Eight years ago, the people of the 18th District elected a new State Senator.

Someone who promised to fight for them in Harrisburg. Someone who would always be on their side. And someone who shared their dreams and their hopes and their belief that politics is about helping people, not about power or personal gain.

And, for the past 8 years, I'm proud that I've done just that.

This year, the people will choose again. A personal choice. Someone they trust to stand up to the party bosses and the lobbyists and to everyone who tries to buy their way into the political process.

When I was first ran for office in 1994, everyone said that I didn't have a chance. I didn't come from money. I didn't have the right "connections." I didn't even have the backing of my local party. But, in my heart, I knew that if I worked really hard, if I stayed true to my beliefs and was honest about who I am, that the people would believe in me as much as I believe in them.

And today I still believe that. In fact, I believe it more than ever.

And that's why I'm standing here today-more motivated, more determined and even more excited about serving in Harrisburg and making a difference in the State Senate.

In the weeks and months ahead, I am going to run a positive campaign and I am going to focus on the issues that really matter to working families, to senior citizens and to taxpayers throughout this district.

Like I've done these past 8 years, I will continue from now until Election Day to keep working hard to address the real concerns of real people.

There are many challenges that lie ahead of us. But, I am confident that we are prepared to meet them.

• We can reform our educational funding system by reducing property taxes.
• We can make prescription drugs more affordable for our senior citizens.
• We can give financial aid to those students who want and deserve a higher education.
• And we can give long overdue tax relief to middle-class families.

It may seem old-fashioned, but I still believe that good people can do great things in public office if they work together to do what's right.

I'm looking forward to this campaign and to putting my experience and added seniority to work for the people of the 18th District in my third term as your State Senator.

Thank you.