In Maryland, as in America, jobs are disappearing. A lost job means pain. Real pain to real people. Lost income puts pressure on marriages, that all to often break apart. People can burn through a lifetime of savings, just to pay the bills. Families face an uncertain future. A single mother feels desperation.

Yet politicians somehow think they are helping when they burden the nation and the state with debt. So much debt, in fact, that it can’t be paid back ... maybe ever. They arbitrarily pile on unnecessary regulations that crush small business innovation, confound and demoralize owners and increase their costs. When business lose money, they cut jobs ... just to survive. And the cycle of pain continues.

Politicians don’t understand business. They don’t understand economics. And they pay little more than lip service to the plight of everyday Americans struggling to keep their lives together. If they understood business, economics or had a genuine concern for their neighbor, they would not do much of what they do.

I understand the importance of jobs. Not just as the fundamental underpinning of our economy and well being, but also as the cornerstone of family and community life. A job is a source of human dignity and pride No job means no support for the Arts. Tax revenue goes down. Schools struggle to stay open. Churches close their doors.

I am running to protect and create jobs because they are the backbone of wellbeing for our state, our community, and our families.