TEMPLE – Today, Representative Ralph Sheffield announced he will seek re-election to the Texas House, District 55. Sheffield is the owner and operator of the local restaurant and catering service, Las Casas Restaurant and Catering, and was first elected to the Texas House in 2008.

“Last session, we were able to cut taxes for small businesses and protect private property rights, but we still have a lot of work to do. I’m eager to get back to work so we can provide relief to homeowners from skyrocketing property taxes, pass voter identification legislation and improve transportation for Central Texas,” said Sheffield.

During the 81st Legislative Session, Representative Sheffield supported a state budget that held the line on spending while investing in our priorities. He voted to protect the $9 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. He also co-sponsored legislation that expanded the small business exemption to the business tax, provided additional tax exemptions for disabled veterans, assisted military families with higher education tuition, and strengthened penalties for human traffickers.

His fundraising efforts began with a fundraiser with Speaker Joe Straus three weeks ago, when over 250 supporters joined with Ralph and Debbie to celebrate a successful first legislative session.

“In these tough economic times, it was an honor to work with my colleagues to not only pass a balanced budget but to also cut taxes for over 40,000 small businesses,” Sheffield said. “Now, we must do more to get government out of the way of business and continue to reform the business tax so that Texas can maintain it’s reputation as the best place in America to do business,” he added.

Representative Sheffield served as a member of the County Affairs, Corrections, and Rules and Resolutions Committees. He also served on the Rural Legislators Caucus, the Veterans Caucus, the Community College Caucus, the Sportsman Caucus, the Republican Caucus and was elected Co-Chair of his Freshman Class. Ralph was also appointed by Speaker Joe Straus to represent Texas on several committees at the National State Legislators Conference.


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Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, was in Temple on Wednesday to see the sights.

At the invitation of Rep. Ralph Sheffield, R-Temple, Straus was in town to see what elements drive Temple’s economy and learn of the efforts to continue the city’s economic growth.

Read the full story on the Temple Daily Telegram's website

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Veterans living with service-related physical and mental disabilities are now eligible for total homestead property tax exemptions through a state tax code amendment.

House Bill 3613 added a section to the tax code that requires an exemption of the total appraised value of veterans' residences if they receive all their compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs due to a 100 percent disability rating, or the VA classifies the person as unemployable.

State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, filed a similar bill to the amendment at the beginning of the legislative session, but it did not move out of committee.

Read the full story on the Killeen Daily Herald's website

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FORT HOOD - Thirty Texas lawmakers, along with staff and spouses, went AWOL Friday to spend the day with the troops at Fort Hood.

The absentee state representatives, all guests of III Corps Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, made their first trip en mass to the “Great Place” in more than six years.

Lawmakers were treated to lunch at Club Hood, but not before Lynch spoke a few words of encouragement and solicited support for a number of projects he outlined as vitally needed on Fort Hood in his Capital Campaign.

Read the full story on the Temple Daily Telegram's website

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Use this link (click here) or our interactive map (click here) to find your precinct and polling place for November 4th:

#101 - Belton
First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
506 N. Main Street

#102 - Belton
Bell County North Annex
1605 North Main Street

#103 - Belton
Belton Senior Center
842 South Mitchell

#104 - Morgan's Point
Morgan's Point Community Center
City of MPR: 8 MPR Blvd.

#105 - Little River/Academy
Bliss Community Center
109 South Evans

#106 - Killeen
Transforming Life Church
4107 Westcliff Road

#107 - Bartlett
Bartlett Town Hall
140 West Clark Street

#108 - Holland
Kuhlman Civic Center
100 West Travis Street

#109 - Temple
First Church of the Nazarene
5000 South 31st Street

#110 - Fort Hood
Central Texas College
6200 Centex Expressway, Bldg 139, Rm 175, Killeen

#111 - Pea Ridge
Vineyard Christian Fellowship
7425 FM 2305

#201 - Harker Heights
First Baptist Church of Harker Heights Fellowship Hall
100 E. Ruby Road

#202 - Harker Heights
Harker Heights Parks & Recreation Center
307 Millers Crossing

#203 - Salado
Salado Church of Christ Activities Center
225 North Church Street

#206 - Nolanville
Nolanville Community Center
406 North 10th Street

#209 - Harker Heights
St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church
1000 E. FM 2410

#301 - Troy
Troy Community Center
201 E. Main

#302 - Temple
VFW Post 1820
3204 Airport Road

#303 - Temple
Frank Mayborn Civic Center
3303 North 3rd Street

#304 - Little Flock
Woodrow Marek's Garage
3938 Hwy 53, Temple

#305 - Temple
St. Luke Catholic Church Parish Hall
2807 Oakdale

#306 - Temple
Grace Temple Ministry
801 S. 13th Street

#307 - Temple
Wilson Parks & Recreation Center
2205 Curtis B. Elliott Drive

#308 - Temple
Bethel Assembly of God of Temple
22621 SE H K Dodgen Loop 363

#309 - Seaton/Ratibar
Seaton School Lunchroom
12000 Hwy 53, Temple

#310 - Cyclone
St. Joseph Catholic Church Fellowship Hall
20220 FM 485 Burlington

#311 - Moffat/Stampede
Moffat Community Center
13300 Kuykendall Rd

#312 - Rogers
First Baptist Church of Rogers
5 West Prairie

#313 - Temple
Meadow Oaks Baptist Church
3100 Thornton Lane

#314 - Temple
Heights Baptist Church
1220 South 49th Street

#315 - Temple
Lakeview Baptist Church
7717 North Highway 317

#316 - Temple
Troy Community Center
201 East Main

#317 - Temple
Moffat Community Center
13300 Kuykendall Rd

#402 - Youngsport
Southwest Bell Fire Department
90500 Hwy 195, Killeen

#411 - Fort Hood
Central Texas College
6200 Centex Expressway, Bldg 139, Rm 175, Killeen

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Use this map to find your nearest polling location for Early Voting, which begins on October 20 and runs through the 31st.


View Larger Map

LOCATIONS
Belton -- Bell County Courthouse Annex, 550 E. 2nd Ave
Killeen -- Bell County Annex, 301 Priest Drive
Killeen -- Killeen Community Center, 2201 E. Vet Memorial Blvd
Temple -- Bell County Annex, 205 E. Central Avenue
Salado -- Salado Civic Center, 601 North Main Street
Harker Heights -- Parks & Recreation Center, 307 Millers Crossing

DATES AND TIMES
October 20, 2008 -- October 24, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October 25, 2008 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October 26, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October 27, 2008 -- October 31, 2008 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

During early voting, you may vote at any of the locations above. On November 4, you must vote in your home precinct.

For more information on early voting dates, times, and locations, CLICK HERE.

For info on absentee ballots, CLICK HERE.

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Ralph Sheffield this week accepted the endorsement of the Texas Medical Association's bi-partisan TEXPAC.

Sheffield reacted, "I am proud that the docs have placed their faith in me. As a strong proponent of tort reform, I will work hard to make the climate in Texas attractive to the medical community."

The Texas Medical Association made its endorsement after interviewing the candidates in the race and concluding that Ralph Sheffield would best look out for doctors and patients. TEXPAC endorses based on recommendations from local doctors and positions on the issues.

In the Texas legislature, Ralph will be a champion for patients and doctors and a tireless advocate for local medical facilities in Bell County.

Five years of successful tort reform in Texas has improved access to health care in Texas. Ralph Sheffield will work hard to protect those reforms and prevent the trial lawyer lobby from turning back the clock.

The TMA TEXPAC endorsement is especially salient in District 55, which thrives as a major hub for medicine in Central Texas.

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The recent endorsement bonanza continued for Republican candidate for State Representative Ralph Sheffield, as his campaign accepted the endorsement of the Texas Association of Realtors.

Taken together with the other endorsements in the race, Sheffield is beginning to emerge as the clear favorite of several organizations that represent thousands of Bell County citizens.

The Texas Association of Realtors explained the reasons for the endorsement, “In the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature, our lawmakers will consider issues that have an important impact on Texas homeowners. Those expected to be at the forefront include: reforming and standardizing the property appraisal process in Texas; finding alternatives to sky-high property taxes; clarifying eminent domain laws to bolster the protections they provide; and stopping fraudulent mortgage practices that threaten our citizens.”

Ralph Sheffield added, “As an advocate for property tax relief and private property rights, and smart, pro-growth policies that will boost our economy, I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Realtors. I want to go to Austin and work hard to strengthen our economy and keep Texas a great place to raise a family and buy a home.”

The Texas Association of REALTORS is a not-for-profit professional association comprised of more than 90,000 members representing all aspects of real estate in Texas.


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Ralph Sheffield bolstered his pro-life credentials in conservative Texas House District 55 today, as he received the official endorsement of Texas Right To Life.

"I am a firm believer in promoting a culture of life in this country and in this community," said Sheffield. "I will side with life as a legislator in Austin."

Sheffield had already been endorsed by Molly White, President of the Belton-based Women for Life International. The two endorsements demonstrate Ralph Sheffield's commitment to pro-life issues, and underline yet another policy difference between the candidates in the race.

Texas Right to Life is the oldest, largest, and only statewide Pro-Life organization in Texas. It is non-sectarian and non-partisan and is the Texas affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee with representation on their board of directors.

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More evidence of grassroots momentum has emerged in the District 55 race, as the Sheffield campaign has received endorsements from key groups in District 55, including hard-working voices in the medical community.

"Our entire medical community here in District 55 is vital to our local economy, and I am proud that the nurses have placed their trust in my campaign," said Mr. Sheffield. "Our nurses play a crucial role in our health care system, and we've got to do what we can to ensure that we have enough well-paid nurses in Bell County as our retiring Baby Boomers begin needing more medical care in the coming years."

Sheffield added that nurses will be an important part of innovating, improving the quality of care, and making health care more affordable for Texans in the coming years.

The Texas RN/APN PAC represents three distinct but allied nursing groups, including:

Texas Nurses Association
Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice

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Yesterday was a very exciting day for the campaign as Texas’ senior Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison made a trip to Bell County to support Ralph Sheffield’s campaign for State Representative in District 55. Though in the middle of a very trying time in Washington, the Senator was still able to visit Bell County and voice her support for Mr. Sheffield’s campaign. At the event, Senator Hutchison stressed the urgency of electing quality leaders at the State and local level. "I am so pleased to be here for Ralph Sheffield," Hutchison said. "I asked the people that I trust to look at the whole state, and asked them which are the most important races that we have to win where it's really going to make a difference. And they said Ralph Sheffield."

The Senator also noted, "Ralph Sheffield is going to go to Austin, and he is going to represent our state the way it needs to be represented."

It was an exciting event with an overwhelming show of support for Mr. Sheffield’s campaign from local elected officials. Joining Texas’ Senior were U.S. Congressman John Carter, State Senator Troy Fraser, State Representatives Jimmie Don Aycock and Sid Miller, and former State Representative Dianne White Delisi, in addition to nearly every elected official in Bell County.

To view/order photos from this event, click here

9/30/08 Senator Hutchison Reception For Ralph Sheffield

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The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), “the voice of small business,” officially endorsed Ralph Sheffield for the District 55 seat to the Texas State Legislature. Founded in 1943, NFIB is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that endorses candidates across the country from both parties based on their voting records and survey responses related to small business issues.

Ralph Sheffield’s track record as an entrepreneur-- starting and running his own business, and keeping a payroll for more than three decades-- made the endorsement an easy choice for NFIB. Moreover, Ralph’s call to reform the new franchise tax, his plan to provide property tax relief, and his philosophy on the size and scope of government are just a few reasons the NFIB was proud to endorse Ralph.

As the owner of Las Casas in Temple, Ralph understands that small business— not government— creates jobs. Ralph also knows firsthand what it will take to get our economy back on track, and he will go to Austin as a voice for everyone who is overburdened by taxes, stifled by excessive regulation, and discouraged by government from starting or expanding their small businesses in this economy.

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Today, Ralph Sheffield is honored to accept the endorsement of the Texas Municipal Police Association. The TMPA was formed in 1950 by Peace Officers representing all ranks and agency sizes. TMPA began as a group of municipal officers with the objective of promoting professionalism in Texas law enforcement as well as improving job conditions and enhancing communication among Texas peace officers.

“Local law enforcement needs another strong voice in our state capital, and I believe Ralph Sheffield is the man for the job.” said Tom Gaylor of the Texas Municipal Police Association. “We need people like Ralph in Austin who will put the safety of our citizens first. Ralph has made it clear to us that ensuring law enforcement at all levels has the tools they need to get their jobs done is top priority for him.”

After vetting both candidates for this important endorsement, Ralph came through as the clear choice. As a strong minded, conservative candidate Ralph is eager to be an advocate for not only the brave men and women of Texas law enforcement, but also the citizens they protect.

“The safety of all Texans should always be a priority of those elected to serve. Fighting for this state’s law enforcement is a way to really make a difference in keeping our streets and families safe,” said Ralph Sheffield.

Sheffield added, “The men and women of our local law enforcement deserve to have their voices heard in Austin. They put their lives on the line for us everyday, and I hope to fight for them just as hard as they work for us.”

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NEWS RELEASE FROM TABA:

The Temple Area Builders Association HomePAC proudly announced its endorsement of Temple business owner Ralph Sheffield (R-Temple) in his campaign for State Representative in Texas' 55th District.

"As an advocate for loosening government's grip on small businesses I believe Ralph will be just as good for the citizens of Central Texas in Austin as he will for promoting economic growth in our area," said Dean Winkler, Chairman of TABA HomePAC. "I know he will work just as hard for Bell County as our Representative in Austin as he has to make his own business a success."

Sheffield owns Las Casas Restaurant and Catering in Temple and is a member of the Temple, Belton, Harker Heights, and Killeen Chambers of Commerce. He is also a member of the Temple Business League, the Temple Area Builders Association, Association of the U.S. Army, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Texas Farm Bureau.

Ralph has served as an executive Committee Member of the Temple Chamber of Commerce and was named "Small businessman of the Year" by the Small Business Administration.

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Today, Ralph Sheffield is honored to accept the endorsement of the Texas Farm Bureau’s AGFUND. Texas Farm Bureau is the largest farm organization in Texas, with state headquarters in Waco, and it has earned a reputation as the “voice of agriculture.”

“Restaurant owner Ralph Sheffield has been an advocate for less government and fewer intrusions on small business,” said Texas Farm Bureau and AGFUND President Kenneth Dierschke. “Those are ideals the farmers and ranchers of District 55 can identify with.”

The endorsement came after Sheffield and his opponents went through an extensive interview process. After hearing from the candidates on the issues, the Farm Bureau’s AGFUND determined that Ralph Sheffield is the best candidate for rural Texans.

Local Farm Bureau members were on hand, along with state-level officers, to officially back Sheffield.

Ralph Sheffield noted, “I want to be the State Representative for all Bell County residents. We can’t ever forget the importance that agriculture plays in this community.”

Sheffield added, “As a small business owner, I can relate on a personal level to farmers and ranchers, who are also small business owners. After all, they also face the challenges of high energy prices, high taxes, and intrusive regulations. The issues facing rural Texans impact all of us.”

To see photos of this event, click here.

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Ralph Sheffield, Republican candidate for State Representative from District 55 in Bell County, has hired Scott B. Radcliffe as his new Political Director.

Mr. Radcliffe is a native of Ohio and a former captain in the United States Army. Following his graduation from West Point in 2002, Radcliffe was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood. He was deployed twice with the 1st Cavalry Division, once to Iraq and once to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Scott also had a second deployment to Iraq in 2007 with III Corps as the speechwriter for the Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Ray Odierno.

“I may not have been born in Texas, but like Davy Crockett, I got here as fast as I could. I believe in conservative representation for Texas, and that is what motivated me to join Ralph’s team.”

Will Franklin, Sheffield Campaign Manager, explained Radcliffe’s new role on the staff. “Scott will be an important piece of the campaign moving forward, and he will help us reach out to both veterans and those currently serving our country at Ft. Hood. He will also give our campaign the manpower to effectively organize and mobilize our volunteer force to achieve our lofty grassroots goals.”

Sheffield added, “I believe in surrounding yourself with the very best people, and I am proud to add Scott Radcliffe to my campaign team.”

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Thursday evening, more than fifty small business leaders gathered in Temple for the first meeting of the Sheffield Small Business Coalition in support of Ralph Sheffield’s candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives.

“Ralph understands that the new margins tax is inherently unfair and is harming job creation and economic growth in our community,” said Bruce Walker of Lengefeld Lumber in Temple. “That’s why supporting him in today’s economy is an easy choice.”

Local business leader Matt Naegele added, “Really, I can hardly think of anyone who is more aptly qualified for this job in this economy than someone who has walked the walk. Ralph has firsthand knowledge of the daily challenges that we face on a local level.”

Ralph spoke to the small business leaders about his agenda for property tax reform, his plan to fix the new margins tax, and his ideas for ending the culture of frivolous lawsuits. “I want to go to Austin to get things done, and the top of the agenda has to be jump-starting the economy. We have a multi-billion dollar state surplus, because the government has been overcharging its citizens.”

The event drew community leaders from all walks of life, including hairdressers, an independent photographer, a dentist, medical professionals, investors, ranchers, a veterinarian, a printer, realtors, home builders, administrators, educators, fellow restaurateurs, retired veterans, public relations professionals, advertisers, hotel operators, and a variety of other fields. The diversity of professions represented in the Sheffield Small Business Coalition underscores just how policy choices made in Austin can have a big impact on real people in Bell County.

Local business leader Don Hyden, who has known Sheffield for more than 25 years, added, “What I see in Ralph is his tenaciousness, his drive, and his untiring spirit. He never slows down, he’s always full of energy, and he’s always trying to do the right thing.”

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Statement from Ralph Sheffield about the DC v. Heller Supreme Court ruling:

"Today's ruling is major victory for law-abiding citizens who have been denied their Second Amendment right to own a firearm by their local governments. I strongly agree with the majority in the case, who reaffirmed that the government may not intrude upon this fundamental Constitutional right.

Texans have a proud history of responsible gun ownership, and we treasure our right to defend our homes and families. Today's Supreme Court ruling-- long overdue-- upholds the intent of our Founding Fathers. This is good news indeed for Texas gun owners.

If I am honored to serve our community in Austin, I will continue fighting to protect the Constitutional rights of Bell County citizens at every turn."

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Statement from Ralph Sheffield about the 3-year Anniversary of Kelo:

“Three years ago today, the Supreme Court ruled in Kelo v. New London case that local governments have the authority to seize private property and hand it over to another for-private entity. This clear abuse of eminent domain is a blatant violation of one of the key foundations of the American economy, private property rights. Kelo, as it should, started a backlash to reaffirm in law the rights of landowners.

The Texas Legislature, in August 2005, passed legislation to bar private land for public use. Today, I am reaffirming my commitment to stand for private property rights. If the voters of District 55 entrust me to represent them in Austin, I will fight for Bell County property rights. I will respect the voices of our farmers and ranchers and stand up against eminent domain abuse.

Susette Kelo’s story, unfortunately, is not unique. The Institute for Justice has tracked over 10,000 instances of eminent domain abuse in the past five years, and Bell County is by no means immune. Texans can’t let our guard down when it comes to private property rights.”

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To see photos of this event, click here.

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Statewide race results are available here.

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TEMPLE – Today, Republican Candidate John Alaniz gave his endorsement of Ralph Sheffield, in the April 8 runoff election for District 55 State Representative.

In a meeting with Ralph Sheffield and their supporters today at the Sheffield
Campaign headquarters, John Alaniz lent his endorsement:

“Ralph Sheffield is the best choice to serve our needs of reducing the scope of government. Therefore, I am publicly endorsing and plan to vote for Ralph Sheffield. I encourage those who supported and voted for me to now support and vote for Ralph Sheffield in the April 8 runoff.”

Alaniz concluded: “The blessings that our nation and state enjoy are only possible when the people increase in liberty while the government decreases in its power and reach. With his experience outside government - dealing with issues we face on a daily basis – he understands this best.”

During March 4th Republican Primary balloting, Mr. Sheffield and other candidates who have endorsed his campaign – Mr. Alaniz and Mike Pearce – drew a total 9,103 votes (63.9%) of 14,250 total votes cast.

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I was honored to share the stage last night with Mike Pearce in the race for District 55 State Representative. Mike and I share common conservative principles that carried the day with voters in the 55th District. (Read More)

Having earned a total of 7340 votes to my opponent's 5147, Mike and I are eager to send principled conservative leadership to Austin. Just as we have sounded the call for conservative reform to slow skyrocketing property tax appraisals, secure our borders, stop the Trans Texas Corridor and fix our existing transportation assets, and stand up for our children and their teachers.

Mike and I look forward to touching base with the district's voters again in the days leading up to the runoff election, April 8th.

Mr. Pearce's official statement is included below:

I won't say too much this morning, other than express my deep gratitude for your support. I could never begin to thank the long list of people who stood by me.

Politics is no different than life; there are winners and losers and I knew from the beginning that the cards were stacked against me. Of course, I thought I could win this race, but the people of District 55 spoke loud and clear and I was the choice of only 2 out of every 10 voters. So, I need to stand up, dust myself off, and march on refusing to compromise my conservative values. I am happy that I stood on principal and never relented. I am proud that such an array of great conservative leaders and organizations stood by my side lending me their endorsements, and even financial support in the case of Empower Texans PAC. I would not have changed a thing in terms of my conduct or the expression of my conservative values. I take some solace in knowing that I interjected some very important ideas and solutions into the race that the other candidates often embraced. It is not easy time for true conservative candidates in this nation, but that does not mean that we throw in the towel. We need to continue to fight for the truth- for what is right, regardless of the obstacles we meet.

Although we differ on some issues, I have thrown my enthusiastic support behind Ralph Sheffield and I plead with you to do the same. We certainly agree on much more than we disagree. Ralph has always shown me the deepest respect and demonstrated that he has important core beliefs that will not waver to the pressures in Austin. He is a good man, and we need him to win this race, as the alternative would be deleterious to District 55. I will do what it takes to accomplish that goal and know Ralph will listen to my concerns as well as the concerns of all of his constituents. He is in this race to do good for District 55 and to serve the public- not merely to make a name for himself. Ralph Sheffield will unquestionably serve us with honor and distinction.

I have made a great number of life-long friends along this journey and do not want to lose them! I will write many of you individually very soon, but will require a short time to recharge my batteries. But please, continue to write/call me from time to time. It was a great ride, and I am truly sorry that it had to end so soon. Godspeed, my friends.

Gratefully,
Mike Pearce


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