Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Endorses Brian Davis for Congress


Bachmann: Minnesota needs Davis' expertise in Congress

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Biers
651.261.5421
April 23, 2008

ROCHESTER, MN - Today, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann endorsed Brian Davis to represent the state's First Congressional District.

"Brian Davis has the experience, leadership, and values that are right for Minnesota's First District. With concerns about access to affordable healthcare front and center for Minnesota families, Brian Davis' lifelong commitment to healthcare and experience as a doctor will be a great asset here in Congress. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Minnesota with him."

"It's an honor to receive the support of Congresswoman Bachmann," Davis said of Bachmann. "She is a dynamic leader for Minnesota and for our conservative causes. I value her leadership and advice, her principles and energy. I look forward to serving with her in the 111th Congress."

Davis is a physician in Rochester who specializes in the radiation treatment of cancer. With his wife, Lori, an emergency medicine physician, they have four children and live in Rochester.
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Former First District Candidate Mark Meyer Endorses Brian Davis for Congress



For Immediate Release
April 21, 2008
Contact: Brad Biers
651.261.2182

(Lake Crystal, MN) - Today, former Congressional candidate and Lake Crystal Welcome Memorial School Board Chairman, Mark Meyer, endorsed Brian Davis for Congress. Meyer, who was one of the four initial candidates in the race for the Republican endorsement, dropped out of the race last December. Brian Davis won the Republican endorsement at the First District Convention on March 29 by winning 61% of the votes on the first ballot.

Meyer, a farmer, attorney and employee benefits consultant, stated, "During this past year I was able to get to know the other three Republican candidates well, up close and personal. Throughout the campaign, all of the Republican candidates stated that we were committed to the endorsement process, would abide by it, and would unite to defeat the incumbent, Tim Walz. As the campaign progressed, Brian's motivation, work ethic and determination to represent our Party in the November election became evident, and he built a powerful message and campaign that resulted in his endorsement. Brian has proven himself as the strongest candidate to win the election this fall against incumbent Congressman Walz and represent the First District in Washington. His background and experience in the health care and energy fields makes him exceptionally qualified to represent us in Congress. He is something special!"

Meyer continued, "I enthusiastically endorse Brian Davis for the United States Congress and I will do everything I can to help him defeat the incumbent this November. Now is the time for all First District Republicans to work to elect Brian as our next Congressman."

"I am very pleased that Mark has given me his support in this race. His advice, support and energy will definitely make a difference in the coming months all the way to November" said Davis in response to the endorsement.

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From the Star Tribune

By Chao Xiong 4/22/08

From 'Madam Speaker Listens to Vets'

Excerpt

Mayo Clinic cancer doctor Brian Davis won the Republican endorsement to challenge Walz.

Davis issued a statement criticizing Pelosi for voting against a resolution that would have required universities to allow Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) instruction and military recruiters on campus or risk losing federal funding.

Davis: Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Walz should deny funding for universities that restrict ROTC programs



Davis notes that Pelosi's voting record has been consistently against the military and the ROTC

For Immediate Release
April 21, 2008
Contact: Brad Biers
651.261.2182

(Rochester, MN) - Today, Brian Davis, the endorsed Republican candidate for the First District of Minnesota, called upon House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and First District freshman Congressman Tim Walz to move forward with legislation that would remove the authority that universities exercise in banning Reserve Officers' Training Corp (ROTC) instruction from their campuses. Universities that fail to comply with the proposed ban would be denied all federal research funding and student financial aid. Speaker Pelosi is scheduled to meet Congressman Walz today at a veterans hospital in Minneapolis.

"In 1996, Congress passed the Solomon amendment which requires universities to allow ROTC and military recruiters on campus or risk losing federal funding. As recently as 2005, Speaker Pelosi was among only 20% of Congress to vote against a similar house resolution granting military recruiters equal access to institutions of higher education. When I was a graduate student, I was appalled to learn that ROTC students from a nearby campus had to meet, drill and receive instruction at our university because their school didn't allow a ROTC program even though they were well-funded in every other respect. I thought this was absolutely outrageous, and I still do," said Davis.

Davis continued, "Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Walz are meeting with First District veterans today. If they really want to help the military, Pelosi and Walz should ensure our military receives the respect it deserves on our college campuses. Any university that forbids ROTC instruction on campus should lose all federal funding, plain and simple. This will be one of the first bills I introduce in Congress."

Brad Biers, campaign manager and a National Guard veteran, remarked, "Tim Walz continues to cozy up to the anti-military leftists in Congress. This just doesn't sit well with the overwhelming majority of people in southern Minnesota who respect and honor our military."


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Davis: DFL and Walz Putting Politics Ahead of our Troops


Davis Calls for Eventual Referendum in Iraq


For Immediate Release
April 16, 2008
Contact: Brad Biers
651.261.2182

(Rochester, MN) - The Minnesota Democratic-Farm-Labor (DFL) released a statement on April 10, presumably with the approval of Congressman Walz, criticizing President Bush for taking the recommendation of General David Petraeus to temporarily halt troop withdrawals in July after the 'surge' troops have been withdrawn. The statement also leveled criticism at Brian Davis, the endorsed Republican Party candidate for the congressional seat held by Walz, for some of his views on this topic."General Petraeus asked the President to give him some time to analyze the situation in July to determine the best way to proceed in light of the safety of U.S. troops and stability in Iraq. What the DFL-Walz release seems to convey is that they would disregard the request of General Petraeus and ignore the safety of our troops on the ground. This is irresponsible and puts politics ahead of our men and women in uniform," said Davis.

"The surge has Al Qaeda on the run, there's consensus on that issue. The DFL-Walz position seems to be that we should let terrorists regain their strategic position in Iraq and squander all that our military has sacrificed so much to gain" added Davis.

As part of a longer-term solution, Davis has called for an eventual popular referendum in Iraq which poses the question whether the citizens of Iraq want the United States military to remain in their country. Some Americans have called the United States presence an 'illegal occupation'. Davis disagrees with this view and believes that a referendum would establish if the presence of the United States military is welcomed, not just by the government, but by the Iraqi people as well. A 'thumbs up' vote would provide further legitimacy for our presence there.

Davis stated, "Many doubted that elections could be held in Iraq in the past. They were clearly wrong. The people of Iraq should hold another election which will help us determine a productive long-term relationship with their country. If Iraqis want American troops to leave, then we should begin redeploying outside of Iraq in a way that is safe for our troops.

On the other hand, if Iraqis wish our military to stay and assist them in further stabilizing their country, then we should also discuss sharing the basing costs by implementing agreements similar to the ones we have with other countries where American military presence is considered mutually beneficial."
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Represenative Steve Drazkowski Endorses Brian Davis for Congress

TO: House District #28B Media and First District Republicans
FROM: Representative Steve Drazkowski
DATE: 04/16/08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Rep. Steve Drazkowski
14369 654th Street
Wabasha, MN 55981
651-564-0638

REPRESENTATIVE STEVE DRAZKOWSKI ENDORSES BRIAN DAVIS FOR CONGRESS

Following the First District Republican endorsement of Dr. Brian Davis for U.S. Congress, Representative Steve Drazkowski enthusiastically gave his support to Davis. "Brian is a perfect fit for the U.S. House of Representatives. His experience and education have prepared Brian to tackle the challenges facing America and those important to the First District of Minnesota. Brian's engineering background and work experience in the electric power industry make him well-suited to provide solutions to our energy crisis and to represent the burgeoning energy industry in our District."

Representative Drazkowski continued, "Brian's experience as a physician specialized in radiation oncology gives him the perspectives in healthcare to offer meaningful answers to the many problems we face in this area. We need his background from the private-sector in health care and his principled views on the value of a market-driven economy in Washington. It is clear that Brian recognizes the successes and limitations of our healthcare system from a practical perspective. More perspectives like his are needed in Washington."

Drazkowski also commented on his friendship with Dr. Davis stating, "I have enjoyed getting to know Brian and his family over the past year. He and I share the same commitment to limited government, rural values, and dedicated service to the people of Minnesota."

"I have great respect for Representative Drazkowski," said Davis in response to the endorsement. "Steve is a hard-working, determined and principled leader in our District. I'm honored to have his endorsement in this Congressional race and to work with his many supporters. "

Representative Steve Drazkowski can be reached at 888-683-3436 or rep.steve.drazkowski@house.mn.

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Davis: DFL and Walz Putting Politics Ahead of our Troops

For Immediate Release
April 16, 2008

(Rochester, MN) - The Minnesota Democratic-Farm-Labor (DFL) released a statement on April 10, presumably with the approval of Congressman Walz, criticizing President Bush for taking the recommendation of General David Petraeus to temporarily halt troop withdrawals in July after the 'surge' troops have been withdrawn. The statement also leveled criticism at Brian Davis, the endorsed Republican Party candidate for the congressional seat held by Walz, for some of his views on this topic."General Petraeus asked the President to give him some time to analyze the situation in July to determine the best way to proceed in light of the safety of U.S. troops and stability in Iraq. What the DFL-Walz release seems to convey is that they would disregard the request of General Petraeus and ignore the safety of our troops on the ground. This is irresponsible and puts politics ahead of our men and women in uniform," said Davis.

"The surge has Al Qaeda on the run, there's consensus on that issue. The DFL-Walz position seems to be that we should let terrorists regain their strategic position in Iraq and squander all that our military has sacrificed so much to gain" added Davis.

As part of a longer-term solution, Davis has called for an eventual popular referendum in Iraq which poses the question whether the citizens of Iraq want the United States military to remain in their country. Some Americans have called the United States presence an 'illegal occupation'. Davis disagrees with this view and believes that a referendum would establish if the presence of the United States military is welcomed, not just by the government, but by the Iraqi people as well. A 'thumbs up' vote would provide further legitimacy for our presence there.

Davis stated, "Many doubted that elections could be held in Iraq in the past. They were clearly wrong. The people of Iraq should hold another election which will help us determine a productive long-term relationship with their country. If Iraqis want American troops to leave, then we should begin redeploying outside of Iraq in a way that is safe for our troops.

On the other hand, if Iraqis wish our military to stay and assist them in further stabilizing their country, then we should also discuss sharing the basing costs by implementing agreements similar to the ones we have with other countries where American military presence is considered mutually beneficial."
###

Understanding Who Many of Us Are

From George Packer:

"The real problem with what Obama said is that it’s basically untrue. In southwestern Pennsylvania, religion, hunting, and insularity predate the post-industrial era. They’ve become politically manipulable points in part because of economic decline, but to confuse wedge issues with traditional values is the mark of the high-minded reformer or the political junkie, or both. It’s the kind of mistake one could make only from a great distance, once those voters had become almost entirely abstract—and, again, no one wants to be an abstraction."

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Congressman John Kline Endorses Brian Davis for Congress

Kline: Minnesota needs Davis' expertise in Congress

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Biers
507.285.5461
April 15, 2008

ROCHESTER, MN - Minnesota Congressman John Kline endorsed Brian Davis to represent the state's 1st Congressional District.

"Dr. Davis' priorities, concerns, and values reflect those of southern Minnesota," said Kline, who represents Minnesota's 2nd District. "Minnesota families are concerned about an uncertain economy, rising health care costs, and escalating prices at the pump."

"Dr. Davis' real-life experience as a physician and nuclear engineer provides him a unique insight and expertise rarely seen in Congress. I look forward to serving the people of Minnesota with him in Congress."

"It's an honor to receive the support of Congressman Kline," Davis said of Kline. "He is a great leader for Minnesota and I respect and admire his common sense, conservative approach to the challenging issues facing our Nation."

Davis is a physician in Rochester who treats cancer patients. With his wife, Lori, an emergency medicine physician, they have four children and live in Rochester.

# # #

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Davis Questions Congressman Walz's Support of Senator Obama

Davis: Obama's statements about Midwest values are demeaning

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Biers
April 13, 2008
651.261.2182


April 13, 2008 (Rochester, MN) - Today, Brian Davis, Republican candidate in Minnesota's First Congressional District, called upon Congressman Walz to withdraw his pledge to support Senator Obama in the Democratic Presidential Primary. Congressman Walz, a superdelegate to this year's Democratic Convention, announced his support of Obama on February 6, one day following the Minnesota caucuses.

Davis, who was recently endorsed by the Republican Party to challenge Walz this Fall, stated, "We have learned a great deal more about Senator Obama in the past two months that is cause for concern. I find it deeply troubling that Senator Obama's stated views on many topics are so out-of-step with mainstream American values. It is shocking, if not implausible, that a Congressman representing this District could support him."

"Senator Obama has had a twenty year association with Reverend Jeremiah Wright of Chicago, someone who has made numerous documented anti-American, racist, and anti-semitic comments from the pulpit. We now see a similarly disturbing pattern in Senator Obama's recent speeches which mirror Reverend Wright's radical views. Senator Obama's statement that giving birth is a form of punishment similar to contracting a sexually transmitted disease is simply outrageous. Moreover, Obama's recent characterization of small towns in the Midwest as a collection of individuals who 'cling to guns or religion' out of helplessness and desperation reveals the elitist attitude of someone who neither respects the roots and faith traditions of our nation nor understands the freedoms afforded us by our Constitution," Davis said.

Davis concluded, "My wife and I are the proud parents of four healthy children and we consider them a blessing, not a punishment. It is clear that the right path for Congressman Walz is to denounce Senator Obama's offensive and divisive statements. Does Tim Walz believe that someone who has repeatedly voiced such offensive views should lead our nation? Congressman Walz should either publicly withdraw his support for Mr. Obama or explain how the extreme views of the junior Senator from Illinois reflect those of the First Congressional District. At present, his silence is deafening."


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Letter from Karen C

ONE of the things that has REALLY put me off of Walz...is EVERYTIME I receive postal mail from him as a beautifully published brochure... telling me what Walz has done...at the bottom are the words AT TAX PAYER'S EXPENSE. It makes me angry everytime I get one...and there have been at least a handfull. He should be campaigning at his own expense. Meanwhile I drive on roads with pot holes so big my tires sink into them on Hwy 52 S! Am I the only one angry about this?

Karen C.
Rochester
April 12, 2008

Letter from Grace Patterson of Rochester

The following is a letter to the editor I sent to the Post Bulletin on March 31st. They chose not to print it. Therefore, I am actively using the internet to help make up for the void. I have sent fax after fax to Walz, begging him to support the SAVE Act. (HR4088). He won’t. In fact, he is nothing but a Pelosi rubber stamp.

He has to be defeated.

My best wishes.

Grace Patterson, Rochester, MN



Walz Can Spin Like a Top.

Representative Tim Walz column, Saturday, March 29th Post Bulletin, contained more SPIN than a whirlpool. I refer to his comments on the subject of Earmarks.

His appalling account of the function of “Earmarks” is so blatantly false I am surprised he had the gall to put it in print. We know that the practice of using earmarks to fund pet projects, in order to avoid having to defend the expenditure in a vote, has become a most outrageous waste of taxpayer’s money. The reason earmarks have been stopped is: Taxpayer’s are demanding an end to this “under the table” practice. Walz‘s comment that bureaucrats are now charged with spending our tax dollars without direction from the elected is also untrue. Very few in the House of Representatives ever knew what earmark money was being spent on and could care less. Now they will have to vote to spend your money. That means we can check on how they vote. Walz won’t like that one bit.

Rep. Walz‘s views himself an “advocate” for Minnesota’s first District, only if it fits his agenda. He is not an advocate for a fair up or down vote, not on immigration, nor on protecting our country from terrorists, and not on spending your tax dollars. We don’t need him.

Grace Patterson

Congressman Tim Walz Receives a Failing 'F' Rating From National Taxpayers Union

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Biers
April 11, 2008

651.261.2182

April 11, 2008 (Rochester, MN) - The non-partisan National Taxpayers Union (NTU) recently released its ratings for the 2007 session of Congress. The NTU rates all votes that affect taxes, spending, debt, and regulatory burdens on consumers and taxpayers. Congressman Tim Walz (MN - 01) scored 3%, earning an F rating, the lowest score amongst the Minnesota Congressional delegation and well below the average of Democrats in Congress.

"I am very disappointed that the Congressman is not prioritizing fiscal issues in an economy that is struggling," said First Congressional District Candidate Brian Davis. "What we need is a Congressman who focuses on the bottom line and works to reduce spending and taxes. People all across southern Minnesota are tightening their family budgets because of the increased cost of gasoline, food and other household items."

"I'm not a career politician who thinks Congress can solve everything if it just spends more," Davis continued. Davis, a member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, attended today's monthly meeting where Congressman Walz gave a presentation. Davis remarked, "As evident by many of the Congressman's comments today, he believes in a tax and spend philosophy which is bad for our national economy and that of southern Minnesota. The National Taxpayers Union ranking demonstrates this unfortunate fact."

Brian Davis is the endorsed Republican candidate in the First District of Minnesota. He lives in Rochester where he and his wife Lori are raising 4 children.

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Friday, April 4, 2008

Davis Receives Endorsement from First District County Chairs

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Biers
April 4, 2008
507.285.5461

(Rochester, MN) - Today, Brian Davis, Republican candidate in Minnesota's First Congressional District, reports the endorsement from the County Chairs from 20 counties in the First District. These public endorsements follow Davis's win at the First District convention last Saturday on the first ballot with 61% of the vote cast.

Ron Carey, State Party Chair, also issued a statement following the convention, "Brian Davis is a great choice for the people of southern Minnesota and I look forward to working with him to retire Tim Walz from Congress."

Davis said, "It's an honor to earn the endorsement from the Republican Party and so many County Chairs across the District. My campaign team and I are working hard to unify the party behind my candidacy so that we will present a united front for this November's election."

The Counties and Chairs who have endorsed Brian Davis include:

BlueEarth - Jerry Groebner

Brown - Gerald Woodley

Cottonwood - Glen Letellier

Dodge - Chuck Bradford

Faribault - David Murray

Fillmore - Keith Culver and Harriet Lawston

Freeborn - Tiny Brandt and Annmarie Schleck

Houston - Patrick Boone

Jackson - Richard Koch

Martin - Richard Barke

Mower - Clarence Klenke

Murray - Roger Vanderschaaf

Nobles - Joyce McCarthy

Olmsted - Duane Quam and Rebecca Smith

Pipestone - Lorna Beyers

Rock - Bill Weber

Wabasha - Marv Howatt

Waseca - Jennifer Goblirsch and John Wilkus

Watonwan - Klarice Rinne

Winona - Richard Dorn

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Updated April 7, 9:50 am.

Davis Wins Republican Endorsement on First Ballot

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Biers
507.285.5461
April 4, 2008

(Albert Lea, MN) - Brian Davis, Republican candidate in Minnesota's First Congressional District, won the Republican endorsement by receiving 61% of the vote on the first ballot at the District Convention in Albert Lea last Saturday, March 29.

"It's an honor to earn the endorsement of the Republican Party. I look forward to a spirited discussion of the issues with Congressman Walz and others in this election. Voters are looking for someone who will bring about real change in Congress, someone who has the ability to create solutions to the challenges that face our country, instead of big-government tax and spend philosophies." said Davis.

Davis continued, "I want to thank Representative Randy Demmer for running a strong race and sticking to the issues in this campaign. I also thank him for joining me by committing to abide by the endorsement earlier in our race. Randy is a role model with clear integrity and character. I hope to have the opportunity to support him in his future endeavors."

Davis also thanked his supporters and family. "My wife, Lori, and our children have been my best supporters over the last year. In addition, there are many supporters, delegates and others to whom I will ever be grateful for their guidance, wisdom and support."

Brian Davis is a physician in Rochester treating cancer patients. Together with his wife Lori, an emergency room doctor, the Davises have four children and reside in Rochester, MN.

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Thursday, April 3, 2008

Davis gets nod for 1st Congressional District run

St. James Plaindealer
April 2, 2008

By Mike Ricci, Editor

It did not take long for 1st Congressional District delegates to endorse a candidate to run against incumbent Rep. Tim Walz.

On the first ballot at the District 1 GOP endorsing convention Saturday, March 29, in Albert Lea, delegates voted 160 to 100 in favor of Brian Davis over Randy Demmer (R-Hayfield).

The fact that the needed 60 percent of the vote was acquired on the first ballot came as a surprise to Klarice Rinne, Watonwan County Republican Party chair.

Rinne said that many in the party thought the balloting could go a dozen or more times before either candidate received the 60 percent required for the GOP endorsement.

The quick endorsement also surprised Davis, a doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

“Yes it was somewhat of a surprise that it went that quickly,” he said. “Although, we expected to have a small lead.”

Before Davis can go on and battle incumbent Tim Walz, a Mankato Democrat, he first must overcome one more obstacle - a battle in the primary against state Sen. Dick Day (R-Owatonna).

In February, Day said he would skip the Republican endorsing convention and in the process create a primary battle against the Republican endorsed candidate.

Day's view is in contrast with Davis and Demmer's as they both agreed to abide by the endorsement. Davis said he has faith in Demmer that he will follow through on his word.

On the issues, Davis said he and Demmer differ only on a couple. He added, however, that the endorsing convention focused more on the electability of both men.

“A number of delegates stated that I am the electable and conservative candidate,” Davis said referring to why he was endorsed by the delegates.

Should Davis defeat Day in the Sept. 9 primary, it will then be a concentrated effort on November's general election.

Davis said Walz' voting record does not reflect the views of those in the 1st District.

“Tim Walz votes with liberal Democrats and Speaker Pelosi 95 percent of the time,” he said. “Those aren't southern Minnesota values.”

Regardless of who will win the primary and contend for his seat, Walz said neither man offers anything of substance.

“Republicans Brian Davis and Dick Day offer nothing more than the same failed politics that have led America into recession, debt and insecurity,” a state DFL Party press release said.

Following Davis' win against Demmer, Ron Carey, state Republican Party chairman issued a statement.

"Brian Davis is a great choice for the people of southern Minnesota and I look forward to working with him to retire Tim Walz from Congress. On issue after issue, Dr. Davis represents a sharp contrast to a far-left liberal like Walz,” it said in part.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Our Appeal for Support

Blast email sent to supporters earlier this week


Dear Friends,

On Saturday at 12:11pm, the Albert Lea High School Auditorium burst into applause as the announcement was made that Brian Davis had won the Republican Endorsement on the first ballot during the 1st District Republican Convention.

While Brian and his family took Saturday evening and Sunday to enjoy the victory and reflect on the past year's work, the campaign has now turned its full focus to defeating Tim Walz in November. That effort starts today, and with your financial contribution, we're on our way.

During the past year, while Brian has been criss-crossing the state visiting with Minnesota voters about his solutions to stabilize the American economy, lower gas prices and fix our health care system, Tim Walz has been filling his campaign coffers with PAC money.

With your financial contribution today of $50 , $100 or even $250 our campaign can begin catching up. Now that we have the full support of the Minnesota Republican Party, we are ready to take on Tim Walz, but Brian can't do it alone.

Please consider making a secure online donation today by clicking here.

Brian has committed to redouble his efforts and challenge Tim Walz on the issues facing America.
In fact that's started today as Brian and supporters are door knocking in Tim Walz's hometown of Mankato.

Please consider making the most generous contribution as possible before midnight tonight, as the 1st Quarter reporting period ends today.

Sincerely,

The Brian Davis for Congress Campaign Team

P.S. Please consider making a financial contribution today to put Brian on the path to victory. Click here to make a contribution.

The maximum contribution is $2,300 per person, per election cycle. Contributions to 'Brian Davis for Congress' are not deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes. Contributions by corporations, foreign nationals and federal government contractors are prohibited under federal law. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year or in an election cycle in the case of an authorized committee.