Mark Small

In Indiana’s 5th Congressional District (INCD5), the contests for Governor and President of the two major political parties are done. 14 other candidates in June 2 GOP primary for U.S. Representative from INCD5 are running against me. 3/17

Madison and Hamilton, 1787 Constitutional Convention delegates, opposed factions - their term for political parties - yet helped form the first two political parties: Federalist for and Republican against ratification of The Constitution. 4/17

Also, it seems clear The Framers believed that enough people would act in the best interest of the country that the checks and balances they built into a structure inherently geared to two parties would protect the country from a despot. 5/17

In > 230 yrs, greatest crisis for Constitution was result of evil it memorialized. No variation of word “slavery” appears in original seven Articles. Deals were cut in 1787 as a price 2 keep Southern States in the Union. The Civil War was the result. 6/17

Fr 1840 political parties faded or were born/grew. One issue was dominant: slavery. When Lincoln won, Whigs had joined with what remained of the Know Nothings. Democrats split between pro-slavery and the not-so-extreme pro-slavery factions. 7/17

Today our Constitution again is in crisis. The modern GOP, formed in 1854, was a major force in Reconstruction. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it opposed corporate consolidation of wealth and advocated for the environment. 8/17

In foreign policy - for decades - strong elements in the GOP counseled against US foreign involvements. On women’s rights, the decision in Roe v Wade was written by and had the support of 5-GOP nominated Justices. 9/17

Electors were created 2 ensure person corrupt, incompetent or under influence of hostile foreign power wasnt elected POTUS (see Federalist 68) 2016: system produced loser - by 3 million - of popular vote but trifecta on what The Framers feared. 10/17

Forces of ignorance & bigotry will continue, despite being in minority, 2 hold 1/2 of our political system. To oppose trump/them is as if he wore a ring: One ring to rule them all/One ring to find them/One ring to bring them all/And in the darkness bind them. 11/17

Congress is meant to be a check on, not a rubber stamp for, POTUS’s actions. My opponents in the GOP primary for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District (INCD5) have indicated they only will act as trump’s rubber stamp. 12/17

If you live in INCD5: 1) make sure you are registered to vote! 2) either vote early or be at the polls on June 2; 3) If you agree with me, please request a GOP ballot and vote for me; 4) If you disagree with me - vote for one of my opponents. 13/17

Let me be clear: if you agree with the ineptitude and prejudice of all that is trump: I DO NOT WANT YOUR VOTE. 14/17

And debates? I am sick of waiting for people who issue challenges to debate to get back with me about details. People like Beckwith - who favors a theocracy - and Abernathy were quick to challenge, and let it ride at that. 15/17

I issue a challenge to debate - to any one, some or all of the people who seek the GOP nomination. We can do this with an impartial moderator on-line. You can e-mail me. If you take a pass, attend St Francis University - STFU. 16/17