Graves Makes it Official, Qualifies for Congress in 9th District

“As Washington grows more powerful by the hour, we need a proven, tested conservative to stand vigilant against an encroachment of our rights and freedoms and promote the ideals that made America great.”

(ATLANTA, GA) – Candidate qualifying began today to fill the unexpired term in Georgia’s 9th Congressional District and former State Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger) officially became a candidate for the upcoming May 11th special election when he filed his paperwork at the Secretary of State’s office this morning.

“I am running for Congress because we need new energy, new ideas and conservative, free market solutions to get this country back on track and combat the progressive agenda that is now coming out of Washington,” said Graves.  “I’ll stand against pork-filled budgets, work to cut spending and support a balanced budget while fighting to lower the tax burden on Georgians.  In addition, I will be a bold voice for the enforcement of our illegal immigration laws and for a secure border.”  

“Washington may believe they can create prosperity with another big spending program, but in North Georgia we know better,” said Graves.  “Washington may believe that bailouts and handouts will better the American people, but in North Georgia, we know better.  And Washington may believe that government takeovers of private enterprise will save jobs, but in North Georgia, we know better.  As Washington grows more powerful by the hour, we need a proven, tested conservative to stand vigilant against an encroachment of our rights and freedoms and promote the ideals that have made America great.”

The Graves campaign gains momentum daily.  He’s been endorsed by FreedomWorks, RedState’s Erick Erickson and the Club for Growth PAC, the nation’s premier free-market, free enterprise group of conservatives.  Graves was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC.

Fundraising reports showed Graves out raised all candidates for the election cycle from more than 1,250 individual contributors.  The campaign continues to have the largest online presence of any candidate in the congressional race, has over 600 grassroots volunteers, and is the only campaign organized in all 15 counties of the district.

Graves represented the 12th District in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2003 until last week when he resigned to enter the special election.  Graves announced last May that he would seek the 9th District Congressional seat that was being vacated by Congressman Nathan Deal, who is running for Governor.