After the results of last week's elections, conservatives and Republicans have many reasons to be encouraged. Republican victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Governor's races (two states President Obama won last year) make clear that the premature obituaries of the national Republican Party were way overstated.

Make no mistake about it, from town halls and tea parties to last week's election results, Americans reject big government and the big spending policies of Washington DC's liberal elites. Despite our current economic woes, Americans understand the importance of limited government and the freedom and liberty it brings. We don't want more government. We want leaders who understand it is the American people, not government programs, that will lead America's comeback.

As is so often the case, Ronald Reagan said it best. In his 1981 address to Congress to promote his first Economic Recovery package, President Reagan, said: "That's what makes us, as Americans, different. We've always reached for a new spirit and aimed at a higher goal. We've been courageous and determined, unafraid and bold. Who among us wants to be first to say we no longer have those qualities, that we must limp along, doing the same things that have brought us our present misery? I believe that the people you and I represent are ready to chart a new course.... We have much greatness before us. We can restore our economic strength and build opportunities like none we've ever had before. . . . All we need to do is act, and the time for action is now."

President Reagan's gave this 1981 address when the country was dealing with double digit inflation and home mortgage interest rate of around 15%. More than 8 million Americans were unemployed. Still, President Reagan saw a better future. And, although it took a couple of years to get there, Reagan's principled leadership jump-started the greatest economic recovery in world history- an economic expansion that lasted for most of the next 25+ years.

President Reagan understood the value of freedom. He understood the importance of limited government, lower taxes, hard work and personal responsibility. He understood that given the tools they need to make their own lives better, Americans will step-up to the challenge. And, he understood, if we work together, America's future will always be better than her past.

There is a lot to complain about in Washington today. From a healthcare takeover to card check to cap & trade to trillions in additional debt, our Nation's current leadership keeps turning left when we need to turn right. The American people are worried because they know that we can't tax our way into prosperity or spend our way out of debt.

But, as we stand up for freedom, let's stay focused on the future. We must continue to put forth positive solutions and remind our friends and neighbors that freedom, liberty, lower taxes and limited government are the keys to jump starting our economy and creating jobs.

That's why I am running for Congress, and that is why we need your help. Working together, we can make a difference for our country. We can fight for our freedoms and stand up for the future economic opportunities of our children and grandchildren. If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.

Thank you and God bless,

Luke Messer

P.S. To learn more about the campaign, volunteer or contribute securely online, check out www.lukemesser.com.