(Indianapolis, IN) – Republican Luke Messer today filed his paperwork to declare his candidacy for the 5th District Congressional Primary. U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, who has announced he is seeking a 15th term, currently holds the seat. The district includes all of Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Grant, Tipton, Hamilton, and Hancock counties, as well as parts of Howard, Marion, Shelby, and Johnson.

“The morning after one of the biggest upsets in American political history, I am excited to announce my run in this Congressional primary,” Messer stated. “From town hall meetings to tea parties to last night’s election, voters in this country are trying to send Washington a message. They are tired of leaders who don’t listen. They are tired of the wasteful spending that threatens the future of our country. And, they want bold new leaders who understand that government is not the answer to every problem.”

Messer, who began his campaign in April, has led the pack of potential challengers from the start, raising over $330,000 as of the October quarterly report and receiving the endorsements of over 600 key grassroots supporters and elected officials throughout the district. His campaign has reported more than 800 total contributors, including contributors from all 11 counties in the district. He is also running an active e-campaign, connecting to thousands of supporters each week through his Facebook pages, web page and email.

“The people of America spoke last night,” Messer exclaimed. “Against all odds, Scott Brown won, sending a clear message that Democrats need to stop the backroom deals on health care. But, Republicans need to learn from last night as well and send our own message of reform.” Messer continued. “The movement for new leaders is just starting. People are tired of business as usual in Washington and politicians who talk a good game, but don’t deliver. We want real leadership, a focus on jobs and the economy - and reform.”

At least five challengers and the incumbent Congressman have expressed an interest in the 5th District Congressional Race. “We’re ready to run no matter who is in,” Messer concluded.

About Luke Messer
Luke Messer, 40, is a lawyer in Shelbyville and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006. As a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Messer helped Governor Daniels craft the state’s first balanced budget in eight years that, without a tax increase, turned a $600 million deficit into a $300 million surplus in a single year. As a member of the House Education Committee, Messer’s work on high school dropout prevention was featured in Time magazine and on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party.

Messer is co-founder of a not-for-profit organization called Child Share Indiana that advocates for Indiana foster children and their foster families. He is also an elder at this church and the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart. Luke and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville. To learn more about the Messer campaign, log onto http://www.lukemesser.com/