Fleming running for congress

BARRY FLEMING

State Representative Barry Fleming (R) is running for the 10 District Congressional seat currently occupied by Paul Broun.

The candidate has been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for six years.

As the House Majority Whip, Rep. Fleming was instrumental in passing tax cuts, strengthening protections against the improper seizure of private property (eminent domain), cracking down on businesses that hire illegal immigrants, and protecting Georgia's children from sexual predators.

Fleming's platform for the congressional race includes:

.. Protecting our borders - "No policy protecting us from illegal immigration is sound unless the borders are secured," said Fleming. "Sealing the boarders must be the first priority of our immigration policy."

.. Reducing the tax burden and creating jobs - Americans are paying too much in taxes, according to the representative.

"By letting people keep more of what they earn and altering our tax code by adopting plans such as the Fair Tax, we can get our economy moving again. We must also reduce the burden on small businesses, the true engines of our economy."

.. Protecting family values - "The decline of traditional family values is a threat to our nation," said Fleming. "We must strive to maintain a culture that values life, protects the sanctity of traditional marriage, strengthens parental rights, keeps our children safe from sexual predators, and keeps the government from oppressing hardworking families."

.. Providing a strong national defense - "As the leader of the free world, we have come under attack by terrorist organizations determined to destroy everything we stand for," stated the candidate. "It would be a mistake to abandon our allies and deny our military the tools needed for victory."

.. Supporting our veterans - The representative noted that the responsibility of supporting our soldiers should not end when they come home. "We should provide returning soldiers with every available opportunity and aid them in finding jobs that allow them to use their valuable skills."

A lifelong resident of Columbia County and an attorney with the firm of Fulcher Hagler, Fleming served as chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners prior to joining the state legislature.

The candidate is a member of Harlem Baptist Church, where he has served as chairman of the deacons as well as chairman of the church's finance committee.

He and his wife, Paige, have one son, Zach.