Missouri Press Assocation Gubernatorial Debate: Closing Remarks

September 13, 2008 | Conversations, Press and Media

Closing Remarks

Thank you very much.

Thanks to our sponsors for inviting each of us to be here today.  What a giant step forward it is to see more points of view.  Debates should be about the issues, and should give every candidate for the office the opportunity to share their own viewpoints.

Just as a free market brings about a healthy competition in business, and so will the debates bring out a healthy competition in this November’s election.  These debates will be the job interview, if you will, for the position of Governor; the interview with the people of Missouri where they will say “SHOW ME what you’ve got”.

And all of us will give it our best shot.  It’s up to us to answer your questions.  It’s up to you to take what we say, and vote accordingly.

As I opened with earlier, I am a computer programmer - a software engineer, and we build practical solutions, not just study them into oblivion.

Computers only do what they are told to do.  If you want to change how the computer works, you have to replace the software with something else, and then reboot the computer.  Well, it’s time to reboot the government.  It’s time to get rid of the programs that don’t work, and put in workable solutions.

Don’t waste your vote.  Don’t waste your vote.  That’s what they told you four years ago: they said you shouldn’t vote for a third-party candidate, because it’ll be a wasted vote.  They said that you needed to have the Republicans and the Democrats in charge to move the state forward.  I say, “Don’t waste your vote”.  I say, “There’s a better choice out there.  A choice only you can make.”  I say, “Only you can reclaim your independence, and reclaim the politics of this state.”  I say, “And only you can do it.  Don’t waste your vote.”

(adapted from a speech by Peter Hutchinson, MN Gubernatorial candidate, 2006)

The leaders you elect make decisions that affect YOUR job, YOUR health care, YOUR energy costs, YOUR security, and the legacy you leave to the future.

I promise that my government will stay out of your business, will leave your money and property alone, and will allow you to live peacefully as you choose.  This November, please vote for me, Andy Finkenstadt, for Governor of the State of Missouri.