The last 48 hours have given me a lot to reflect upon. <br /> <br />Same for the voters in my congressional district. <br /> <br />Here’s what they need to know. <br /> <br />They elected a Marine, with the true grit that comes with it. <br /> <br />And our credo is never retreat from a fire fight, which is why I’ve been able to accomplish so much for our district. <br /> <br />Throughout my career, I have sought to live a public life of honor and integrity. I have also made no bones about the fact that I won’t be bullied, abused or intimidated. I would hope those attributes have made me a more effective advocate for my constituents, working day and night for each and every one of them, regardless of who they vote for. <br /> <br />Let me be clear, these charges are false and I devoutly believe I will be exonerated. This is yet another example of how the system can be corrupted into a vengeful, cynical and partisan persecution with little accountability to the rules of law. <br /> <br />Candidly, there are powerful forces who don’t like me. They don’t like the fact that I am a political outsider. I am not part of their club. They certainly don’t like that I speak my mind or the rough social edges I share with many who have served in our military. I get all of that, but that doesn’t mean they can flout the law, leak unattributed lies and seek to poison public opinion. <br /> <br />There are some in the media who now say I should resign. That would mean I am admitting guilt of something I am not guilty of. That would also mean they don’t know a thing about Marines. They forget that I have faced much more dangerous foes in my career long before I was a Congressman. <br /> <br />I have but one focus now; to redouble my efforts on behalf of the people of my district. There is much work to be done to protect the hardworking families I represent. I will run for reelection by asking voters to judge me on what I have done to represent them, including the many accomplishments like delivering Sandy relief and passing major flood insurance reform since being elected to office. <br /> <br />Let my peers empaneled for the specific purpose of examining this political witch hunt decide how this matter should be properly disposed of. <br /> <br />In the meantime, I’m going back to work.
