Conservative writer and activist Marielena Montesino de Stuart entered the increasingly crowded Republican primary Mondayto take on Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.
Born in Cuba,her family fled from Fidel Castros communist regime in the late 1960s after standing against that tyrannical government. Stuart, whose writings have regularly appearedonconservative website RenewAmerica, currently lives in Ave Maria.
I consider myself to be the conservative candidate in this race, Stuart told Sunshine State News on Monday.
The new candidate pointed to her fight against Jackson Lab, a company pro-lifers maintain has backed medical eugenics and islooking to establish a facility in Collier County, as well as her record as a home-schooling mother as proof of her solid, uncompromising conservative beliefs.
My candidacy is about the U.S. government -- where were going, how to represent Floridians to ensure their constitutional rights will be protected, Stuart told Sunshine State News. Its about the economy, to stop federal spending.
Stuart made no apologies for her opposition to abortion and the role of religion in public life.
I dont like what I see happening to our beloved country, insisted Stuart. My candidacy is in part a response to the great challenge before us. America stands at the raw edge of a great precipice. We see an ever-expanding impersonal government that spends money it does not have, and passes laws that are blind to the Lawgiver. It is devouring all that is good and honorable.
I pledge to do my utmost to take any and all actions directed at curbing this nations current fiscal crisis. I will strive to articulate the economic needs of Floridians within the framework of a smaller government that supports private-sector growth, job creation and lower taxes, added Stuart. Florida is a state blessed by God in so many ways. Not just for its beauty and natural resources, but more importantly, for its wonderful people -- many of whom have come to America, like my family did, in search of freedom from tyranny and want. In search of a dream for themselves and their families. They deserve representatives that will defend their constitutional rights.
Stuart praised the traditional family and the role of religion in the public square while taking aim at a bloated federal government that demands too many taxes and takes away Americans' sacred rights, including the right to life, which is granted to them by God -- and secured by our Constitution.
The family, which is the building block and foundation for a civilized society, is under attack, Stuart insisted. The family existed from mans beginning -- before the creation of the state and the church.We need to support legislation that is pro-family -- and vigorously oppose legislation that endangers the family.
Stuart vowed to defend the Second Amendment, secure the border and help fight against the federal health-care law backed by President Barack Obama. She promised to fight against abortion.
The killing of innocent human life is destroying our society -- not just morally, but economically as well, Stuart opined.Unless we stop this slaughter of innocents, our nation is doomed.
While Stuart remains a major underdog to win the Republican nomination, she did start her campaign with the backing of a prominent figure -- former U.S. Rep. Bob Dornan, the feisty California congressman who fought for conservative values for two decades in Congress and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1996.
I must say that my many years of experience in the United States Congress taught me to discern what a true conservative really is, Dornan noted. As I examine the present state of our nation and the critical need for strong candidates that can carry forth our conservative values, both morally and fiscally, I cannot think of a better American and a better leader than Marielena Stuart, to represent the great state of Florida in the United States Senate, after winning next years election.
Marielena Stuart knows the price that is paid when freedom is lost. She knows, firsthand, that a socialist-leaning government has a devastating effect on economic growth and job creation, continued Dornan. As socialism grows in our government, our individual freedoms are being taken away.This is why Marielena believes in open and transparent economic development. She believes that less taxes and a strong private sector are the best ways for America to regain its economic strength.
Dornan praised Stuart for opposing abortion, taking on the political establishment and for backing a strong national defense.
I promise you that, as your U.S. senator, Marielena Stuart will lead and unite the state of Florida and the nation, insisted Dornan. Hers is a vibrant message and commitment to life and prosperity for every Floridian, and for every American who wishes our country to remain one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all born and unborn. Marielena Stuart embodies the perfect conservative storm that Florida citizens need to deliver to our nations capital in 2012.
Stuart joins a crowded field of Republicans looking to take on Nelson. Other candidates include former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux; former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner; retired Army officer and businessman Mike McCalister, who garnered more than 10 percent in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary; former Ruth's Chris CEO Craig Miller who ran for Congress in 2010; Bill Fisher, a consultant who ran for Congress in 2010; attorney Deon Long who ran for Congress in 2010; businessman Ron McNeil who ran for Congress in 1982 and 2010; and Dr. Mirand Sharma, a physician and Ron Paul supporter. Potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan; U.S. Rep. Allen West; former state House Speaker Allan Bense; and businesman Nick Loeb who ran for the state Senate in 2010.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
