielded questions from the audience and met with those in attendance, after the program, as he addressed particular concerns of local citizens, in his quest for their support.

 

Sharp visited with local citizens and answered a number of their concerns about government.

_____