Al Weed for House of Representatives

Background:

I volunteered for active service in the U.S. Army in 1962. I served as a Green Beret in Viet Nam and a Command Sergeant Major in Bosnia, and retired from the military in 2002 after 42 years of service. I have been a member of Trinity Church in Nelson County for over 30 years. In 1973 I began farming and founded Mountain Cove Vineyard in Nelson County. Today I am still farming Virginia's oldest, continuously-running vineyard. I have worked hard to protect and promote the industry and today wine is a $100 million a year industry in Virginia. I graduated from Yale and Princeton with honors. In 2004 I ran for Congress in Virginia's fifth district, and I am proud to be running again this year.

Goals:

I am running for Congress because I believe that Government should work for the people. I believe the Government can be a true partner in our quest for the American Dream. I believe that we have an obligation to protect America's freedoms. I did that in uniform for 42 and will do it in Congress.

Once in office I will stand up for the American people and defend the Constitution of the United States. That responsibility demands that I hold the executive branch accountable for any wrongdoing, and to protect our liberties against an imperial Presidency.

I will work to pressure the executive to withdraw our troops from Iraq as soon as possible so we may change the course and protect America against Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

I will work to raise the Federal minimum wage to a real living wage.

I will work to build a competitive renewable fuel industry.

I will work fully to use Federal programs already in place to support economic development in Southside Virginia and to bring Federal support for new secondary education facilities in Martinsville and Danville.

Issues:

I am running to bring jobs and economic development to Southside Virginia.

I am running to change the course for a safe and secure America that starts by ending our military occupation of Iraq.

I am running to hold George Bush and the Republican Party accountable for the mistakes and misguided policy of the past six years.

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots organization will play an enormous role in the campaign. Many people who have traditionally voted conservative in this district are aching for a change. But it is difficult for one to go against something that has been valued for so long. We must respect this. The personal contact of a neighbor, a co-worker, or a family member will help them feel comfortable about changing their vote. We have a strong volunteer base in Charlottesville, and the support of "young democrat" organizations in several communities. We will be turning out volunteers to help us hit the pavement and talk to tens of thousands of voters.

DFA Values:

I am a free-market Democrat. Free enterprise has brought America greater prosperity than any people have ever known. The foundation of this prosperity is opportunity for all. Government must keep the playing field level for all those who seek economic gain, and must ensure that those who are left behind do not perish. A lean, efficient Government can be a safety net while reducing the debt run up by the irresponsible Republican Congress and Administration.