Newcomer Merkle joins race against Jim Himes

Republican Rob Merkle of Norwalk has joined the 4th District race as the newest contender against incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

He joins state Senator Dan Debicella of Shelton, newcomer Will Gregory of New Canaan, and former state Senator Rob Russo of Bridgeport.

Harshly critical of the congressman, Mr. Merkle said Mr. Himes has, “consistently voted against the wishes of the district.”

“Washington has gotten out of control,” Mr. Merkle said. “It’s politics as usual.”

The entrepreneur said the problems with health care and the economy will not be solved with bigger government and higher taxes. On the contrary, he said, the government needs to practice more fiscal responsibility.

“I think we’re spending way too much.”

Mr. Merkle also wants to see less government involvement.

“We need to get back to a constitutionally limited government, and let entrepreneurialship come back,” he said. “The government’s job is to serve the people. If that means smaller government, then get out of the way.”

Mr. Merkle also is disappointed in the stimulus program.

“There was a lack of assistance for small business owners in the stimulus bill, and I think that was a mistake.”

Even though Mr. Merkle, 40, has never run for office, he said his experience as an entrepreneur connects him to the people.

“Experience counts in the Legislature or in the real world,” he said.

Though he is not a veteran politician, Mr. Merkle, a father of two girls, says he is familiar with the legislative process.

His father was an appointed U.S. Attorney in Florida in the 1980s under Ronald Reagan.

“Politics is not that complicated, and I don’t think you need a merit badge to make decisions that make sense,” Mr. Merkle said.

He called the “protected political class” out of touch.

“I’m not a career politician,” he said. “My objective, as a husband, father and business owner, is to fix what I can, then get out.”

When it comes to the three Republicans also running for the same seat, Mr. Merkle says their differences will set them apart as the campaigns move toward the potential 2010 Republican primary.

As someone who has seen first hand the effects of the economy and the choices of the government, Mr. Merkle said he doesn’t believe Mr. Himes is in touch with his constituency.

“Himes hasn’t done anything the people have been happy with,” he said. “It’s like they’ve got buyers remorse. The reality is some people got into office who shouldn’t have.”

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites