Make history by putting a public school teacher in the United States Senate!

I've worked in the trenches my entire career -- educating the next generation to become thinkers, innovators and leaders.

Many will agree that the Democratic Party has fallen into dark times. It's time we stopped voting for Democrats because they're "electable" and started voting for those who will stand up for our Democratic principles.

I will stand up. I will not allow corporate interests to dictate my policy positions. I will represent you -- the people of Texas.

I want to restore integrity in US Politics. Texans should have pride in their government. The corruption and level of influence by private money is unacceptable. Average people seldom bother with the process anymore and are disenchanted. I will sponsor legislation that prohibits legislators from privately lobbying Congress for 10 years after leaving office.

• If free speech is “free” then why does it take millions of dollars to be heard? I support the “Clean Elections” reform movement that 7 states have implemented.
• If elections are about picking candidates who represent the public will, then the public should take ownership of the endeavor.  I will write legislation that diminishes the influence of private money.
• Today's politicians like the revolving door of “representing” you and then going on the bankroll of a special- interest group which they just sold you out to. I can be the strongest advocate for publicly funded elections.

Do not throw your vote away in this Senate race on another politician that has bought his way into office. Vote for me, a person who has served the children of Texas for 17 years, and will never take lobbyists' money.

I will hasten the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy. 

• America will be safer from terrorism and save the environment the sooner we move away from fossil fuels.
• I will strongly support legislation subsidizing renewable energy research and providers. 
• I will strengthen environmental laws that make you and your families safer, and give the Environmental Protection Agency the teeth to do their job. 
• The USA needs a sensible, long-term energy policy that is not based on industry profits.
• I support research and development in finding a renewable energy source that makes the United States energy independent.

As a teacher, I know education is the cornerstone of a pluralistic, democratic society. Public education is the bedrock of American Democracy. We have an obligation to fund education equally and ensure all children receive a quality education that prepares them for college and the future. 

• I favor a continued look at national teaching standards and curriculum. We are the last democracy to formulate a true national education system. I anticipate major reforms during the next two decades. 
• I believe my experience and dedication to public education make me a superior candidate on education issues. 
• I support the collective bargaining process for teachers.
• I oppose the voucher system that indirectly promotes segregated schools with public dollars.
• I support rigorous academic standards that prepare our students for the global economy.
• I will be the strongest supporter of teachers and public education in this race.
• I support higher pay for teachers. If we want the best and brightest to teach our children, we have to pay them what they deserve.

I believe in a strong, vibrant market economy that champions private property, the profit motive and self interest. However, I believe that applies to all people! The current political system only serves the economic elite. The laws have undermined small business, family farmers and average workers. When it comes to “free” trade, tax policy and subsidies, it appears as though the government’s role is to “give away the farm” and everything else to corporate interests! 

As your Senator:

• I will always legislate on the side of small business and working people. I will be a voice for "Fair and Free" trade.
• I will stop the corporate giveaways and offshore accounts that evade legitimate taxes while burdening the middle class.
• I will repeal the Bush tax cuts for the top 10% of income earners. 
• I will not support international trade agreements that harm American and foreign workers.
• I will support human rights initiatives in trade agreements -- including pay for foreign workers that equals that of American workers and higher taxes on American companies who send the majority of their jobs overseas.

It is harder and harder for small business to compete. Ordinary Americans need a voice! The industry lobbyists shower money into the campaigns of Republicans and Democrats. A balance is needed, and I will be the voice of balance and reason. 

We have seen the largest corporate profits in history, while wages have stagnated and people are left behind. Why does it take two working parents to support their family when it once only took  one parent to be able to provide for their children? 

Senator McMurrey will ensure the government is not only the partner and protector of corporations, but also, and more importantly,  small businesses and working families. 

In the global economy, I will be the best voice for the people of Texas! I will protect profits, wages, labor rights and the environment. Current politicians only pay lip service, and are bought and paid for by special interests. It is a government  "of, by and for" the corporations! The Democratic Party should take the lead in reforming the system, and I pledge to do just that.