Monday, August 30, 2010

Stay on Target

We're winding up the days until the September Primary. It's been a great experience although I have to admit I didn't know how hard campaigning was. I want to take the time to answer some questions that I get asked on the Campaign trail:

1. I am a Christian and believe that Salvation is a gift obtained by Faith and not by our deeds. Christ said that the greatest commandment was to love our neighbors and I believe this includes public service to and for my neighbors. Christ was the model of service to others and I am committed to taking these values to Dover.

2. I am a Republican running because I believe, like our founders, everyday people must get involved in government. Allowing career politicians to run our leadership at the State and Federal levels has not, and does not work. I am hoping that more people will get involved and we can start a movement back to fundamental principles like those of Thomas Jefferson who believed that Government should be small and not a burden on the citizens.

3. What sets me apart from my primary opponent is this: From the very first phone call to inquire about running, I have made this journey on my own. I am not backed by developers, lawyers, and other whom might be seeking a "payback" for their support. This is what is wrong in Dover now and we need a change.

4. I have the fortitude to go to Dover and stay out of the "Political Network". My pledge is to serve the residents of the 33rd District by placing their interests and welfare FIRST. I do not believe in serving my party first and I have committed not to vote for any bill which raises taxes on individuals or businesses. If I fail to uphold this commitment, I have told voters to vote me out in 2 years. I sincerely mean that!!

5. I am the candidate whom can win the seat from the Democrats in November. My primary opponent failed to do so in 2008 and has no significant change in his message or voting record which would cause 33rd residents to vote for him this time around.

Please come out on 09/14 and vote in the primary election for the candidate you feel will best serve you in Dover and who has the best chance of taking the seat from the Democratic majority in November. Every vote matters!!!

If you're interested in working phone lines or at the Polls on September 14th, please give me a call or an e-mail.

God Bless

Steve


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Humbled

We served well over 100 people at the Georgia House and had a great time! I am truly and sincerely humbled at the support of my family, friends, and neighbors. I am blessed to know such great people. Thanks to everyone who made this event a huge success! Special thanks to Cindy, Cora, Kara, Ana, Stephen, Cody, Mandy, Miles, Pam, and all the other volunteers who worked so hard. Food was great! Fellowship was great! What more can I say. THANKS!!!

P.S. Remember to get out the vote on 09/14!!! Anyone interested in working the phones or at a polling place, please give me a call at 632-9881.

Thanks again!

Steve

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Time is Drawing Near

A great couple of weeks have passed by in a flurry. Had a 16 hour day on August 1st making some of the bigger campaign signs. Thanks to my nephew Jason Raksnis ( A Talented Custom Cabinet Maker) and my Brother in law, David Downes, we were able to construct a bunch of signs at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new. This saved the campaign much needed funds to do some other important things prior to the September 14th Primary. This is what I will take to Dover, finding the least expensive method to provide necessary Government Service, what a novel idea!!!

Jason and I spent Sunday putting the signs up and I'm hoping many of you have seen them in your travels through the 33rd District. I have a few more left to post, and I will have the area pretty well covered. If you have a place in the 33rd for a 4'x2' sign, please let me know. I deliver and erect at no cost to you!!!!

Monday Night found us at the Sussex County GOP Meeting. We had alot of fun and they are a truly energized group of men and women! Judge Lee, Senator Simpson, Rep. Castle, Ruth Briggs-King, and others took an opportunity to speak to the group. I was also given the chance to introduce myself and tell what sets me apart from my primary candidate. I am truly humbled at the outpouring of support. Republicans are excited, and momentum continues to build!!

Tuesday found us at the Delaware Electric Coop Annual Meeting where we enjoyed a fantastic gathering and great food. Met alot of great people who are pumped to get things in Dover back to being sensible! Representative Dave Wilson shook more hands than I thought humanly possible!!! I have to wonder how long it takes for the feeling to return to his fingers. He is a well respected and highly regarded man. It was great standing nearing him and seeing the people who know him from either is public service or his auction. A great benefit was being able to introduce myself to many of his friends, neighbors and supporters as well as many who were just checking out the field of candidates. A great time and a great opportunity. Cindy and my youngest daughter Ana worked hard meeting and greeting people also. They are a blessing!

After the Co-op Meeting we went to Harrington and hung out at the Harrington Police Night Out. A great event, great weather and great people. Everyone had fun although I think Chief Barlow should have demonstrated his dancing skills on the stage. Wait a minute...... maybe not!

Be sure to get your ticket for the Steve Rust Campaign at the Georgia House Restaurant in Milford on 08/16 from 5:00-7:00. Tickets are $16.99 for Adults, $8.50 for children and they are available by calling 432-7405 or 222-3787. We need to hear from you so we can tell the Georgia House how many to expect. By the way, the price pays for the entire meal!!! The entree (choice of 4), side, drink and dessert are included in the price. Their Food is Great, and the candidate serving the food and mingling is not so bad either. Please come out and fellowship with us.

One Last Thing, Remember the Primary on September 14th. We're lining people up to work the polls and I need to get a group of about 50 people together. If you're available, please let us know and remember to get your family, friends and neighbors out to vote!!!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Busy 2 Weeks!

Cindy and I got out to the Delaware State Fair a few nights last week and it was great! We met some really hard working Delawareans everywhere we went. I also learned that cows are alot larger up close than they are when you pass by them in a field.

We had a great time working the GOP Booth and getting out to talk to people. Everyone we met is concerned with where our state is headed and how much taxes are going to be raised when the General Assembly goes back in session. Funny thing, people have come to expect their taxes to be raised on a regular basis over the past few years. That is not the way our Government was intended to run. We were never intended to fear our lawmakers and unfortunately, that is exactly what we do. We fear what they are going to take and we fear how it will impact our family budgets. We desperately need change!!!

I found myself walking side by side with Representative Walls whom currently holds the 33rd Seat. We had a great talk and I want to repeat, I have great respect for Representative Walls. He and I agree on many things and I told him I want to run my campaign in such a way that win or lose, he and I can sit down to coffee on November 3rd. I don't see myself running AGAINST Representative Walls personally, I am running to take the free spending Democratic majority out of power in Dover! Unfortunately, I need Representative Walls' seat to accomplish that task.

When we were not at the fair, we did some door knocking and put up some signs. If I haven't gotten to you with a sign yet, don't fret, I've got you on my list and I'll get there soon. Working full time and campaigning is much more difficult than I had anticipated but truthfully, it's a good experience and I wouldn't change a thing! I've met great people, shared some great conversations, and had a great time doing it. Praise God for Cindy who works twice as hard as me! She is the epitomy of the saying, "behind every good man there's a great woman".

August 3rd was the Milford Police Annual Night Out. I hope many of you got out to see the great men and women I work with and many of the services the department offers. Although I was working, it appeared a good time was had by all!

Don't forget August 16th, 5-7 at the Milford Georgia House. Tickets are selling fast and you need to get yours soon! Call Cora at (302) 430-7405. If you call me at (302) 632-9881 or e-mail me at steverustde33rep@gmail.com, I will do my best to get tickets in your hands. Hope to see you out for a great time!!!