Merrill Cook Congressional Announcement

Press Release

Former Congressman Merrill Cook announced today from his home that he will file to run as a Republican for the U.S. Congress in Utah's 2nd Congressional District.

"America is seriously off track. With congressional ratings at an all time low, 2008 may be a bad year for incumbents of both parties. Senator John McCain is beginning to prove that it may be a good year for independent-minded Republicans. I will run a campaign that talks about the issues that must be confronted in order for the United States to continue its leadership position in the world. While some politicians will continue to try to spoon-feed pabulum to voters, my campaign will be about the hard choices we need to face. From being honest about the state of Medicare, to taming our massive federal spending and out-of-control illegal immigration problem, it is time for hard truths, and I intend to deliver them," Cook said.

Cook served four years in the U.S. Congress representing Utah's 2nd District. He has suffered political defeats, but he wears them as a badge of courage and testament to his persistence. In the late 80's and 90's he led Utah's statewide tax limitation and term limitation initiatives. He is a businessman who owns Cook Slurry Company, a mining explosives manufacturer. He is a graduate of the University of Utah and the Harvard Business School. He is married to Camille Sanders Cook and they have five children and five grandchildren.

Cook continued, "My hope is to have a great discourse and interchange of ideas with the voters of Utah's 2nd District. America and her future are too important to continue burying our heads in the sand, ignoring the stark truth about the challenges we face, and not dealing with them."

The Cook for Congress Campaign will focus on Iraq, Immigration, Health Care, and the National Economy.

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