I was raised to believe that one person can make a difference and I have always tried to do that in my life.  This is especially true with regard to

issues of the day.  As a young person, I was taught by my mother that although one may not be able to change the whole world, one can change a corner of the world that he or she touches.  That is why I sought the Democratic Congressional nomination in 2008.  At that time I was concerned with the course that our nation was on, and with the leadership that was in power.  I was concerned about the way we were viewed around the world, and with the threat to our civil liberties here at home, as well as the lack of healthcare for millions of Americans.  When I undertook my challenge to Mr. Moran in 2008 I understood that challenge would be an uphill struggle. Indeed it was. However, given the fact that I had little money and staff to work with, I believe I did an amazingly good job of running a competitive race against an 18 year incumbent.  At the end of the day when the primary was over I received about 14 percent of the vote.  I also helped and endorsed Barack Obama to become President of the United States.  I am proud of the issues I talked about in the 2008 campaign, and do not regret having sought the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 8th Congressional District.

Since then, many people have asked me to seek that nomination once again in 2010.  I have given this request very serious consideration.  In addition to this request, I am still very troubled by the lack of healthcare that millions of Americans still lack.  As most of you know, I am a strong proponent of single-payor, i.e., Medicare for All.  Mr. Moran has flip-flopped on the issue of healthcare.  Originally a supporter of Medicare for All, he is no longer a supporter.  He now favors what is loosely referred to as a Public Option, which is not clearly defined and, if passed in its current provisions, HR3200 would not take effect until the year 2013.  Moreover, the bill that Mr. Moran favors would not bring any real control of the insurance companies.  I believe it would not lower premiums or reduce other healthcare costs.  It is, once again, merely a sign of weakness, a lack of backbone, among many Democratic representatives, including Mr. Moran.  I urge Mr. Moran to support the Wiener Amendment that will be offered by Congressman Anthony Wiener of New York on the floor of the House of Representatives at some point in the healthcare debate.  The Wiener Amendment is a substitute for the original Medicare for All Bill, which is, I believe, and many experts believe, the most cost-efficient and sensible way to provide healthcare to the American people.  It would remove the insurance companies completely from the business of health.  The insurance companies have no business in the healthcare industry. The insurance companies only have one motive with regard to the healthcare industry, and that is to make money. The only way they can make money is by denying claims.

While I believe very strongly in this issue, and healthcare would be my one fundamental issue for running in 2010, I also know the reality of politics in this country today.  To run a truly competitive campaign in which a challenger can beat an entrenched incumbent like Mr. Moran, takes significant financial resources which I have been unable to raise at this point.  For this reason, and this reason only, I will not seek the Democratic nomination for the House of Representatives in the 8th Congressional District of Virginia in 2010.

I will continue to be active in the issues of the day. I will continue to be an active member of the Progressive Democrats of America and the Virginia Democratic Party.  This web site will cease to exist in early October.  For those who want to follow my endeavors I will be setting up a blog called Matt The Democrat.

I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the last two and a half years, who have encouraged me and supported me in my effort to bring about a better Virginia and a better America.  My decision today does not preclude the possibility of my seeking office at the local, state or federal level in the future.

God Bless You, and God Bless the United States of America.