For a good chunk of my 26 year Air Force career, I was directly involved in surveillance programs for the National Security Agency (NSA).

For decades, these programs have played a crucial role in protecting our country from its enemies and all who seek to undermine the constitutionally protected freedoms that so many brave service members have died defending--including several of my Air Force Academy classmates.

As many of you know, back in 2006, first time candidate and Retired USAF Lt. Col. Charlie Brown came from obscurity to within less than 9,000 votes (or 3%) of victory in a district that had been electing Republicans by 30 point margins just two years before.

I worked on Charlie's campaign in 2006, and I'm proud to be serving Charlie again in 2008. I didn't come back because I enjoy the 16-hour days. I certainly didn't come back because of the paychecks. I came back because there's something different about a "typical day" on the Charlie Brown for Congress campaign---something that can't be described in sound bytes or talking points...something so important, you want the world to experience it with you...

As you know, last week, another career politician from outside the 4th District--Southern California State Senator Tom McClintock--entered the GOP primary to replace Rep. John Doolittle.

We asked you to help us raise one hundred dollars for every one of the 418 miles separating McClintock's office in Thousand Oaks with our office in Roseville--between partisan politics as usual and a new standard of leadership in the fourth district.

So far, you are doing a great job. Hundreds have already contributed and we are more than halfway to our March 31st goal as of this morning.

Click here to contribute and keep the momentum going.

You may be aware that last week, LA Tom also announced that he wasn't planning to move into the district until after the election. That means he won't even be able to vote in the same races as the people he claims to represent. McClintock's arrogant brand of partisan political opportunism exemplifies what's broken in Washington.

It's important with all the focus on the presidential primary that we not forget about our congressional challengers. Charlie Brown is one of my favorite candidates this cycle and this race represents one of our best chances to pick up a seat in California this year, so help him out if you can - Todd

I decided to run for Congress against John Doolittle because I believe we desperately need a new direction for America.

My decision was never about political ambition or blind partisan loyalties, but fulfilling a promise I made to defend our country, and to serve the community where Jan and I have been proud to live, work, and raise our children these past 17 years.

Today, State Senator Tom McClintock announced he is going to move from his district in Southern California in order to run for Congress in our district.

My position hasn't changed. I still firmly believe we need a new direction - for our country. And I believe the last thing District Four needs is another career politician who needs driving directions just to find our district.

Click here to give Senator Tom McClintock a warm welcome when he arrives.

As you know, so many of the big challenges facing America-both here in CD4 and across the country - simply cannot wait until January of 2009 for action.

That's why together, we've made this campaign not about partisan politics as usual--but solving problems and leading by example. Beginning last spring, we provided vital support to several area veterans organizations, and to relief efforts for those displaced by a devastating wildfire in South Lake Tahoe.

In September, we went a step further---committing 5% of every dollar raised in this campaign to support organizations helping veterans and families in need---through our Promises Kept Veterans Charity Challenge.

In the months since, we've received letters from many worthy organizations, each doing incredible work.  This week, we've selected three finalists for you to consider as our first donation recipients under the "Promises Kept" program.

Great to have Charlie Brown back for another shot at Doolittle. And if you missed them, take a look at these numbers - Todd

In the fall of 2005, Jan and I had become so frustrated at the direction of our country, the war in Iraq and the corruption in Washington, we decided it was time to take action.  I decided to run for Congress against Rep. John Doolittle - one of the most recognizable symbols of corruption and partisan politics in Washington.

When we started that campaign, we went to house parties with five and ten people in attendance to persuade them to join our effort.  We built momentum one volunteer, one house party and one neighborhood at a time, and we narrowly missed in 2006.

Today, as I officially announce my 2008 candidacy for Congress in CA-04, we are expecting over three hundred and fifty people (that's just the number who RSVP'd in advance) to participate in our campaign kickoff barnstorming tour.  Our strength today is a large result of your efforts over the past two years--empowering everyday people from the grassroots to the netroots and everywhere in between. You have helped us organize, drive our message to the local and national press and helped us raise the resources needed to fuel our people powered campaign.  For that, I am eternally grateful.