Ed Martin formally exploring challenge to Russ Carnahan

Via a message from the Facebook group that's been encouraging him to run:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Brenda Madden Kimberlin, (314) 496-1799

Ed Martin Considers Run for Congress to Serve Missouri’s 3rd District

(St. Louis, Mo.) July 29, 2009 – Ed Martin, a resident and business owner in south St. Louis, today announced he is considering running for Congress to serve the people of Missouri's 3rd Congressional District. Martin has formed an exploratory committee to consider running for the District which encompasses Jefferson and Ste. Genevieve counties, south St. Louis, and parts of west and south St. Louis County. Martin formed the committee after receiving encouragement from friends, neighbors and people across the district to consider running against Congressman Russ Carnahan (D), whose is expected to seek a fourth term in November, 2010.

“The people of the 3rd District are a critical economic engine for America,” said Martin. “These workers and families want leaders who will stand up for them for jobs, lower taxes, less spending and a government that lives within its means. What has become clear is that Congressman Carnahan is not listening to – or speaking for – the people he promised to represent. Examples include his voting record for the so-called ‘stimulus’ bill, for a massive national energy tax, and his public advocacy - in lockstep with Speaker Nancy Pelosi - for a disastrous government takeover of health care which will lead to rationing and endanger Medicare. I have always stood up for what I believe in and I'm considering running for Congress to make a difference by standing up for our neighbors and fellow citizens in the district,” said Martin.

Dave McArthur, Vice President of McArthur’s Bakery in south St. Louis County, is among those asking Martin to run for Congress after Carnahan voted for the controversial “Cap-and-Trade” national energy tax, which McArthur has publicly stated would force him and other businesses to go out of business. “We need someone who will stand up for our interests and not simply parrot the lines offered by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the national Democrats,” said McArthur. “With SaveAB.com and his other work in service to our community, Ed has shown he will step up and lead. We need Ed in Congress and I’m doing everything I can to gather support – from fellow business owners, colleagues, friends and family – for Ed.”

Dave’s brother, Randy McArthur, will serve as treasurer for the committee. Randy, an active community leader and job creator who is CEO and President of McArthur’s Bakery, was recently appointed to serve on the Missouri Community Service Commission by Governor Jay Nixon. Mary Beth Wolf, managing supervisor at Fleischman-Hillard and 3rd Congressional District representative on the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education, will serve as deputy treasurer.

Martin has been meeting informally with 3rd District voters for several months. The sessions, called “Ask Ed Anything,” have given Martin a clear view of what voters want from their representative. “I’m talking to people, but more importantly, I’m listening,” said Martin. “Public service is about giving a voice to the people you represent.”

For more information about Ed’s background and his committee, “Ed Martin for Congress,” visit EdMartinforCongress.com.

Paid for by Ed Martin for Congress

Randy McArthur, Treasurer