NAPLES, FLA. – Today Senator Burt Saunders announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress, District 14. Below are remarks from Senator Saunders regarding his decision:

I have had the honor and privilege of serving the citizens of southwest Florida for the past twenty-five years, first as the Collier County Attorney, then as a member of the Collier County Commission, the Florida House of Representatives, and currently the Florida Senate. This is a wonderful community in which to live, work and raise a family. My public service has given me the opportunity to work with many wonderful people to help improve the quality of life of all of our citizens

I have particularly enjoyed serving as an Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troup 165 where my twin sons are scouts; sponsoring Little League baseball teams; and serving on the Boards of Directors of numerous civic and service organizations such as Project Help. I experienced the pride of watching my oldest son graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University and then join the State Department to serve his country.
My wife, Dr. Lillian Love, is a medical oncologist who has given me great insight into the many problems faced by our medical providers and their patients, and has helped guide me as I have worked to ensure that we have the best healthcare possible for all Floridians.

During my legislative service, I focused on diversifying and improving Florida’s economy and lowering the tax burden on our citizens, improving the affordability and quality of healthcare, preserving and protecting our fragile environment for future generations, eliminating fraud in many government programs such as Medicaid, improving public education and protecting our children from harm. This public service has been a high point in my life.

As I begin my last year in the Florida Senate, I have given a great deal of thought as to what lies ahead for me. I could easily capitalize on my many valuable contacts and practice law. Or, I could continue to seek election and serve my community, my state and my nation. Public service is in my blood, and I have valuable experience that will equip me well to seek higher elective office. The natural progression of my elective service is to seek election to the United States Congress.

Because of the urging of numerous community and business leaders, supporters and friends, I have fully evaluated the implications of running for the United States Congress. Most importantly, I have the support of my wife and children to continue with public service.
Southwest Florida deserves to have a member of Congress who lives in southwest Florida, who is invested in the southwest Florida community, and who cares about the issues that are important too all of us in southwest Florida. We deserve a Congressman who will work to solve the difficult problems facing Florida and the Nation, and provide meaningful service to his constituents.

More than perhaps anytime since the onset of World War II what Congress does, or does not do, on many difficult issues will determine the very survival of our nation as we know it. No one will disagree with the notion that the global war on terrorism is our greatest challenge, and we must continue to pursue terrorists wherever they hide. But, we do not have endless resources, and we must be smart about how they are utilized. Forging true international coalitions and better understanding our enemy will ensure our victory.

No one will disagree with the notion that we must stop all illegal immigration into our country, provide for tamper proof biometric identification cards for all non-citizens, and develop a logical and effective way to deal with the large number of illegal immigrants currently here. We must develop a fair and effective legal immigration system that works for our businesses dependent on an immigrant work force.

No one will disagree with the notion that we must develop alternative fuels and eliminate our dependence on Middle East oil. In order to defeat fascism during World War II, we focused our scientific community on solving the problems associated with the development of the atom bomb. We must have a similar commitment to development of alternative fuels.

No one will disagree with the notion that we must find ways to provide affordable quality healthcare for all of our citizens, we must deal with the issues associated with global climate change, and we must do more to protect the American worker. Unfortunately, we see only gridlock out of Washington, D.C.

Our citizens rightfully are demanding that these and many other difficult problems be solved. Because there has been no real progress on these difficult issues, and because of the many scandals plaguing Congress, Congressional approval ratings are hovering around 20%. I believe we can and must do better.

We must end the bickering and political warfare that have crippled Congress. Southwest Florida can do its part to say enough of the gridlock! During my entire public service, I have worked with Republicans and Democrats to craft solutions to difficult problems. If I am fortunate enough to earn the support of the voters and am elected to Congress, I pledge to work to solve the issues challenging this Nation, and work with Republicans and Democrats to find solutions. I believe all Americans expect nothing less from their elected officials.

It is my intention to seek election with “No Party Affiliation”. As a long term Republican office holder, I hold dear the many Republican philosophies that have made the Republican Party great. If elected, I will caucus with the Republican Party and will support the leadership team of the Republican caucus in Congress. However, by running with “No Party Affiliation”, all registered voters in this Congressional District will have an opportunity to select who will be their next Representative. I believe we can send a message to Congress that we seek solutions to problems, not gridlock and political warfare.

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