Sklar on Paul's presidential run

I received the following statement from Shane Sklar on the recent news that Ron Paul is exploring a run for the Presidency:

"Since Rep. Paul announced his plans to run for president last week, I have received numerous calls from around District 14, Texas and Washington, D.C. inquiring about my plans for the 2008 election. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. My wife and I plan to make the important decision about running again for Congress in the coming months," said Sklar.

Sklar, the former executive director of the Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas, was the Democratic nominee for Congress in the 14th District in 2006. Sklar now co-owns and operates Sklar & Son Cattle in Jackson County.

"It's unfortunate that Paul has chosen to pursue the presidency instead of representing his district - especially during this time of dramatic change in Washington. It reinforces what I've said all along: the 14th District deserves someone who wants to make a difference," Sklar continued.

Usually it's clearcut when you want to run against an incumbent and when you would rather compete for an open seat. This is one of those times where there's pros and cons to either situation. One advantage of seeing Ron Paul's name on the ballot for CD14 next November would be the ability to start printing campaign literature now, with a message like "Ron Paul was ineffective in a Republican majority. He's completely useless in a Democratic majority. That's why he fooled around with a Presidential run - he knew he'd have nothing better to do with his time. If you want a Congressman who can actually get things done, vote Shane Sklar." I for one hope Sklar gets to use something like that.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on January 18, 2007 to Election 2008