By BILL VANDEWEGHE

I am proud to have received the support of so many Republican leaders in San Diego County, including, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Congressman Darrell Issa, former Congressman Brian Bilbray, and almost every Republican state legislator in San Diego County.

My platform is simple: I believe that we must focus our energy and resources on strengthening national security and stimulating the economy.

As a former Army officer, I know that we fight terrorism by rebuilding our armed forces and strengthening homeland security. Our federal government must provide our military with the resources that are needed to fight terrorists wherever they may hide.

I support reducing the tax burden across the board for American families. I would start by working to reduce tax rates for working families. I will also vote to reduce the Capital Gains Tax and to eliminate the Estate Tax and Alternative Minimum Tax.

Our district needs a representative who understands the national security, economic and environmental issues that are so important to our lives here in San Diego. It would be an honor to have your support on March 5th.