MAINE, USA — Veteran and businessman Ron Russell says he has the experience needed to address the challenges facing the state and the country as he campaigns to represent Maine's 1st Congressional District.
Russell, who grew up on a small farm near Fort Fairfield, close to the Canadian border, reflects on the values his family instilled in him. "I learned the value of a good education from my mom, who was a teacher, and the importance of hard work on the potato farm with my father," he recalled.
After serving in the U.S. Army for 30 years, including time as an Airborne Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret, Russell transitioned to the business world. He started his own defense contracting company, a career path he believes equips him to handle the complexities of government spending. He's particularly focused on reducing what he sees as unnecessary overspending in Congress.
"We have to curtail our spending," Russell explained, "and when we do that, it will have a huge impact on inflation."
Russell also plans to prioritize investment in the military while re-evaluating the future of social security and Medicare.
Another key focus of his campaign is energy independence. Russell believes this is crucial not only for lowering taxes but also for reducing the national debt. He advocates for a balanced approach to achieving this, supporting both fracking and renewable energy, especially nuclear energy.
"As soon as we become energy independent, it's going to have a huge impact on the costs of goods and services here in the United States," he emphasized.
Russell's campaign also highlights immigration reform, specifically strengthening border security and revamping the U.S. immigration system. He points to the need for a stronger southern border wall and criticizes the dangers posed by illegal crossings.
"What we are allowing is inhumane," he said, "People are dying on their journey to come here through these illegal crossing points. That has to stop."
Tougher sentencing without bail is another one of Russell's policy pillars, which he believes will help reduce crime rates. However, Maine currently faces challenges with overcrowded jails and a backlog of criminal cases, something he acknowledges could complicate this goal.
"I don't believe we have a shortage of lawyers," Russell stated, "We just need more of them to stand up and do this type of work."
As political divides deepen nationwide, Russell says he wants to be a politician who listens to new ideas from both parties and serves all Mainers, regardless of political affiliation.
"I'm going to be the congressman for everyone," he vowed, "They are all my constituents, and I am going to serve them all.”
