Clinton, S.C. – February 2, 2010 – State Representative Jeff Duncan, candidate for South Carolina’s Third Congressional District and Second Amendment advocate, announced today his campaign will conduct a “Second Amendment Money Bomb” event on February 25th.  The event will mark the 174th anniversary of the first patent for the Colt Revolver.

“I keep my voter registration card in my gun case because one protects the other”, Duncan said.  “I am dedicated to protecting all Americans’ Second Amendment rights as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.  Celebrating the anniversary of the Colt Revolver’s first patent is a great way to remind Washington of the importance of upholding our constitutional right to bear arms.”

The Colt Revolver patented by Samuel Colt in 1836, helped revolutionize the firearm industry in the United States.  Being one of the first mass produced handguns, the Colt Revolver made gun ownership an affordable choice for nearly all Americans.  Duncan is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and has raised nearly a million dollars for organizations like Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation.

“South Carolinians, like many Americans, are very concerned about liberal leaders in Washington limiting gun ownership for law abiding citizens,” stated Duncan.  “When I am elected to Congress by the people of the Third Congressional District, I will lead the fight against any political leader who tries to hamper our Second Amendment rights.”

The term ‘money bomb’ was coined in recent years to refer to an online fundraising event for a political candidate or cause.  They have become successful ways for candidates to raise large amounts of money in a short period of time using the internet.  During the 2008 Presidential election, Congressman Ron Paul raised over $6 million during a 24-hour period.  Most recently, Senator-elect Scott Brown raised over one million dollars before his victory in the Massachusetts special election.  Rep. Duncan is asking his supporters to contribute on his website www.JeffDuncan.com and distinguish their donation by adding 45 cents (symbolizing the famous .45 caliber) to the value of their intended contribution.

It’s morning in America again!  Senator-Elect Scott Brown ran on a platform of turning “Ted Kennedy’s seat” back into “the people’s seat.”  He ran a campaign of stopping the bribe-filled government take over of health care.  He ran to put an end to the Senate Democrat’s abusive super-majority in Washington.

Current Congressman & fellow conservative champion Mike Pence summed up tonight perfectly when he stated:

“While Scott Brown deserves sincere congratulations on his election to the United States Senate, this election is about more than the success of one man. The American people have spoken. As they did in recent elections in Virginia and New Jersey, the American people are telling Washington, DC enough is enough. In this special election in Massachusetts they have sent a deafening message to the political class”

Senator-Elect Brown’s victory should give conservatives everywhere hope.  Hope knowing that we’re not alone in believing that government is NOT the solution to all our country’s problems, and that there’s no lack of apprecation for commonsense solutions (even in Massachusetts).  While Scott Brown’s victory will send shock-waves through the political establishment in all 50 states, conservatives must stay focused on the battle in front of us. 

That is why I was the first candidate from South Carolina to sign the “Repeal It” pledge to fight any form of socialized health care. 

That is why I was the first to write the South Carolina Delegation and urge them to vote for the Government Ownership Exit Plan Act, to stop the government from controlling private businesses. 

And that is why I attended the Pro-Life rally and march this past weekend in Columbia, to stand up for the rights of the unborn.

The battle over the direction of our nation has just begun, and I hope to help lead that fight on behalf of the people of South Carolina.

Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

2009 was an exceptionally difficult year for families across the country.  College savings accounts drained, retirement plans questioned, and far too many families worried about just keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads.  To make matters worse, when our country needed leadership the most, our elected officials in Washington focused on everything but getting Americans back to work.  Let me recap the actions of the President and Congress during this past year to show precisely how out-of-touch they were with the immediate concerns of the American people.

First on the agenda was a record-breaking $787 billion-dollar “stimulus” bill.  This legislation was ushered through Congress at such haste that most legislators were not given time to read the bill before they voted.  Americans were told this legislation was vital to keeping the unemployment rate under 8 percent, and it would create the private-sector jobs our country desperately needed.  Since the passage of that bloated “stimulus” bill, the size of government has swelled to record proportions, but our nation’s unemployment has risen to over 10 percent.  Additionally, our national debt has soared to pay for “crucial” national projects like a turtle tunnel in Florida and picnic tables in Iowa.  Upon further review, it seems now that President Obama and Congressional Democrat’s plan to fix the economy was simply to throw a record amount of money at the problem and assume that much money would correct the situation.  This plan gave Democrats cover to say they took bold steps to fix our economic problems, while freeing them up to work on more juicy partisan pet-projects.

After the “stimulus” passed, House Democrats took up Cap & Trade legislation designed to reduce green house gases by placing heavy regulations on businesses and increasing American’s energy costs to encourage them to conserve.  You don’t have to be an economist to know making it more difficult to conduct business in a country will reduce jobs instead of creating them.  However, the bill was successfully strong-armed through the US House anyway, finally passing by a vote of 219 to 212.

One of the most heated topics this year has been health care reform.  By the time health care was debated in the US House, Americans were realizing the economy was getting worse, not better.  Many Democrats refused to hold town halls with their constituents, and those who did met fierce opposition from conservatives and moderates alike.  Realizing that the Democrat’s socialist crown jewel was in danger, the talking points on health care reform began to change.  Before long, the reasoning for passing health care reform shifted from “getting more people insured” to “this will save our country money”, a statement so laughable that even left-leaning Saturday Night Live couldn’t help but parody the claim.

As disappointing as Congress has been this year in tackling the economic crisis, President Obama has arguably been worse.  During the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, President Obama has hosted more White House parties during his first year in office than during the entire eight years of George W. Bush’s Administration and the last four years of President Clinton’s Administration combined.  President Obama has been equally guilty of pushing for Cap & Trade and Health Care legislation before seeing meaningful improvement in the economy.  To make matters worse, President Obama has been abroad over 45 days, has done nothing to stop wasteful spending coming out of Congress, and hosted a White House Jobs Summit filled with campaign supporters and representatives from labor unions but no one from groups like the US Chamber of Commerce or the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

In times of great adversity, our nation requires bold and focused leadership.  President Obama and Congress have governed poorly, and have done more harm than good during their first year of “change.”  Americans expected the President and Congress to take meaningful steps to improve our economy, but instead found a government interested in advancing policies that had nothing to do with job creation and economic growth.  During an economic crisis that was created due to a lack of common sense, it is apparent now more than ever that a return to common sense will make our country a “shining city on a hill” once again.  Now, I’m running for United States Congress not President of the United States, but the course of action President Obama should have taken is very clear.  There should not have been parties at the White House while Americans were choosing between buying food and paying their mortgage.  The government should have tightened it’s belt like most families across the United States instead of growing faster than ever, and Congress should have focused all of it’s energy and attention on getting Americans back to work rather than accomplishing pet projects on the Democrat Party platform.  Our nation needs leadership now more than ever, and I pray Washington politicians put their selfish agendas aside in 2010 and focus on getting Americans back to work.

Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

Christmas is an opportunity to take a step back from our busy lives to spend time with family and to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I hope you’ll take a minute to remember those who are out of work and those serving in the military this holiday season.
 
With the commercialization of Christmas never being worse than it is today, sometimes it’s best to remember the true spirit of the holiday and give back to our communities.  Today, I’ll be spending some time with wounded veterans who are spending Christmas here in South Carolina.  We should all be thankful for the courageous soldiers who have served or are currently serving in the military, who have literally fought for our ability to exercise religious freedom and celebrate Christmas without fear of persecution.
 
Nearly every family who celebrates Christmas has some type of tradition they hold dear.  For the Duncan Family, one extra special holiday tradition has been to bake a birthday cake every year for Jesus’ birthday.  No matter how busy the Christmas season can become, looking at that cake reminds me what the presents, Christmas lights, and fruitcake is all about.
For these reasons, I have chosen to dedicate this segment in our “I Believe” series to the Christmas holiday.

I Believe in Christmas

I believe in helping my fellow man

I believe religious organizations, non-profits, and dedicated individuals can do more to help those in need than the federal government

I believe it’s wrong to schedule a vote on the government take over of health care on Christmas Eve when Americans are distracted by the joys of the holiday

I believe the Constitution of the United States is very clear that Americans have the freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion

I believe it’s wrong to try to hide the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus from the public arena

I believe the best Christmas gift America could receive this year would be for Democrats in Congress to realize that a government take over of health care is wrong

I believe is all of these things, and that is part of the reason why I’m running for United States Congress.
 
What do you believe? What are your concerns? E-mail me at  Jeff@JeffDuncan.com with the issues you would like me to address in our “I Believe” series.

God Bless,

Jeff
 
Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

So far, in our “I Believe” series we have discussed the topics of Healthcare, Family, and Veterans.  When you look at all the problems currently facing our country, one of the most dangerous concerns is excessive, irresponsible, and wasteful government spending and growth.

As it stands today, our country’s national debt will double over the next ten years, and inflation will cause the value of the dollar to decline.  Our debt problem will result in decreased American sovereignty due to our reliance on the Chinese and Saudis, and our country will feel more pressure to submit to international treaties that weaken the national security interests of the United States.

Unfortunately, both Republicans and Democrats in Washington created the problems we are currently facing as a nation.  Career politicians forgot what it was like to balance a budget for a family or a business and mortgaged away our children and grandchildren’s future.  While some misguided Republicans lost their way when they were in control, the problem has never been as bad as it is today.  So far, the Obama/Pelosi team has spent more money in their first year than the Bush Administration spent on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Hurricane Katrina during their eight years in power.  Additionally, President Obama has had more White House parties in his first year than George W. Bush’s Administration, and last four years of Bill Clinton’s Administration combined, and during the greatest economic downturn since the great depression!!!

Enough is enough, and that is why I’m devoting this week’s “I Believe” series to fiscal responsibility.

I Believe in fiscal responsibility

I believe that our country functions best when it lets its citizens keep their hard-earned money

I believe a fair chance to succeed is better than the guaranteed security of a government handout

I believe the government should be run like a good business, living within its means

I believe that when the government wastes money, they are stealing from the American people

I believe the recent government “stimulus” did very little to stimulate the economy, but did a lot to grow the size of government

I believe in reexamining what the core functions of government are, and making cuts in areas that are not supported by the Constitution

I believe using taxpayer dollars to bailout businesses is wrong and goes against the principles upon which our country was founded

I believe in practicing what you preach, which is why I have been consistently named a “Tax Payer” hero, for fighting wasteful spending in Columbia

I believe the government should follow the same rules as everyone else, and that is part of the reason why I am running for United States Congress.

What do you believe? What are your concerns? E-mail me at  Jeff@JeffDuncan.com with the issues you would like me to address in our “I Believe” series.

God Bless,

Jeff

P.S.  Like what you’ve been hearing so far?  Consider donating to the campaign.  Your contribution of $10, $20, or $50 will make a huge impact in this upcoming election.  You can donate to the campaign by clicking HERE or mailing a personal check to “Duncan for Congress, PO Box 732 Clinton SC 29325”
 
Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

On December 7th, 1941 the United States was attacked by the Empire of Japan.  That unprovoked attack led the United States into the most globally encompassing conflict humanity has ever experienced, World War II.  The sacrifices our soldiers made, on and off the battlefield allowed our nation to remain free, and planted the seeds of freedom in cultures all over the world.

On December 7th, 2009 a 90-year-old decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam is under attack from a different front.  This time retired Army Col. Van Barfoot is not fighting against the Nazis or the Communists, but rather against an overzealous homeowners association seeking to remove a flag poll from his front yard.
 
Supporting our troops and veterans with our praises, appreciation, and promises should be a priority for every American.  I proudly stand with retired Army Col. Barfoot in his fight to display the flag he fought to defend in the manner he feels is appropriate, and I send my dearest appreciation to everyone who is currently serving or has ever served our country honorably in uniform.
 
In memory of the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I dedicate the third installment of our “I Believe” series to our troops and veterans.
 
I BELIEVE in supporting our Veterans
 
I believe that military service is one of the most noble and selfless acts of service one can preform for our country.
 
I believe we owe our veterans the greatest debt of gratitude for protecting the freedoms we enjoy.
 
I believe in fulfilling all of our commitments to our veterans and their families, especially the financial ones.
 
I believe in listening to the commanders on the ground when determining military strategy and operational support.
 
I believe it’s wrong to play politics with our troops, and believe in decisive and informed decision making regarding deployment.
 
I believe in a strong military and will support keeping our nation’s military well funded to ensure it has the ability to get the job done when we need it.
 
I believe in our veterans and our current men and women in uniform, and that is part of the reason why I am running for United States Congress.

What do you believe? What are your concerns? E-mail me at  Jeff@JeffDuncan.com with the issues you would like me to address in our “I Believe” series.

Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to take a break from the busy world we live in and refocus on one of life’s most important priorities, family.  This year I was blessed to spend this past Wednesday morning bringing in the duck season with my youngest son, Parker.  Any parent who has woken up to go hunting before dawn with their child and seen the excitement on their face after a successful hunt knows how cherished that time together can be.  On Thanksgiving, our family traveled to Pendleton, SC to have dinner with my brother’s family and my parents.  And yes, we’re all still recovering from a little holiday overeating!

The week after Thanksgiving is extra special for our family, my wife Melody and I celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary this Thursday, December 3rd.  For these reasons, I’ve decided to devote this week’s “I Believe” series to family.

I BELIEVE in family. 
 
I believe that children develop best when they have loving parents.
 
I believe that marriage is sacred, and should only be defined as a union between one man and one woman.
 
I believe a federal “marriage tax” is wrong, and that government policies should try to bring families together, not drive them apart.
 
I believe parents know how to raise their children better than the government.
 
I believe that life begins at conception and must be protected.
 
I believe excessive government spending is generational theft, and is literally stealing away our children’s futures.
 
I believe in protecting family values, and that is part of the reason why I am running for United States Congress.
 
What do you believe? What are your concerns? E-mail me at  Jeff@JeffDuncan.com with the issues you would like me to address in our “I Believe” series.
 

P.S.  I was recently interviewed by ESPN about the impact Federal regulations and United Nations treaties could have on South Carolina’s ability to control our state’s own natural resources.  I’ve been working hard to sound the alarm and protect South Carolina’s waterways from federal or United Nations regulations. To learn more about this issue, and read my comments click HERE
 
Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

As you know, I’m running for United States Congress to fill the seat Congressman Barrett will be vacating to run for Governor.  We launched our campaign back in April, and since that time have had the pleasure of meeting with thousands of voters throughout South Carolina’s Third Congressional District.
 
Recently, a federal judge ruled that the “I Believe” license plate (an optional plate that featured a cross) was “unconstitutional.” Now I’m not a lawyer, but I am a proud American with a deep respect for the Constitution of the United States, and I BELIEVE this ruling was entirely incorrect. The 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution clearly states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  This license plate is optional, so there is no establishment of religion.  But if that wasn’t enough, South Carolina actually already offers an optional plate for non-believers.
 
This debate over the “I Believe” license plate is reflective of what’s going on in Washington today.  Too many politicians have simply lost touch with the people who sent them to represent their beliefs.  That’s why today, I’m announcing the launch of my “I Believe” series. A conversation to you the voters on exactly what I BELIEVE in.  As President Reagan said, we need leaders who avoid “pale pastels but use bold colors”, leaders who won’t tip-toe around the issues, but will proudly stand up for what they believe in! 
 
So let’s start this conversation with a topic that’s on everyone’s mind, health care.
 
I believe in free-market solutions to lower costs and improve access to health care. I do NOT believe in giving the government control over your personal health decisions, or rationing care for any segment of the population.  By eliminating state barriers to improve competition, extending the tax benefits for those with employer provided coverage to individuals to purchase insurance on their own, passing tort reform, and allowing individuals to form associations to bargain for lower premiums, we can lower costs and improve access to health care.  This approach does NOT increase the size of the government, nor does it contribute to run away spending in Washington.
 
I believe in transparency throughout the legislative process.  Many of the health care bills that went through legislative committees were not actual pieces of legislation, but rather guidelines for how a bill might look.  The bill that passed the United States House of Representatives, and the crucial procedural vote in the US Senate, were passed late in the evening on a Saturday.  I don’t believe that United States Congress should be conducting business and passing major legislation in the dark of night on a Saturday evening, when most Americans are focused on other things. I believe in transparency, and that means an elected official should never be worried about conducting business out in the open, and in the clear view of the American people.
 
When I go to Washington, I will FIGHT AGAINST SOCIALISM in all of its forms. And let there be no mistake, this health care bill is socialist.

What do you believe? What are your concerns? E-mail me at Jeff@JeffDuncan.com with the issues you would like me to address in our “I Believe” series.

God Bless,

Jeff
 
P.S.  I Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.  And don’t forget that this coming weekend is Tax-Free 2nd Amendment weekend in South Carolina!!  I was proud to co-sponsor the first piece of legislation establishing the tax-free 2nd Amendment weekend, and am a currently co-sponsoring legislation to make the the provision permanent.

Rep. Jeff Duncan is Chairman of the South Carolina House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. He is a life-time member of the NRA, and holds an A+ rating from the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is currently running for United States Congress in South Carolina’s Third Congressional District. www.JeffDuncan.com

From the diaries, by Erick

The act of terrorism at Fort Hood reminds us all that regardless of what the Obama/Pelosi Team or the elite media call it we are at war with Islamic fascism. Americans must rise up and remind our elected officials, Republican and Democrat, that we will not sit idly by while they bow at the altar of political correctness. Americans must, because President Obama and Nancy Pelosi will not, demand that outrages such as the massacre at Fort Hood be labeled for what they are and treated for what they are—acts of terrorism in the war that radical Islam is waging on the United States.

The emerging facts of the Fort Hood case indicate that Major Hasan is a jihadist bent on killing Americans, particularly American service personnel, in the name of his religion. Reports have indicated that Hasan told colleagues at Walter Reed Hospital that non-Muslims are infidels condemned to hell who should be set on fire. We know Hesan communicated many times with radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki who is tied to Al-Qaeda, and repeatedly exclaimed “Allahu Akbar” as he carried out his brutal attacks.

Read More →

Duncan says message represents a dangerous encroachment of the Administration into the classroom

Clinton, S.C. – September 3, 2009 – Laurens County legislator and Third Congressional District candidate Rep. Jeff Duncan asked State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex today to either put certain procedures in place for President Obama’s speech to South Carolina students or not screen the message at all.
“No matter how positive the Administration’s intentions may have been, this Presidential address and especially the corresponding curriculum represent a dangerous encroachment of Presidential influence on the sovereignty of state-based education.  If President Obama conveys any message to our children it should be an apology for mortgaging away their future through reckless spending and a national debt that is projected to double over the next 10 years” Duncan said.

The Presidential address is scheduled for September 8, 2009 and is designed for students K-6 according to documents produced by the US Department of Education.  Rep. Duncan is requesting that Superintendent Rex remind teachers and principals that screening the Presidential address is not mandatory and inform parents that they can choose to have their child not watch the message.  “As a father of three sons in the public school system, I am deeply concerned by the Administration’s rhetoric in the curriculum supplemental.  Asking students ‘how they can help’ President Obama may seem harmless with the right message, but given his polarizing and political reputation, the speech could just as easily flirt with a type of indoctrination.  At very least, parents and teachers should be allowed to exercise their own discretion.”

Some of the recommendations proposed in the curriculum supplemental are:

• “What is the President asking me to do?”
• “Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials?”
• Write letters about what (students) can do to help the President.
The full curriculum proposal can be viewed here:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10582301/President-Obama%E2%80%99s-Address-to-Students-Across-America-September-8-2009
Vist www.JeffDuncan.com  Conservative Choice for SC-03