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Rooney Commends Supreme Court on Second Amendment Decision

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(Jackson, MI) – Brian Rooney, Republican candidate in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, released the following statement this morning about the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, McDonald v. Chicago, which affirmed the right to keep and bear arms of citizens in all fifty states.

“Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision is a critical victory for all law-abiding Americans who protect themselves, their families, and their property with personal firearms,” said Rooney. “In the Heller and McDonald decisions, the Supreme Court has sent a consistent message to all levels of government – the right to keep and bear arms is protected in the Constitution and may not be taken away from law-abiding citizens of any state. However, the narrow 5-4 majority in this decision reminds us that we must be vigilant in protecting our Constitutional rights."

Rooney continued, “I am a handgun owner, hunter, marksman, and proud member of the National Rifle Association. If I am elected to Congress, Michiganders can be sure that I will fight for our Second Amendment rights."

Background Information on Brian Rooney

Brian was a Captain in the Marine Corps. He led from the front by serving in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After resigning his commission, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters.

Mark Schauer and House Democrats Fail to Pass FY 2011 Budget

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(Jackson, MI) – Brian Rooney, Republican candidate in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, released the following statement this morning about the House Democrats’ failure to pass a budget for fiscal year 2011.

“This July 4th weekend, Mark Schauer and House Democrats will enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers at home without having passed a budget for the 2011 fiscal year” said Rooney. “Their failure to meet the most basic responsibility of governing reflects a crisis of leadership and demonstrates their fiscal irresponsibility. The House, until now, has never failed to pass an annual budget since current rules were adopted in 1974.”

“As Michigander families and small businesses struggle to make tough spending decisions, Mark Schauer and House Democrats continue to recklessly spend taxpayers’ millions. Rather than passing a balanced budget, Democrats continue to focus their efforts on legislation that will only raise taxes and result in more lost jobs.” Rooney continued, “If I am elected to Congress, I will fight for a balanced budget every single year. I will be a fierce advocate for fiscally responsible and conservative economic policies. It’s time for change in Washington. It’s time we sent new leadership to Congress so that we can get started building a stronger and more prosperous economy.”

Background Information on Brian Rooney

A Captain in the Marine Corps, Brian Rooney led from the front by serving in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After resigning his commission, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters.

Rooney was recently endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, a statewide business organization representing thousands of employers and trade associations.

Catholic Families for America Endorses Rooney for Congress

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(Jackson, MI) – Catholic Families for America, a national pro-life and pro-family organization, today announced their endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Catholic Families for America is one of the largest organizations of lay Catholics in the nation.

“In Brian Rooney, Michigan voters have someone who will bring the highest level of virtue and service that we can hope for in a public servant,” said Executive Director Dr. Kevin Roberts. “In fact, his background reminds me of precisely the kind of leader and public servant whom our Founders envisioned when fashioning our Republic. Moreover, Brian’s commitment to pro-life and pro-family policies – coupled with his understanding that government must be made smaller, less intrusive, and less expensive – is precisely what we need in 2010.”

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “I am very appreciative of Catholic Families for America's support." He continued, "I was raised to respect the dignity of all human life: rich and poor, nascent and infirm. As a proudly pro-life and pro-family constitutional attorney, I advocated for family values and the sanctity of human life around the country. Michigan created the modern middle class. The values of this hard working class are embodied in Catholic Families for America. I will be a proud advocate for these families and will be focused on helping them get back to work."

A Captain in the Marine Corps, Brian Rooney led from the front by serving in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After resigning his commission, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters.

Background Information on Catholic Families for America
Catholic Families for America is a national public advocacy group. The organization is involved in a number of public policy issues but emphasizes promoting a culture of life, protecting marriage, minimizing the size of the federal government, scrapping an unjust federal income tax, and supporting education reform. Catholic Families for America has state chapters around the country and will be directing various resources to campaigns of endorsed candidates.

For more information on Brian Rooney, please visit www.RUNWITHROONEY.com.

Brian Rooney is a Major in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Use of his military rank or job titles do not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense or the United States Marine Corps.

 

Jackson County Commission Chair Shotwell Endorses Rooney for Congress

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(Jackson, MI) – James “Steve” Shotwell, 7th District County Commissioner and Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, today announced his endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. 

“I am proud to support Brian’s campaign for Congress,” said Shotwell. “Brian genuinely cares about our county and state. Many businesses in our community have been forced to close their doors because of the poor economy as well as excessive taxation and regulation. As the third generation owner of Miller Shoe Parlor in Jackson, I am especially concerned about this because I want my kids to have the opportunity to carry on our family business. Having been involved in various family businesses, Brian appreciates the importance of pro-growth and pro-jobs economic policies. He will represent us well in Washington.”

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “These are tough economic times for communities around our state. If I am elected to Congress, I will focus my efforts on what Michiganders desire most – a strong and vibrant economy, the dignity of having lasting employment, and a representative who will curb Washington’s outrageous and irresponsible tax and spend policies. In addition, I will advocate for legislation that rewards job creation, entrepreneurship, investment and savings. I believe that through these reforms, we will build a stronger economy in our state and country.”

A Marine Corps Captain, Brian Rooney led from the front by serving in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After resigning his commission, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters. 

Rooney has been endorsed by several other Jackson County leaders including Sheriff Dan Heyns, Prosecutor Hank Zavislak, State Senator Randy Richardville, Liberty Township Supervisor Jim Spink and Republican Party Chairman Kevin Brownlow. He was also recently endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. 

Background on Jackson County Commission Chair James "Steve" Shotwell
Steve Shotwell graduated from Lumen Christi Catholic High School in 1978. He attended Jackson Community College and Ferris State University, and received his certification in pedorthic management at Ball State University. He is a board certified pedorthist. Shotwell is an Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for his distinguished service to youth. Shotwell also received the St. George Award from Bishop Carl Mengeling of Lansing in 2001 for outstanding service to Catholic scouting. He is an active member of the St. John’s Council of the Knights of Columbus. He has been a member of the Downtown Jackson Kiwanis Club since 1990 and is involved with the Jackson Jaycees. Shotwell has owned and operated Miller Shoe Parlor in Jackson for the past 27 years. He was recognized as the Republican businessman of the year in 2004 by the National Republican Congressional Committee. Shotwell was appointed county commissioner in 2002 and elected in a special election in 2003. He was reelected in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Shotwell has been married to his wife Rebecca for 25 years and has two children, Elizabeth and Michael, both of whom are alumni of Lumen Christi Catholic High School. Elizabeth attended Jackson Community College and graduated from Michigan State University. Michael is currently a student at Jackson Community College. The Shotwell family attends St. John’s Catholic Church in Jackson.

For more information on Brian Rooney, please visit www.RUNWITHROONEY.com.

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 Brian Rooney is a Major in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Use of his military rank or job titles do not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense or the United States Marine Corps.

The Hill: Ousted Lawmakers Have Another Go and Try to Reclaim Their Former Seats

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Ousted lawmakers have another go and try to reclaim their former seats

By Russell Berman - 06/18/10 06:00 AM ET

In Michigan’s 7th district, an Iraq war veteran, Brian Rooney, is using a similar outsider-versus-insider strategy to challenge former Rep. Tim Walberg for the GOP nomination in the race against incumbent Rep. Mark Schauer (D). Their primary is Aug. 3.

“I’m not a politician. I have real-world experience,” Rooney said. He added that his experience serving his country in the Marines was “not tainted by Washington, D.C.”

“Everywhere I go, it’s ‘Throw everyone out. Let’s start over,’ ” Rooney said. Walberg, who was ousted in 2008, is part of that, he said. “The Republicans lost their way. They gave Democrats ammunition to take over the House, the Senate and the White House,” Rooney said. “They got institutionalized, if you will.”

Unlike Bass in New Hampshire, Walberg is embracing his experience in Congress and running firmly on his record in Washington. He called Rooney “a neophyte” and said he was the only “proven conservative” in the race.

“I don’t see any reason not to run on my record,” Walberg said. He noted proudly that he voted against the $700 billion Wall Street bailout in the fall of 2008, shortly before he lost his reelection bid to Schauer. 

Walberg blamed his loss on GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) decision to pull out of Michigan, which dampened support for the Republican ticket in the state.

As for 2010, Walberg said, “it’s a totally different ballgame.”

Click here to read the rest of Russell Berman's article in The Hill

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