Press Release
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hand to Embark on Write-In Candidacy for Congressional District 5 Colorado as an Unaffiliated Candidate
Colorado Springs, Colo. – August 21, 2008 – (http://www.thinkhdi.com), author of two books, amateur musician, husband, father of two, Colorado Springs resident,
has announced he will again seek the office currently held by Representative Doug Lamborn, as a write-in alternative to the
two traditional party candidates.
Hand
believes that the voters are looking for a fresh face to send to congress. His slogan is “Give Congress a Hand in 2008;
Rich Hand!” “We must take back our political process from the two parties that have made it nearly impossible
for an average citizen like me to become a viable candidate for congress” Hand stated. He believes that the reason the
process is broken is because for too long the clubs we call the Democratic and Republican Party’s have controlled the
candidates offered up to the citizens for consideration. Hand stated “This has happened because citizens have ignored
the process for too long, and are partly responsible for its current state”. He added, “The trust people have
given to the parties over the years has been abused and taken for granted. It is time to take back the process.”
“I am just a citizen that is taking action to give the voters of Colorado Congressional
District 5 a choice”. Hand ran in 2006 as a write-in and lost by a couple of votes. When Hand is asked about that run,
and the number of votes he received he comments,” I was only 123,224 short of victory. I believe in 2008 I will do much
better based on what I have learned over the past two years. It will help me reach my goal in 2008; victory”. Hand believes
a sense of humor is important in life but more important he adds, “When you see something that is broken; you must step
forward and get involved. I wrote a book on the importance of taking action, so this is a natural step for me. I hope others
agree and get involved as well.”
Rich Hand is the husband of Justine Hand a Nurse, and the father of two children, Taylor
14, and Emily 12. Both children will be instrumental in his campaign. They will be in charge of his YouTube campaign videos,
a kid’s political blog, and organizing his educational campaign activities. He will also be assisted by Kelly Mobley
and Terre Christensen of Black Forest, and Palmer Lake respectively on managing the volunteers willing to help in this great
cause. Hand stated, “I hope what my children learn is the importance of taking action on the things you believe in.
As for Terre and Kelly, they are two phenomenal individuals that understand how to get things done. Both have been active
community organizers and come from very diverse political positions which will help keep this cause grounded in core values
important to all the citizens of Colorado’s District 5”.The mission statement on Hand’s political website
is: “Educating and engaging all generations in the political process.” Hand explains: “The cause I am on
is to get people engaged and to help people understand how important their participation and knowledge of politics is, especially
our young generation. Every vote does count, and if everyone works together we can change the things that undermine our current
system.” He will use his professional experience as a speaker and presenter to help spread the message and the passion.
He has listed some key issues he will focus on if elected. Many include fundamental changes to the way congress works but
he believes if you don’t fix the foundation you can’t fix the big issues.
According to Hand, “First
thing is to cap Congressional pay and eliminate their retirement benefits. Second is to have congress spend more time in the
district and less time mingling with lobbyists at luxurious parties. Third we must fix healthcare so people that want to start
their own businesses can do so without the worry of the loss of healthcare access. To foster this I will propose ending healthcare
for members of congress to increase the urgency of fixing the system for everyone”. Hand has been in the business community
for over 20 years, and the leader of two large membership organizations. He believes those skills translate well into leading
in congress. He also believes, “The current bar is so low, there is only opportunity to improve the current crop of
leaders with some fresh and passionate leadership.” Hand knows his cause is a long shot but he points to the lesson
of the American Revolution, “If you look at the odds of a bunch of passionate individuals up against the largest and
most successful military in the world at the time, you would have said they were nuts. But their longing for freedom, and
pursuit of a better way, guided their actions under conditions most would turn their back on today. Thank God they took action
and believed in their cause. When you look at it that way; call me nuts!”
For more information, or to learn about Rich Hand’s candidacy, visit http://www.WhoisRichHand.com.
###
Media Contact: Rich4.hand@gmail.com
Kelly Mobley
Terre Christensen
