"In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers declared that "all men are created equal," and have certain unalienable rights to include Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." That same magnificent document declared that when government ceases to represent the people "it is their (the people's) right; it is their duty, to throw off such government and to provide New Guards for their future security."

Powerful words. Powerful deeds. It was the shot heard around the world.

When I took my oath of office as a United States Marine in 1969, I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.

That oath and our Declaration of Independence are the creed by which every service member serves.

In recent years, I have become convinced that our elected leaders no longer understand their responsibility to the people and to our Constitution. If they do, they certainly don't take it seriously. The major political parties seem to view elections as a means of scoring points and accumulating power rather than as an opportunity to protect the Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for the citizens they represent.

Following the November 2008 election, the Democrats were convinced that their principles were endorsed by the American people. They saw the presidential victory and majority control of both Houses of Congress as affirmations of their platform.

More recently, and in a similar vein, Republicans were jubilant about victories in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races and in the Massachusetts senatorial election, thinking that the Nation had finally come to its senses and that all is now well for Republicans.

Both parties are badly mistaken.

I have traveled the Nation and my own congressional district talking with legions of voters. Their contempt for incumbents of both parties in Washington is stunning. Voters are angry. They're frightened. They feel ignored and disenfranchised! Leaders in both parties should look at 2008 and 2009 much differently. It will not be business as usual this year. If they were truly objective, Democrats would more correctly view 2008 results as "Bush fatigue" rather than an "Obama Awakening". Republicans should recognize in the 2009 results that there is little genuine enthusiasm among voters who see Republicans as their only alternative to Democratic overreach. The energy of the Tea Party phenomenon, the emergence of 9/12 Project groups, Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue" movement, the election in New York District 23, a more informed electorate, and the fund raising difficulties for the Republican National Committee and the NRCC all should raise the fear level for conventional Republican politicians. Democratic incumbents already have much to fear and are already bailing out of politics rather than face defeat in 2010. "Going Rogue" may very well be the watchword in 2010. This year voters will hold politicians in both parties to a single standard. They must represent the people of the country first and their party second.

I have been a lifelong registered Republican. I don't like what has happened to my party in recent years. The failure of many in the Republican Party and, especially, of Republican elected politicians to adhere faithfully to the set of policies, standards and principles on which the Party was once based has lost them many supporters. Frankly, I was nearly one they lost. But, America has a two party system. So, in order to help restore the party and America, I am running as a Republican candidate for the United States Congress in the 17th District of Pennsylvania.

As a citizen, a retired Marine, small business owner, Certified Public Accountant, and a volunteer, I am prepared for this responsibility. I will limit myself to three terms, and, while in Washington, I will advance and support the principles of reduced government spending, the importance of personal responsibility in our society, and stopping government intrusion in our lives. Nothing more. Nothing less. It's that simple. Imagine a Member of Congress who can count and read bills - It's unimaginable in Washington today.

Now, more than ever, the people must be heard. Sending a constitutional conservative Republican to Congress will serve notice to the party that their days of pre-selecting candidates is over! It is the only way voters can retake control of the party and our government.

The choice is yours, not only in this congressional district, but around America. Make the right choice, and future generations will know that Americans today are as firm and steadfast in the defense of American liberties as our Founding Fathers were when the success of our fledgling nation was still in doubt.

Our willingness to stand, fight and sacrifice today can begin to restore hope for the unique American promise of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

We must act now. America is not too big to fail.

Please join me at www.frankryan.org. I need your support. I need your vote.