Editor’s note: The following statement was submitted by Kevin Shaffer of LaVale, a candidate in the 6th District Democratic congressional primary election:

I am announcing my candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for the 6th Congressional District in the state of Maryland.

As your congressman I will work to see that the federal government

Shaffer
does everything possible to protect its citizens from terrorism. Since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, this country has become aware of the suffering that terrorism can impose on its citizens. I will be a strong advocate of spending federal funds for the protection of every American. As a nation we cannot weaken as this country prosecutes this war on terrorism.

I will propose a constitutional amendment to ban abortion in this country. Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in this country in 1973. Since that time medical science has improved dramatically. Based on continuing advances in the medical profession, it would be inhumane to continue to allow the most innocent of innocents to be butchered by the procedure known as abortion. To paraphrase President Bush, either you are for the unborn or you are against them. I believe that the most basic human right is the right to exist. If you believe that then you must be against abortion.

I will propose a 20 percent flat income tax on all income received by the taxpayer. A provision will be made for those who live below the federal poverty level so that they will pay no income tax at all. With a flat tax, every American above the federal poverty level will pay the same rate and this will provide equality to the tax system. Former Congressman Dick Armey recently wrote in the USA TODAY newspaper the following: “The federal government should stop hounding honest taxpayers and instead replace the tax code with a system that is flat, fair and simple.” If elected, I will work for that type of fair tax system.

I will work to see that no child shall be without food, shelter or medical services. This country currently has 16.7 percent, that is 12.1 million, of its children living in poverty. That is unacceptable. This country can and should provide the basic necessities for all of its children.

I am a firm believer that the Second Amendment to the Constitution provides for every citizen to own guns for their own protection. As your congressman I will fight to prevent any erosion of these rights.

I will work to provide the funding for Social Security benefits so that every citizen who is eligible for benefits will receive them. Social Security was set up to help prevent poverty for citizens who reached retirement age. It was never meant to be the sole source of retirement funds for our retirees. Currently the number of elderly living in poverty is 10.4 percent, or 3.6 million.

I want to become your congressman because I believe our country has lost its way regarding how we treat the unborn, the very young and the elderly. As a conservative Democrat, I firmly believe I can make a difference if elected.

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