Today, President Obama took a firm stand against those that criticized his new budget, claiming that those detractors were keener to the needs of special interests and lobbyists than to those of the American people. Bravo! Well said, sir.

Unfortunately, the culture in Washington has become one of tacking-on, adding-on, spending more, and getting less; all for control of the all-mighty buck and all for the sway of political influence. Those days, it would seem, may be coming to a close; or at least are in the process of being curtailed somewhat. Any step in that direction is a welcome one, in my opinion.

The budget of this country, and by extension the American taxpayer, should not be linked to what it may be able to garner for individual politicians and the big money interests of both local and national lobbyists. These concessions in exchange for political influence have become an epidemic recently and it is time to stop them in their tracks.

For many years, the budget has included items that have absolutely no bearing on the “general welfare” or offer any benefit to more than a few, select recipients who would try and corrupt our political system for personal and professional gain. As a candidate for Nebraska’s first district, I am against the policy that only provides and open ear when it is attached to an open palm. As your Representative in Washington, I will fight for you, for your family, and for what is best for Nebraska; regardless of political pressure to leave your concerns here and take up those of lobbyists and special interests in Washington.

I am a Nebraskan and it is Nebraskans that I seek to represent, not lobbyists.

Originally posted on Matthew Dodd's personal blog http://matthewdodd2010.wordpress.com/

Matthew Dodd for United States Congress 2010