http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/ Thomas C. Castellano For Congress blog. en-us $tooldomain Politics http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00037 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00037 <p>I want to thank all my supporters who risked the rain and bad weather to vote for me. Also, all the poll workers who stood for hours in the drizzle to wave signs. I can never say thank you enough to the volunteer staff who walked precincts and did what was necessary to get the Castellano name out. <br /> <br /> I want to thank all the candidates, Eddie Adams, Tony Buntyn and Mike Prendergast for running a clean campaign which is something most candidates do not do. <br /> <br /> I want to congratulate the winner, MIKE PRENDERGAST and let him know that I will do what I can to help him beat the incumbent Representative, Kathy Castor. <br /> <br /> I have had the eye opening experience of my life. I have seen a Republican change to a Democrat to run in the Primary only to lose and I've seen a Democrat change to a Republican and win. With the present anti-business climate of this administration, I thought a small businessman who had experienced the challenges that businesses face everyday would get the support from those businesses to help get back the entrepreneurial spirit. That did not happen. <br /> <br /> Until the 80% of the Republicans who did not bother to come out to the polls wake up and start voting, nothing is going to change. <br /> <br /> I can only think that they were too busy trying to trying to save their businesses that they just could not get involved. <br /> <br /> We still live in the greatest country in the world. For how much longer is the question. We don't live in &quot;Kansas Anymore, Toto.&quot; By that I mean we are in the middle of the transformation our country and the transfer of wealth, only it is not the transfer of wealth form the rich to the poor of the United States; it is the transfer of wealth of the rich and the middle class and the poor of the United States, to the poor countries of the world. How else can you explain the sending of so many jobs overseas to employ foreigners rather than keeping them here to employ our own citizens?<br /> <br /> We still buy clothes, furniture, tires, electronics, televisions, cell phones and all the amenities of life. Those things just aren't made in America anymore. We have become a service sector nation and now much of those services are being sent overseas. <br /> <br /> Now is the time to wake up our neighbors, relatives, friends and foe to the fact that we have to become more involved in what is going on in Washington and stop sending the same stereotypes.<br /> <br /> Thank you once again for all your support and I look forward to meeting you in the future. <br /> <br /> Tommy Castellano <br /> &nbsp;</p> 26 Aug 2010 8:43:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00036 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00036 <p>This is from one of my volunteers. I think it says it all.&#65279;</p> <blockquote> <p>&quot;Well, friends, the rain is back and it's time to stop walking and rest up for poll working tomorrow. No matter the outcome, what a fabulous group of people to work with - this includes the candidate, his family and friends and all the volunteers. And we've come together from being strangers because we all know in our hearts that this country is in real trouble, really scary trouble and we need a man like Tommy Castellano to help us dig our way out.&nbsp;</p> <p>What heartens me is that I've met so many people who were asleep, as I was, who are waking. Every door we've knocked, every hand we've shook and every conversation we've had with strangers has helped to wake up so many more - they hopefully will pass the message on. That's the real reason I worked this campaign - not because I believe in the candidate, which I do, but because I am sick that we have almost thrown all of this away - the freedom to live, really live and prosper - because we are able, because we are Americans, because we are blessed to live in the greatest nation this world has ever seen.&quot; </p> </blockquote> <p>Thank you for all of your support and thank you for those who have voted and will vote today.</p> <p>&nbsp;Tommy Castellano</p> <p><img height="214" width="300" alt="" src="http://castellanoforcongress.com/UserFiles/american-flag2.jpg" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> 24 Aug 2010 8:31:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00035 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00035 <p>Last day until the election. This has been an experience that has opened my eyes to the reality of political powers. While the Hillsborough County Republican Committee will not endorse a candidate until after the election, the Republican Clubs still have their favorites and it's the behind the scene activities that give politics a dirty name. <br /> <br /> When I first started this endeavor, I was told I'd have to raise a ton of money and was told that money is the only way to win. In my opinion, it's votes that win elections. I already know that Kathy Castor will always out raise me when it comes to money. If I raise a million, she'll raise 2 million because the unions aren't going to let her run out of money. That means I have to out work her and her political machine. But why is it that in politics you have to spend a million dollars to get a job that pays $175,000.00?<br /> <br /> I've already proved that point. One of my opponents has outspent me by almost 5 times the amount I have raised but my team has out worked his team. You know why he can outspend me by five times? Because he has OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY! Much of that money has been raised from out of state. <br /> <br /> Only one candidate is born and raised in the 11th Congressional District. Only one candidate has served his community for over 36 years. Only one candidate in this race has continued to employ and hire people while running a political campaign. Only one candidate has continued to make a payroll and pay all the taxes that go with it. And only one candidate has won the endorsements of a Liberal newspaper, The St. Pete Times: a Conservative newspaper, The Tampa Tribune and a Tri Lingual Newspaper, La Gaceta. <br /> <br /> I have enjoyed meeting sooooooooooooooo many people over the last 8 months. Knocking on doors is a task I will never forget. I've seen people who are surviving this depression. I've seen people who are losing things. Even local government workers are feeling the pinch. <br /> <br /> I'll never forget the faith that my volunteer staff has placed in me. While many of my friends and relatives thought I was insane for taking on this tremendous challenge, those volunteers showed up everyday and worked with a passion. I sincerely appreciate all everyone has done and I have made many, many lasting friendships. We have become family. <br /> <br /> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Your job now is to go out and vote for Thomas C. Castellano! No excuses. VOTE LIKE YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT.<br /> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> &nbsp;</p> 23 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00034 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00034 <p>Do you want to know what is going on in Hillsborough County? Just go to the Court House at 800 E. Twiggs Street. Go to the 3rd floor and look into a court room that handles bad debts. You will see people who have lost their jobs, owe money and can't pay their debt.&nbsp;</p> <p>You will also notice that these people have lost something else.&nbsp;</p> <p>I watched as some of the people acknowledged the fact that they owe the money and just stared at the ground. I'm sure some of those people were &quot;dead beats&quot;; isn't that what collection people call them? But there was also a look in their eyes of hopelessness. That was something I was unprepared for. That was something I thought I would never see in the United States of America.&nbsp;</p> <p>AND THE ROOM WAS FULL! AND THERE WERE PEOPLE WAITING IN THE HALL TO BE CALLED IN.&nbsp;</p> <p>To get another taste of what is really going on in Hillsborough County, you can also go to a home where there 2 senior citizens live: one has a mental disorder, the other is more like a caretaker. They live in a house that they own outright. One senior gets $500.00 a month Social Security. The other with the disorder gets 0 because he can no longer earn money and Red Tape seems to keep getting in the way. In addition, their 45 year old nephew has moved in because he has been unemployed and cannot find work. They get some food stamps. For the past year, they have had no water or electricity because they can't pay the bill. Yesterday, the Sherriff showed up and told them they have 30 days to vacate. They have to get out of the house they own outright because they owe back property taxes. The tax bill is $8,000.00 and the county or city sold it on the auction block for $13,000.00. And where are they supposed to go?&nbsp;</p> <p>But let's bail out Haiti with $ 2.9 billion. Lets send $76 million to Pakistan to house people who don't even like us.&nbsp;</p> <p>This all is so wrong.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know. Maybe it's just me. But how do we allow people to lose their homes when they don't pay property taxes because they CANNOT pay them?&nbsp;</p> <p>It's time to stop taxing personal property. It's time for a tax overhaul of the system. Unemployment in Hillsborough County in my opinion is 20 percent. More people are going to lose their homes before this is over. We need to have someone in Congress representing our District and its people. You see, it is not just Hillsborough County. We need someone who actively pursues well being for this District. I have lived here my whole life and it sickens me to see what people like Castor have done to my community.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's time to take a stand for the people who are losing their homes. For the people who cannot find employment. For the hard working unemployed Americans who have had to put their pride in their pockets and accept food stamps so their children can eat. For small business owners putting &quot;For Rent&quot; signs on their dreams. It is time to take a stand for YOU, for ME, for our CHILDREN and for future AMERICANS.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Next Tuesday, On August 24, Vote for Thomas C. Castellano. Vote like your future depends on it!</strong><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 20 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00033 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00033 <p>The Federal Government says, &quot;We are doing what needs to be done. The STIMULUS is working.&quot;&nbsp;</p> <p>Are they kidding????&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess on one level they are right: Yes, the stimulus is working in Iraq. Yes, the stimulus is working in Afghanistan. Yes, the stimulus is working in Pakistan. Yes, the stimulus is working in Haiti and yes, the stimulus is working in Greece. It is working there because of the hard working American Tax payer.&nbsp;</p> <p>But the stimulus is NOT WORKING IN LOUISIANA. IT IS NOT WORKING IN FLORIDA, IT IS NOT WORKING IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND IT IS NOT WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!&nbsp;</p> <p>THIS IS WRONG! IT IS TIME TO TAKE A STAND FOR AMERICA!&nbsp;</p> <p>IT IS TIME TO DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR OURSELVES, OUR CHILDREN AND THE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF ALL AMERICANS.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">On August 24,th, Vote for Thomas C. Castellano. <br /> Vote like your future depends on it.&#65279;</span></strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 18 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00032 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00032 <p>This is the Campaign for Castellano for Congress sign waving schedule for this week. Please honk to support us! And if you can spare 5 minutes, join us and wave some signs! The more the merrier!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Monday: Kennedy and Dale Mabry</p> <p>Tuesday: Waters and Dale Mabry</p> <p>Wednesday: Kennedy and West Shore</p> <p>Thursday: Sheldon/Memorial and Hillsborough</p> <p>Friday: Columbus and Dale Mabry</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 20 Aug 2010 10:27:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00031 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00031 <p>Once again, the United States rushes to the aid of a foreign country that has been devastated by flooding. Our Congress has funneled $76 million dollars for relief to Pakistan. <br /> <br /> We do this when there has been devastating flooding in our own mid-western states and they can't get the relief that Pakistan is getting. <br /> <br /> We do this when Americans living on the coasts of Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and the panhandle of Florida can't get any relief from our own Federal Government. Why is it when Americans are in need, there is &quot;NO MONEY IN THE BUDGET,&quot; but when something happens in a foreign country, we are the first to respond? <br /> <br /> We do this when 13 million people are out of work and are in the unemployment line. They are getting a max of $300 a week. I know there are abuses to that program but isn't that what the Federal Government is all about? Abused spending without any accountability.<br /> <br /> Here is a new one: Our president wants to close a military base in Virginia. Why? How many Americans will that put out of work? Is that going to stimulate our economy? Is that going to save tax dollars? <br /> <br /> Why not close a base in Japan or Korea or Germany. Better yet, why not close a base in a country that hates us? What those bases actually do is STIMULATE ANOTHER COUNTRY'S ECONOMY! So I think the idea that our leaders have is to put a lot of people in the unemployment line in Virginia while we keep foreign people employed. <br /> <br /> It has gone past the inmates running the asylum. We now have the animal's running the zoo. <br /> <br /> Lesson 101 - When Our tax dollars leave this country, those tax dollars never come back to this country. That does not stimulate our country. What that does is stimulate the other countries. <br /> <br /> Lesson 102 - Remember lesson 101!<br /> <br /> It's time to stimulate OUR COUNTRY! HOW? BY VOTING OUT THOSE CORRUPT PEOPLE WHO CALL THEMSELVES HONORABLE! What a stimulation that would be. <br /> <br /> First we start with Nancy Pelosi's jet. This irresponsible Speaker of the House is costing us tax payers a $1,000,000.00 (a million) a week to fly back and forth to California. For that, why doesn't California just keep her? We don't want her and God know that she incompetent. That is a big savings right there. <br /> <br /> Never before in our country have we experienced the abuse of power that we have right now. Our Congress has put themselves above the people and THAT IS WRONG! Our Congress is robbing from us the future from our children. <br /> <br /> IT'S TIME TO STAND UP FOR AMERICA, your children, your family and for &quot;WE THE PEOPLE!&quot;<br /> <br /> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>ON AUG. 24, 2010 VOTE FOR THOMAS C. CASTELLANO.<br /> VOTE LIKE YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!</strong></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> &nbsp;</p> 16 Aug 2010 12:05:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00030 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00030 <p>Thomas Castellano has just been endorsed by the La Gaceta News paper as &quot;the candidate who fits the picture of the founding fathers' citizen representative, volunteering to serve.&quot;&nbsp;</p> <p>Three major newspapers have endorsed me and I sincerely appreciate the fact that I am recognized as the best of the 4 candidates to represent you in congress. Thank you for your support!&nbsp;</p> <p>PriceWaterhouseCooper is cutting 500 high-end jobs, mostly from TAMPA. These jobs are being outsourced to INDIA. PWC says it's an effort to &quot;best serve its clients.&quot; Don't you think that keeping jobs in Tampa will Best Serve Your Clients? All the while Kathy Castor is saying she is creating jobs in her community. It is time to get serious about saving jobs, creating jobs helping small businesses to put people back to work.</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">On Aug. 24, vote for Thomas C. Castellano. Vote like your future depends on it.</span></strong></span><br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 13 Aug 2010 11:18:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00029 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00029 <p>EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN!</p> <p>Please visit one of the following links for more early voting information:</p> <p>Hillsborough County<br /> <a href="http://www.votehillsborough.org/content.aspx?id=810">http://www.votehillsborough.org/content.aspx?id=810</a></p> <p>Manatee County<br /> <a href="http://www.votemanatee.com/">http://www.votemanatee.com/</a></p> <p>Pinellas County<br /> <a href="http://www.votepinellas.com/index.php?id=152">http://www.votepinellas.com/index.php?id=152</a><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Vote Like Your Future Depends On it!<br /> </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Vote Thomas C. Castellano For Congress<br /> U.S. Representative, District 11</strong><br /> </span></span></p> 9 Aug 2010 10:39:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00028 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00028 <p>(This is the editorial I wrote for <a href="http://www.cleanhouse2010.org ">www.cleanhouse2010.org </a>.&nbsp; Great site.&nbsp; Please check it out!)</p> <p><br /> Drive down any highway, street or road and you will see vacant commercial buildings. Buildings that used to house businesses. Businesses that employed people. Right now, the business to be into is Sign Making. &quot;FOR RENT&quot; signs are abundant and everywhere you look another rental sign is going up.</p> <p>I'm out walking and meeting a lot of people. People just like you and me. People who are fed up with the direction this Congress of ours is taking our Country. People like Peter F. Here is a guy who is starting a business but the regulations are discouraging. We should be encouraging so he can hire people! Instead, his business is one more example of what is happening in my district and in my country.</p> <p>The Government needs to make it easier for people to start businesses. Our Congress needs to make it easier for businesses to stay in business. Last week, Hilary Clinton gave $500 million dollars to Pakistan while back at home, small businesses can't get money to expand let alone to buy anything necessary to help the business succeed and grow.</p> <p>The name of the game is JOBS - JOBS - JOBS!</p> <p>Do you know why most businesses go out of business? Because they can't get operating capital to fill orders. They have had to go to cash sales and the government has taken all the cash. The Government has redistributed that cash; only thing is it&rsquo;s not the American people who are on the receiving end of the cash.</p> <p>Kathy Castor, the incumbent who currently represents my district, District 11, is out of touch with the people she represents. Furthermore, Castor is out of touch with the businesses she represents. How do I know? Because no one has seen her let alone talked with her. Kathy Castor is missing in action! Although, I&rsquo;d say it&rsquo;s a safe bet she shows up for her pay check!</p> <p>I have a proposal. Let's put Kathy Castor in the unemployment line. Let's see if Kathy likes getting a $275.00 a week (if that!). If fact, while we are at it, let's put all of our Congress on unemployment! LET THEM FEEL YOUR PAIN!</p> <p>Now is the time to think! Now is the time to think about, &quot;who is the candidate that can beat Kathy Castor!&quot; Now is the time to CLEAN HOUSE!</p> <p>On August 24, 2010, Vote for Thomas C. Castellano. Vote because YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS UPON IT!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> 9 Aug 2010 10:12:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00027 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00027 <p>The United States manufacturing base has all but disappeared because work has been shipped overseas. The companies that shipped those jobs overseas are doing very well because they do not have to contend with the unions, out of control healthcare costs, OSHA requirements, Workers Compensation, liability insurance and the list goes on. Most of all, those companies have excess cash because of the savings on the above cost of doing business. Right or wrong that is happening. And not just in the manufacturing sector.</p> <p>We have to stop sending jobs overseas and make it affordable for companies to make a profit employing Americans.</p> <p>Our Congress and our President are anti-capitalist but they like all the taxes businesses pay so that they can have all of their socialist programs. We have to become more Business friendly.</p> <p>I have been meeting many business people who are afraid to hire because of the Health Care bill. How much are they going to have to pay? What will the fines be if they can't pay? They are also wondering where the &quot;operating capital&quot; is going to come from when they need money? And now, with the new Financial Bill Congress just passed, it will make it harder and harder to do business in America.</p> <p>Our Government just gave $500 million of our tax payer dollars to Pakistan while the people in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida are losing their jobs, homes and in many cases will be getting food stamps due to the BP catastrophe! THAT IS WRONG!</p> <p>Our Government just gave $2.9 Billion dollars to Haiti to rebuild that island when 15 million Americans are out of work.</p> <p>Our Government has a stop drilling order in place and half a million people who used to work on the oil rigs are now without jobs. Those oil rigs are now on their way to Egypt and the Congo.</p> <p>Our Government placed a tobacco tax that caused Hav-A-Tampa to close its factory in Tampa. 500 jobs were lost in the Tampa Bay Area. Those jobs moved to the Dominican Republic.</p> <p>Like I said in a recent blog, I guess if you want a job, you have to go to Pakistan, Haiti, Egypt, the Congo, or the Dominican Republic.</p> <p>But does that stop our Congress? NO! Where is the Accountability? That is your money and my money that is being misspent and misused. Our Government does not track what those countries do with our money. But you know what? They do track what YOU do with YOUR money!</p> <p>To create jobs, we must first take back control of the Congress! It is time to put Congress in the Unemployment Line. I have mentioned this before but will mention it again.</p> <p>1.Give Congress a 5% pay cut.</p> <p>2. Put Congress on Social Security.</p> <p>3.For every year the Congress doesn't balance the budget, they get another 5% pay cut.</p> <p>Let them feel our pain. Let them see what they have done to this country.</p> <p>NEXT, make it easier for existing businesses to stay in business. Our Government's tax system needs to become business friendly.</p> <p>Businesses need customers. To be a customer, people need to have money. For people to have money, they need a job. It seems like an easy cycle but right now, the cycle is broken. We need to keep companies from outsourcing and make it affordable for them to do business here so we can give Americans jobs and keep Americans employed.</p> <p>This would be a start.</p> <p>Yes, we agree that Kathy Castor is a JOB KILLER! So, it is time we elect a person with actual business experience to Congress.</p> <p><strong>ON AUGUST 24, 2010, VOTE FOR TOMMY CASTELLANO. VOTE BECAUSE YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!</strong><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> 9 Aug 2010 10:09:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00026 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00026 <p>WOW!</p> <p>The media was just full of good news yesterday. It seems our Congress gave AIG bailout money to dozens of financial institutions all over the world. Isn't that yours and my money? Where is the accountability?</p> <p>AIG's debt to US tax payers totals 133.3 billion dollars. Instead of forcing AIG and its counterparts to bear the costs of the company's failure, the government shifted those costs to &quot;We the People.&quot;</p> <p>When we go to the bank to borrow money, we have to tell the bankers what we want the money for. Our Congress just hands out money to Companies &quot;too big to fail.&quot; ALL FEDERAL EXPENDITURES MUST BE APPROVED BY CONGRESS! But Congress allowed AIG to dole out money to whomever they wanted too.</p> <p>The United Kingdom is now coming out and saying, &quot;Our healthcare system doesn't work.&quot; DUH! Isn't that just what our Moronian Congress just passed? Oh yeah, they passed the health care bill so they could find out what was in it.</p> <p>You may have read my recent remarks over Hilary Clinton giving Pakistan $500 billion dollars. Well guess what the money was for?! It turns out that the Pakistan Secret Service is in bed with the Taliban. They are going to use that money to fight our own troops and &quot;We the people&quot; are providing the funding. That is an Infamia.</p> <p>It is time to throw out the corruption in Congress. We have to have a revolution inside of Congress. Not with Guns and Ammunition but with weapons of the Mass destruction that is YOUR VOTE! Cleaning house is a two-part step: not re-electing incumbents is the first part. The second part is that we need to make sure we vote in people who have the courage to take back our country!</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong>ON AUGUST 24, 2010, VOTE FOR THOMAS C. CASTELLANO AND LAUNCH YOUR WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION! VOTE LIKE YOU FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT. </strong></span><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> &nbsp;</p> 27 Jul 2010 9:54:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00025 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00025 <p>The other day, I received a phone call from Florence R. She is a 75 year old retired lady living on Social Security. She pays her rent and utilities. She had $1,311.00 in a savings account until her car broke down. It cost $1,300.00 to repair. Her life savings is $11.00. Oh, she qualifies for $16.00 in food stamps. She said she was hoping for a cost of living increase in her social security. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen with this Congress or this current President.</p> <p>When our senior citizens are suffering because Obama and our Congress said, &quot;There is no money for a cost of living increase for our Senior Citizens,&quot; and then turn around and give a pay raise to every Fed employee................THAT'S WRONG.</p> <p>And Kathy Castor brags that she protects Seniors???</p> <p>What king of people have we elected that will give $20 million to bring Hamas refugees here to the United States for a &quot;better way of life&quot; when the American people are out of work and 40% of us are upside down on our mortgages? THAT IS WRONG!</p> <p>This administration is bailing out the World while turning his back on the American People.</p> <p>WHO IS BAILING YOU &amp; ME OUT? WHERE'S OUR &quot;BETTER WAY OF LIFE&quot;?</p> <p>The truth of the matter is that neither a donkey nor an elephant is going to get us where we ought to be and where we want to go. We, the American People, need to demand accountability from our Congress.</p> <p>Are you willing to demand it? I am.</p> <p><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><strong>IT'S TIME TO PUT ACCOUNTABILITY BACK IN CONGRESS! IT IS TIME TO TAKE A STAND! ON AUGUST 24, 2010 VOTE FOR THOMAS C. CASTELLANO. VOTE LIKE YOU FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!</strong></span><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 22 Jul 2010 14:53:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00024 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00024 <p>I welcome your question about what I would do to create jobs. First, let us discuss what is going on right now.</p> <p>The United States manufacturing base has all but disappeared because work has been shipped overseas. The companies that shipped those jobs overseas are doing very well because they do not have to contend with the unions, out of control healthcare costs, OSHA requirements, Workers Compensation, liability insurance and the list goes on. Most of all, those companies have excess cash because of the savings on the above cost of doing business. Right or wrong that is happening. And not just in the manufacturing sector.</p> <p>We have to stop sending jobs overseas and make it affordable for companies to make a profit employing Americans.</p> <p>Our Congress and our President are anti-capitalist but they like all the taxes businesses pay so that they can have all of their socialist programs. We have to become more Business friendly.</p> <p>I have been meeting many business people who are afraid to hire because of the Health Care bill. How much are they going to have to pay? What will the fines be if they can't pay? They are also wondering where the &quot;operating capital&quot; is going to come from when they need money? And now, with the new Financial Bill Congress just passed, it will make it harder and harder to do business in America.</p> <p>Our Government just gave $500 million of our tax payer dollars to Pakistan while the people in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida are losing their jobs, homes and in many cases will be getting food stamps due to the BP catastrophe! THAT IS WRONG!</p> <p>Our Government just gave $2.9 Billion dollars to Haiti to rebuild that island when 15 million Americans are out of work.</p> <p>Our Government has a stop drilling order in place and half a million people who used to work on the oil rigs are now without jobs. Those oil rigs are now on their way to Egypt and the Congo.</p> <p>Our Government placed a tobacco tax that caused Hav-A-Tampa to close its factory in Tampa. 500 jobs were lost in the Tampa Bay Area. Those jobs moved to the Dominican Republic.</p> <p>Like I said in a recent blog, I guess if you want a job, you have to go to Pakistan, Haiti, Egypt, the Congo, or the Dominican Republic.</p> <p>But does that stop our Congress? NO! Where is the Accountability? That is your money and my money that is being misspent and misused. Our Government does not track what those countries do with our money. But you know what? They do track what YOU do with YOUR money!</p> <p>To create jobs, we must first take back control of the Congress! It is time to put Congress in the Unemployment Line. I have mentioned this before but will mention it again.</p> <p>1.Give Congress a 5% pay cut.</p> <p>2. Put Congress on Social Security.</p> <p>3.For every year the Congress doesn't balance the budget, they get another 5% pay cut.</p> <p>Let them feel our pain. Let them see what they have done to this country.</p> <p>NEXT, make it easier for existing businesses to stay in business. Our Government's tax system needs to become business friendly.</p> <p>Businesses need customers. To be a customer, people need to have money. For people to have money, they need a job. It seems like an easy cycle but right now, the cycle is broken. We need to keep companies from outsourcing and make it affordable for them to do business here so we can give Americans jobs and keep Americans employed.</p> <p>This would be a start.</p> <p>Yes, we agree that Kathy Castor is a JOB KILLER! So, it is time we elect a person with actual business experience to Congress.</p> <p>ON AUGUST 24, 2010, VOTE FOR TOMMY CASTELLANO. VOTE BECAUSE YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!</p> <p><br /> Thank you,</p> <p>Tommy Castellano<br /> Rep. Candidate for Congress<br /> US House of Representatives<br /> District 11</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 22 Jul 2010 14:38:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00023 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00023 <p>As I am certain you are aware of, due to the BP Oil leak, the Americans in Louisiana and the Gulf coast are in financial peril. Americans are always first to come to the aide of their neighbors which makes us family. However, promises of $20 million in aid have not been kept by BP and our Government has turned a deft ear. They are present but &quot;MISSING IN ACTION.&quot;<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, our Congress has approved $2.9 Billion in aid to Haiti. Our Congress has agreed to back the Greece bailout with $365 Million and just the other day, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, pledged $500 million to provide economic aid to Pakistan. </p> <p>I GUESS IF YOU WANT A JOB, YOU HAVE TO MOVE TO HAITI, GREECE, OR PAKISTAN. <br /> <br /> WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY? It is our, yours and my, tax dollars being sent overseas while our families are going under. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com<br /> </strong></a><br /> &nbsp;</p> 21 Jul 2010 12:48:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00022 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00022 <p><strong>The Taxes We All Pay<br /> <br /> </strong>The first federal income tax was imposed to fund the American Civil war in August, 5 1861.&nbsp; Looks like we've come a long way...<strong><br /> </strong></p> <p>* Accounts Receivable Tax<br /> * Building Permit Tax<br /> * Capital Gains Tax<br /> * CDL License Tax<br /> * Cigarette Tax<br /> * Corporate Income Tax<br /> * Court Fines (indirect taxes)<br /> * Dog License Tax<br /> * Federal Income Tax<br /> * Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)<br /> * Fishing License Tax<br /> * Food License Tax<br /> * Fuel Permit Tax<br /> * Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)<br /> * Hunting License Tax<br /> * Inheritance Tax OR DEATH TAX<br /> * Interest Expense (tax on the money)<br /> * Inventory Tax I<br /> * IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)<br /> * IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)<br /> * Liquor Tax<br /> * Local Income Tax<br /> * Luxury Taxes<br /> * Marriage License Tax<br /> * Medicare Tax<br /> * Property Tax<br /> * Real Estate Tax<br /> * Recreational Vehicle Tax<br /> * Road Toll Booth Taxes<br /> * Road Usage Taxes (truckers)<br /> * Sales Taxes<br /> * School Tax<br /> * Septic Permit Tax<br /> * Service Charge Taxes<br /> * Social Security Tax<br /> * State Income Tax<br /> * State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)<br /> * Tobacco Tax<br /> * Telephone Federal Excise Tax<br /> * Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes<br /> * Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax<br /> * Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax<br /> * Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax<br /> * Telephone State and Local Tax<br /> * Telephone Usage Charge Tax<br /> * Toll Bridge Taxes Toll<br /> * Tunnel Taxes<br /> * Trailer Registration<br /> * Tax Utility Taxes<br /> * Vehicle License Registration Tax<br /> * Vehicle Sales Tax<br /> * Watercraft Registration Tax<br /> * Well Permit Tax<br /> * Workers&rsquo; Compensation Tax</p> <p><strong>So we are taken when we make money, spend money, save money, invest money -- and die.</strong></p> <p>This list is not including all of the hidden fees we pay.</p> <p>Ever look at your phone bill (if you have a land line)? Twice the bill is taxes.</p> <p>&quot;Today the IRS gave some guidelines on how to avoid getting audited. Number one, don't list deductions that will raise a red flag. Number two, make sure you file on time. Number three, don't make any stupid anti-war Health &ndash; Care speech at any town hall meeting.&quot;<br /> &mdash; Jay Leno</p> <p>Worried about an IRS audit? Avoid what's called a red flag. That's something the IRS always looks for. For example, say you have some money left in your bank account after paying taxes. That's a red flag.</p> <p>Golf is a lot like taxes. You drive hard to get to the green and then wind up in the hole.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em>Thomas C. Castellano is a Republican Candidate for the Congress US House of Representatives, District 11. Castellano has been a Tampa small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 21 Jul 2010 10:06:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00021 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00021 <p><strong>Kathy Castor: &ldquo;JOB KILLER&rdquo;</strong></p> <p><img height="222" width="150" src="http://castellanoforcongress.com/UserFiles/business_closed.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>I have been talking to many people who have taken pay cuts and have lost most of their savings. I have spoken to business owners who have scaled back so far that they are the only employee left. All the while, Congress is getting fatter and increasing their fortunes.</p> <p>Take a drive down any major highway and look at all the &quot;For Rent&quot; signs where businesses used to be. The unemployment rate in Hillsborough County is 12.7% while the unemployment rate for the Construction Industry is closer to 30%. That, my friends, is a Depression. All the while, Federal government has expanded.</p> <p>If you think unemployment is high now, just wait until the Health Care Bill kicks in. Employers are already concerned about having to raise their prices to pay for health care while the smaller companies have lower costs. This bill will just continue to put businesses out of business.</p> <p>And do you really want the IRS regulating Health Care?</p> <p>Plus, the new Finance Bill won't help at all. With all the regulations that the Feds have placed on Banks, loans will be difficult to get.</p> <p>We have to make a decision to put accountability back in to Congress. REAL ACCOUNTABILITY.</p> <p>Congress has no idea of the damage they have caused to our economy and our ability to earn a living. It's time to let them feel the pain of what most unemployed feel.</p> <p>It's time to put Kathy Castor in the Unemployment Line. Kathy Castor votes 98% of the time with Nancy Pelosi. The 11th Congressional District doesn't need a California Representative. We need a Representative to represent the 11th District.</p> <p><img height="179" width="180" src="http://castellanoforcongress.com/UserFiles/Pelosi1_0.jpg" alt="" /><br /> (Here's a photo of Castor's website - Look who's standing right beside her!)</p> <p><strong>If you want to send a message to Obama, Pelosi, Reid and Castor, <br /> then Elect Tommy Castellano to Congress.</strong></p> <p><strong>On August 24, 2010, Vote for Tommy Castellano. Vote like your future depends on it.</strong></p> <p><img height="152" width="231" src="http://castellanoforcongress.com/UserFiles/Tommy white house(1).jpg" alt="" /><br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House </strong>of <strong>Representatives</strong>,<strong> District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong><em>www.castellanoforcongress.com</em></strong></a><br /> &nbsp;</p> 20 Jul 2010 9:18:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00020 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00020 <p>George Washington Said, &ldquo;The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves&rdquo;. <br /> <br /> I decided to run for Congress because I feel that our system of government doesn't represent &quot;We the People.&quot; The people we have elected to office have taken an approach to govern based on what they &quot;feel, think or whatever else they philosophize&quot; is best for US. <br /> <br /> How do we let this happen? It happens because we become apathetic to the facts and what the facts are. <br /> <br /> I'm finding that people are waking up. They are waking up because they are feeling the pain of a mismanaged government by politicians that make promises that were made to be broken and pledges that were never meant to be kept. <br /> <br /> We are waking up because the &quot;CHANGE&quot; that was promised by this administration has become a nightmare for small businesses and people who work in the private sector. Unfortunately, the &quot;Change&quot; that was promised has destroyed any &quot;Hope&quot; that those in the unemployment line had of finding a job. In addition, it is now becoming a nightmare for the people who work for local and state governments; just take a look at L.A. <br /> <br /> Once again, the time is at hand. Now is the time to make a decision. Now is the time to decide on who is the candidate that can represent you and your needs in Congress.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Thomas C. Castellano</strong> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11.</strong> Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa small business</strong> owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> 14 Jul 2010 9:20:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00019 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00019 <p>The Federal government has filed a law suit against Arizona because of the immigration law. Or should I say the illegal immigration law.</p> <p>The key word here is &quot;ILLEGAL.&quot; What it that Obama doesn't understand? Arizona finally got tired of begging the administration for help and now has to take matters into their own hands.</p> <p>No one country in the history of the world has ever had totally open borders. Mexico doesn't have totally open borders, Canada doesn't have totally open boarders&hellip;in fact, Mexico's illegal immigration laws are quite strict and penalties are quite severe.</p> <p>What our Congress, the last 2 Presidents and this current President have done is allow Mexico and the illegal immigrants to dictate our immigration policy TO the United States. We tell them they can't come here illegally and they say there coming anyway and they do.</p> <p>Our Congress even allowed the Mexican President to appear in front of Congress and scold them on the treatment of the illegal's. AND OUR CONGRESS SAT THERE AND APPLAUDED.</p> <p>Now Nogales, Arizona is overrun by Mexican drug lords! A city in the United States of America has been over run by Mexican drug lords!</p> <p>AMERICANS, HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH YET?</p> <p>It's time to take a stand! It's time we tell Mexico and the rest of the world that WE THE PEOPLE decide who comes to this country, NOT THEM!</p> <p>I can tell the Government of Arizona how to get Obama's Attention:</p> <p>&ldquo;Governor Brewer,</p> <p>Get about 6 Greyhound buses. Round up 6 bus loads of illegal immigrants. Load them with enough box lunches to get them to Washington D.C. and drop them off in front of the White House. Better yet and if it's in the budget, buy them tickets to tour the White House.&quot; Maybe Obama and our Congress will get the message.&rdquo;</p> <p>And while I&rsquo;m at it:</p> <p>&ldquo;Hey LA,</p> <p>Want to boycott Arizona? How many Illegal's are you willing to take? If the answer is NONE! Shut the H_ _ _ UP!&rdquo;</p> <p>Tommy Castellano<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong><br /> &nbsp;</p> 8 Jul 2010 9:29:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00018 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00018 <p>I would like to thank Bill and Gail, Karen and Tom, Barbara, Brad and Ian for attending the political forum at Tucson's Restaurant in Clearwater last night. It was a great event and I had the opportunity to show the audience that I am a candidate to be taken seriously. <br /> <br /> It' was great having the support of people who believe in our cause. <br /> <br /> Thank you!<br /> <br /> Tommy Castellano<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em><strong>Thomas C. Castellano</strong> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></p> 8 Jul 2010 9:29:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00017 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00017 <p>I'd like to thank my guests, Irene, Bill and Darrin for attending the meet up yesterday morning. You all presented some great ideas for moving the country forward! Take a Stand &amp; Rally for Independence is going to be a Blast! 140,000 karaoke songs to choose from! How does this sound: for the last 2 hours of the event, (from 3:00 to 5:00 PM) we have a singing contest?</p> <p>Let&rsquo;s find the best voice in Tampa. Sorry, no pro's. This is just for us amateurs. Give me some suggestions for the rules! I'll be waiting. <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></p> 2 Jul 2010 8:37:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00016 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00016 <p>I just love the news: &ldquo;The Obama administration is putting $3 billion in information technology contracts on hold and is examining more than $10 billion worth of other projects as part of an overhaul of spending on such services and equipment. White House budget director Peter Orszag is ordering a review of the $80 billion the government spends annually on technology to determine whether lax oversight has led to cost overruns, delays and the implementation of obsolete systems. For the most part we don&rsquo;t get a good return on that $80 billion&hellip;&rdquo;</p> <p>Really???? <br /> <br /> When I talk about irresponsibility and no accountability, this is one of the things I'm talking about. Our government just gives away OUR money without accountability. The government owes the American people a responsible approach to spending the money they force us to pay. <br /> <br /> Our Congress and our President don't have a clue as to what they are doing to this country. If they do know what they are doing, then it is worse than being incompetent. <br /> <br /> If that is the case, just make me the President because I can fly around the world at taxpayers&rsquo; expense, golf everyday, and GUESS at what to do better than OBAMA can. AND, I'll do it for half the salary (currently $400,000.00).<br /> <br /> Our Congress and President are practicing MORONIAN ECONOMICS. And this bunch of MORONS are spending the FUTURE of generations of Americans. <br /> <br /> It's time to take a stand! On Aug. 24, 2010, vote for Thomas C. Castellano. Vote like your future depends on it!<br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></p> 29 Jun 2010 9:23:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00015 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00015 <p>WOW! The other day, I was asked by the Tampa Tribune if I had any major endorsements. I asked them, &quot;Do you mean: do I have any endorsements from the past political &quot;Has Beens&quot;?</p> <p>I am PROUD and PRIVILEGED to state that I have the endorsements from the Sandys, the Frans, the Barbaras, the Kens, the Marks, from the Charlies, from the Johns, the Tammys, from the Mary Anns, the Shelias, the Carls, the Jennifers, Bruces, Rays, Bills, Gails, Sharons, Tims, Madisons, Nicholes, Loises, Alicias, Lindys, Jessicas, Kirks, etc.</p> <p>YEAH!</p> <p>Opponents, you can have all the hot shot &quot;business as usual&quot; endorsements you want. But I have THE PEOPLE'S endorsements. And that, Tampa Tribune, is what matters most.</p> <p>Tommy Castellano<br /> Rep. Candidate for Congress<br /> US House of Representatives<br /> District 11<br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress</strong> <strong>US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 25 Jun 2010 10:38:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00014 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00014 <p>I want to thank everyone for coming to meet me at the Lazzara Family Catering, especially Tim Lazzara, for hosting the 1 hour meeting last night. It was great meeting! I would also like to say a special thank you to Mr. Curry, another Tampa native. You see, I am just a working man and not an event planner! Thank you to Vienna Fuente for suggesting I pick up some pizzas for my guests! Also, as many people who wanted to attend but could not due to scheduling, I have decided to change this weekly event time from 5:00 to 5:30 and end it at 6:30 PM. <br /> <br /> The Cafe Con Leche this morning went very well. I had two guests who are now supporters and Wow! What a discussion! <br /> <br /> It is amazing the number of people who have lost their jobs and have now lost faith in our government. People want to work! They need to work! They don't want a hand out&hellip;they only want a chance to start over again. <br /> <br /> There is a Government - Constituent DISCONNECT. Our Congress needs to STOP! TAKE A BREAK! LOOK AND LISTEN TO WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO &quot;WE THE PEOPLE.&quot;<br /> <br /> I think the real problem is that many of our Representatives have lived sheltered lives. Like I said, they are disconnected to their &quot;constituents.&quot; People say, &quot;That person was born to be in Congress!&quot; Ok...So what? You can be born in a chicken coop but that won't make you a chicken! You can be born in a garage but that won't make you a car! You have to be CONNECTED to the people you represent. Not just to the special interest who donate to your campaign. <br /> <br /> In the last two days, I've meet two ladies, Mary Ann and Tammy, that have been unemployed and can't find work. They are intelligent, sophisticated and &quot;over qualified&quot; for any jobs they have applied for. Does that sound familiar to any of you? <br /> <br /> Tammy said, &quot;That's not supposed to happen in America.&quot;</p> <p>What does Kathy Castor think of this? Has any body heard from her about JOBS? I have! She sent ma a real fancy expensive brochure telling me how wonderful the economy is doing in Florida thanks to the Stimulus Bill she signed. By the way, printed on the back was, &quot;Printed and paid for with tax payer money!&quot; Shame on you Kathy! Get your head out of your _ _ _ and START LISTENING to the unemployed instead of your union buddies.</p> <p>It really is a shame for, when it comes to you and me, when it comes to creating jobs for the unemployed, when it comes to real representation, Kathy Castor is just &quot;MISSING IN ACTION!&quot; <br /> <br /> IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STAND! Vote on August 24, for Thomas C. Castellano. Vote because your future depends on it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives</strong>, District 11. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com<br /> </strong></a></p> 24 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00013 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00013 <p>I personally feel the American people are tired of Politics as usual. Do we really want a candidate that is bought and paid for? Who would they represent then? You? Or the big buck donor? Whose phone call gets returned then?</p> <p>Who does Kathy Castor Represent? You or the special interests like the SEIU? You or the Congressional establishment? You or Nancy Pelosi?</p> <p>It is wrong when our Congressional Representative votes on the passage of bills that will affect generations of Americans without knowing what's in them. It is wrong when our Congressional Representative votes party lines and not the wishes of constituents.</p> <p>It's time to take a stand.</p> <p>Tommy Castellano<br /> Rep. Candidate for US House of Representatives<br /> District 11</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives</strong>, District 11. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> 23 Jun 2010 14:51:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00012 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00012 <p>Yesterday, in the Tampa Tribune, I was pinned as just another politician without a radical agenda. I felt like I had to respond to this criticism because I am hardly your average &ldquo;stuffy-suited&rdquo; politician and I believe I have a very radical platform.</p> <p>I resent the fact that our Congress, the people who we have elected have exalted themselves above &quot;We the People.&quot;</p> <p>1. I want to give Congress a 5% pay cut. When the private sector is taking pay cuts and losing their jobs, it is WRONG for them to increase their wealth!<br /> <br /> 2. I want to put Congress on Social Security. That&rsquo;s right! The private sector gets Social Security but Congress gets 80% of their salary (that automatically increases yearly). The private sector goes from middle class to POVERTY! THAT IS WRONG! Congress needs to FEEL OUR PAIN!<br /> <br /> 3. I want to put a system in place that ACTUALLY HOLDS CONGRESS ACCOUNTABLE. How? For every year the Congress doesn't balance the budget, they get another 5% pay cut. <br /> <br /> Retired military officers cannot get the job done. You want to know how I know this? Because we have 127 retired military congressmen now and look at the shape of our country! <br /> <br /> Don't get me wrong. I love the people who serve our military and I believe we need them to serve. However, they have never made a payroll, they have never paid matching social security and most importantly, they have never balanced a budget. When they need money, they go to the Congress, WHO ARE ALSO RETIRED MILITARY, and get most of what they want. And they usually ask for more than what they need to the amount that they want. <br /> <br /> Then, look at the shape of our immigration policy. If the military is so skilled on national security, why do we have so many illegal aliens? The sad fact is, once retired military get into office, they take orders from the establishment.</p> <p>And who do they forget? YOU AND ME!</p> <p>I am mad as hell and WILL to fight for a better country. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House of Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com">www.castellanoforcongress.com</a></p> 22 Jun 2010 13:22:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00011 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00011 <p>&quot;This is a powerful statement to voters who are looking for candidates that are a cut above those who are talking a good game but really stand for more of the same old same old.&quot;</p> <p><br /> TOMMY's RESPONSE:</p> <p>When I was eighteen years old, I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. That oath had no statutes of limitations. What I find disturbing is the fact that our representatives have abused the trust that Americans had in them by making promises that were made to be broken and pledges that they never intended to keep.</p> <p>Yes, I will sign that pledge but be aware that I will pledge an oath once again to protect and defend the entire Constitution of the United States of America.</p> <p>Tommy Castellano<br /> Rep. Candidate U.S. House of Representatives<br /> 11th Congressional District.</p> <p>RESPONSE:</p> <p>Thanks Tommy!Today's politicians are not statesmen, nor are most of them patriots. Like you I also took that oath and always considered myself bound by it through the years. Were I running for office, I would also sign the 10A Pledge as you are doing. If we can get more patriots and statesmen in office and less career politicians, we can still save the Republic.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><em><strong>Thomas C. Castellano</strong> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives</strong>, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 15 Jun 2010 10:50:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00010 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00010 <p>Obama is asking for another $50,000,000,000.00 (yes 50 billion) for the unions disguised as a job creation bailout! As if the $800 billion bailout worked. Even after telling the American People, &quot;NO MORE BAILOUTS!&quot; <br /> <br /> Is OBAMA lying? <br /> <br /> Where is the bailout for the American taxpayer? Where is the bailout for the American Small Business?<br /> <br /> WHO IS RUNNING WASHINGTON? <br /> You or the special interest? <br /> You or the elitist establishment?</p> <p>They have given us promises that were meant to be broken and pledges that were never meant to be kept. You can keep putting your &quot;FAITH&quot; in your current representatives and &quot;HOPE&quot; they will have a change of heart and &quot;do the right thing.&quot; But HOPE is not a strategy.<br /> <br /> If you don't understand what our Congress has done to our Country, then you don't understand the future they have planned for America or your children's future and you will accept what they dish out every time.<br /> <br /> IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STAND! <br /> <br /> It's time to: Restore Accountability in Congress.<br /> <br /> Restore Confidence in Congress.<br /> <br /> Restore Honor in Congress.<br /> <br /> On August 24, 2010 vote for Thomas C. Castellano for Congress. Vote like your future depends on it!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> &nbsp;</p> 15 Jun 2010 10:51:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00009 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00009 <p>I would like to thank Tim Lazzara, owner of Lazzara Family Caterers, Fine Wines &amp; Spirits for hosting the meet and greet for the Castellano for Congress Campaign. Guests included Arturo Fuente and his wife Vienna; Dr. Jimmy Giglio; Dr. Roy Berdeal; Patrick Manteiga, owner of La Gaceta News Paper; and numerous friends and supporters. <br /> <br /> The high light of the evening was when I introduced Jennifer, an unemployed executive assistant, to Vienna Fuente, the founder of &quot;Event Planners'. Vienna offered her a job and Jennifer decided to give it a try. <br /> <br /> Tommy Castellano and the Castellano Campaign is already creating jobs! <br /> <br /> Thank you Vienna for your offer to Jennifer and I hope every thing works out.<br /> <br /> In addition, thank you Patrick for personal photography.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thank you Tim for hosting and the free drinks for this meet and greet!<br /> <br /> Most of all, thanks to ALL my supporters for attending and TAKING A STAND!<br /> <br /> On Aug. 24, 2010, vote for Thomas C. Castellano. Vote like your future depends on it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a <strong>Republican Candidate</strong> for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of <strong>Representatives</strong>, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a><br /> </p> 10 Jun 2010 9:27:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00008 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00008 <p>$165 BILLION PENSION BAILOUT!</p> <p>Didn't Obama say, &quot;NO MORE BAILOUTS!&quot;<br /> <br /> The fact is, union representatives have raided pension funds to contribute to political campaigns. Why don't &quot;ALL&quot; the members of Congress who have received UNION CONTRIBUTIONS pay back that money to the unions?<br /> <br /> If the tax payers are to pay the &quot;Bail&quot; then union leaders should go to &quot;Jail.&quot; And maybe a few Congress people too. <br /> <br /> My 401 K went to a 101Z. (Zilch). And now I'm supposed to bailout the unions. Who is going to Bailout US?<br /> <br /> Believe me, if the Congress estimates $165 billion, it will be much more than that because we will have to pay for that bailout until the worker dies. <br /> <br /> <strong>Our country is going to hell in a hand basket</strong> <strong>and Congress is getting fatter by the day. It's time to put them on a DIET! You've heard of Jenny Craig? Let's put Congress on the &quot;TOMMY C&quot; diet. </strong><br /> <br /> 1. 10% PAY CUT ACROSS THE BOARD FOR EVERY MEMBER OF CONGRESS. <br /> 2. ADDITIONAL 5% PAY CUT FOR EVERY YEAR THEY DON'T BALANCE THE BUDGET!<br /> 3. CHANGE THE CONGRESSIONAL RETIREMENT FUND TO SOCIAL SECURITY! WHY SHOULD THEY GET BETTER THAN WHAT THE AMERICAN WORKER GETS!<br /> 4. REPEAL THE AUTOMATIC COST OF LIVING INCREASE FOR CONGRESSIONAL SALARIES. LET CONGRESS EARN IT!<br /> 5. CONGRESS WILL GET THE SAME HEALTH CARE PACKAGE WE GET!<br /> 6. PROPOSE THE 28TH AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION: <br /> <br /> CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW THAT APPLIES TO ANY CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES THAT DOES NOT APPLY EQUALLY TO ALL U.S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW THAT APPLIES TO ANY U.S. SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE THAT DOES NOT APPLY EQUALLY TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES. ALL EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS THAT DO NOT MEET THESE CRITERIA SHALL BE DECLARED NULL AND VOID. <br /> <br /> <strong>IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STAND. ON AUG. 24, 2010 VOTE FOR THOMAS C. CASTELLANO. VOTE LIKE YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House of </strong><strong>Representatives, District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War<strong> </strong>veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> 28 May 2010 9:51:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00007 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00007 <p>&quot;Paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history&quot;<br /> <br /> <img width="150" height="102" align="textTop" alt="" src="http://castellanoforcongress.com/UserFiles/shrinking_dollar.jpg" /><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>As Matt Drudge puts it, &quot;Obama Redistribution Victory&quot;.</p> <p>The percentage of American income from private wages fell to a low of 41.9% in the first quarter of this year, down from 44.6% in the final quarter of 2007. The percentage of income from government programs rose to 17.9%, up from 14.2%, and government wages rose to 9.8%.</p> <p>What&rsquo;s wrong with this picture?</p> <p>With 12 million people out of work and in the unemployment line, who is going to pay for our expanded government? There is no fiscal responsibility in our government. There is no accountability in our Congress.</p> <p>It&rsquo;s time to take a STAND. I&rsquo;m taking a stand to put accountability back in Congress.</p> <p>Vote for Thomas C. Castellano on Aug. 24, 2010. Vote like your future depends on it!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano </em></strong><em>is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House </strong>of Representatives, <strong>District 11.</strong> Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa </strong>small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:38:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00006 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00006 <p>Earlier I was asked this question: &quot;Tommy,given the huge anti-incumbent feeling in the country I am curious why your picture is posed in front of the Capitol.&quot;</p> <p><img width="231" height="152" src="http://castellanoforcongress.com/UserFiles/Tommy white house.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>My answer is this:</p> <p>At one time, it was a proud thing to be a Congressman. It was an honor to be a representative of &quot;We The People!&quot;</p> <p>Unfortunately, &quot;We the People&quot; are no longer represented by the very people we have elected. The Parties are represented, the lobbies are represented and special interest groups are represented.</p> <p>I am taking a stand and putting accountability back in Congress. I want my constituents to know that I will represent them. Let's make Congress a place where the Constitution is followed and not violated.</p> <p>So, I'm not afraid to put my picture in front of the Congress because that's where I'm going to help put this Country back on track.</p> <p>Tommy Castellano</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of Representatives, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:49:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00005 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00005 <p>It is now time for all of you, my supporters, to make your voice known. We need to grow the support for my campaign. I know that in these times money is short. What I am asking for is a small contribution that anyone can make. For any of you that are willing, please visit my Donation Page on my website and donate a contribution of $5.00.</p> <p>You can help save your country for about the price of a cup of Starbucks. It is that easy. Those who are willing and able to give more, please do. We need all of the support you can give, and we need it now.<br /> Thank you.</p> <p>Thomas Castellano for Congress<br /> U.S. House of Representatives District 11<br /> http://www.castellanoforcongress.com/</p> <p>&ldquo;A failure to act is a failure to lead. We all need to be leaders.&rdquo; -- Thomas C. Castellano</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a Republican Candidate for the </em>Congress US House<em> of Representatives, </em>District 11<em>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa </strong>small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:42:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00004 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00004 <p>Dear Tommy:</p> <p>Why is your plated dinner $20 and 10 cents? Why not just $20? Im merely curious. :) I wish I could be there. I like your no nonsense type of attitude and I despise Krazy Kathy Castor. ;)</p> <p>From Your Supporter</p> <p><br /> Dear Supporter:</p> <p>Tommy understands that the economy has hit Florida hard, so he is trying to keep all functions to a minimum fee. He chose $20.10 because it reflects the year that he hopes to get elected to Congress.</p> <p>Thank you for inquiring.</p> <p>Best Regards,<br /> Castellano for Congress Campaign</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano</em></strong><em> is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of Representatives, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa </strong>small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:45:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00003 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00003 <p>I walked a precint Saturday with Sandy Sandiford, a volunteer precint worker for the Hillsborough County Republican Party. We met many home owners and registered voters who are real Americans. As you know, I started to collect food for the missions that provide meals for the hungry. The generoustiy of the people in Hillsborough county is unbelievable.</p> <p>We collected over 40 lbs, in 5 grocery bags in just 1 hour. One homeowner saw how we were struggling to walk back to my car and offered to drive us and we accepted. It proves that even when people are cutting back on their own expenses, they still comet to the aid of their fellow man.</p> <p>We are Americans and that's what we do.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Thomas C. Castellano</strong> is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of Representatives, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:45:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00002 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00002 <p>Original Query:</p> <p>Dear Sir:</p> <p>I want to get rid of Kathy Castor desperately. She has been an embarrassment since beginning her tenure in congress. This being the case, I am looking at doing volunteer work with a candidate that I can support with my heart and soul. There are certain issues that are extremely important to me. I filter every issue through &quot;national defense and security&quot; from energy self-sufficiency, to trade, to economic health and viability, to standing by our allies (like Israel) and standing up to our enemies (like Russia, China, Venezuela, Iran, etc.)</p> <p>What are your positions in these matters?</p> <p><br /> Tommy's Response:</p> <p><br /> You sound like the kind of person that would like to change America back to what we had when we were growing up.</p> <p>I am a Tampa Native that has owned and operated a small business for over 36 years.</p> <p>No one in Congress represents the small business anymore. In fact, they don't represent &quot;We the People&quot; any more. Why should they? They have never made a payroll. They have never paid workers compensation. They have never paid Health care. They have simply given themselves the lives of luxury and then don't just fade away, but retire with the best benefits package in the world.</p> <p>The issues you are concerned about concern me also.</p> <p>National Security: We must keep our country safe not only from without, but within. We can't do that if our deficit is 14 trillion dollars. Did you know that there are more illegal aliens in this country that came here legally than come across the borders? They came here with visas and when the visas expired, they simply stayed here. We need to immediately start enforcing the laws that are already on the books.</p> <p>SELF SUFFICIENCY: Right now as I'm writing to you, China has begun drilling in the gulf of Mexico off the coast of Cuba. Yet, we can't say anything to China because they own most of our debt. Another question is, &quot;If China owns our debt, do they also own our foreign policy? Do we want to find out?&quot;</p> <p>We must also aggressively pursue alternative forms of energy, including exploring how to make ocean current energy work.</p> <p>Finally, there is the budget. We not only have a budget deficit of $14 trillion in the US, we also have a deficit of leadership. How else can you explain the voting that is done by the Congress that is supposed to represent The People? We need leadership, not rubber stamps.</p> <p>I would love to talk to you about the issues. This is just a small example of what I feel. I want to bring ACCOUNTABILITY back to Congress. I'll say what I mean, and mean what I say.</p> <p>Please feel free to call me at 813-770-5216 anytime. I would appreciate any help you could provide my campaign. Help put America back on track.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Tommy Castellano<br /> Rep. Candidate for US House of Representatives.<br /> Dist. 11</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong><em>Thomas C. Castellano </em></strong><em>is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of Representatives, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:46:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00001 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00001 <p>Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.</p> <p><br /> BILLY GRAHAM's PRAYER FOR THE NATION</p> <p>'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!' </p> 28 May 2010 9:25:00 EST http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00000 http://castellanoforcongress.com/blog/?viewDetailed=00000 <p>&quot;It is both an honor and privilege for the ACCA-FL Board of Directors to officially endorse Mr. Tommy Castellano in his bid for the House of Representatives - District 11.</p> <p>In addition to running for Congress, Tommy is also our ACCA-FL Immediate Past Chairman. With his strong sense of commitment to both his community and industry, Tommy is sure to be a leader who will bring honest change to Florida.</p> <p>I encourage you to visit www.castellanoforcongress.com to learn more about the candidate, as well as to hear of ways YOU can help this important election campaign.&quot;</p> <p>Phil London - ACCA-FL Chairman</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Thomas C. Castellano</strong> is a Republican Candidate for the <strong>Congress US House</strong> of Representatives, <strong>District 11</strong>. Castellano has been a <strong>Tampa</strong> small business owner for over 36 years and a Vietnam War veteran.</p> <p><a href="http://www.castellanoforcongress.com"><strong>www.castellanoforcongress.com</strong></a></p> 28 May 2010 9:47:00 EST