We are facing huge long-term problems: a real unemployment rate of 18%, dysfunctional banks that are "too big to fail", a regressive tax structure that's stifling economic growth, prisons that are bursting at the seams, urban schools that are struggling, a health care system that still needs major reform, the lack of a coherent national energy policy that will protect our economy and the environment, and a government that has been encroaching on our civil liberties. For decades we have lived with irresponsible public policies from career politicians in Congress who care more about increasing their party’s power and getting re-elected than they care about solving long-term problems. They haven’t been honest with us, and they have been lousy public servants.

I’m different. I do not want to be a career politician. I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I’m a Problem Solver. I want to force members of Congress to be responsible, and implement sustainable solutions to real problems. Please read the positions I present on this website, and spread the word to friends and family.

Please email me at John@Mertens2010.com, and become a supporter on Twitter at @mertens4senate or Facebook: John's FB

Friday, April 30, 2010

John attending Coffee Party meeting in Hartford tomorrow (Saturday)

U.S Senate Candidate John Mertens will attend a "Coffee Party" in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, held at Real Art Ways on 56 Arbor Street.

From John's press release: "I strongly support the philosophy that deliberation from many viewpoints, guided by reason, is the best way to achieve the common good. That's why I'm running for office - to bring non-partisan problem-solving to public policy decisions."

John also supports the Coffee Party pledge: "As a member or supporter of the Coffee Party, I pledge to conduct myself in a way that is civil, honest, and respectful toward people with whom I disagree. I value people from different cultures, I value people with different ideas, and I value and cherish the democratic process."

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

John Mertens Speaks on Energy Policy and Climate Change in Hartford on Wednesday

U.S Senate Candidate John Mertens will speak on U.S. Energy Policy and Climate Change at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, beginning at 2 pm, in McCook Auditorium. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. The event is free and open to the public.

John, Dick, and Peter in fashion show at Hartford Stage on Monday!

From Dennis House:
This November there will likely be three candidates on the ballot for the U.S. Senate seat held by Senator Chris Dodd. Could this be the lineup of the Republican, Democrat and Independent we will be choosing from this fall? Maybe…but this trio will be representing the Senate race this Monday at the Hartford Stage.

Peter Schiff could emerge as the Republican nominee if Rob Simmons and Linda McMahon continue to damage each other so badly that the GOP decides to turn to someone who still has all limbs intact. Richard Blumenthal is the front runner for the Democrats, and John Mertens is running as an Independent.

All three will meet voters this Monday in a ……fashion show. Yes, the annual Capital Catwalk benefits Dress for Success Hartford, an organization that helps women prepare to enter the working world. The show also features local celebrities and personalities modeling the latest fashions from local stores and boutiques. There is also great food from local restaurants.

http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/november-preview/

Sunday, April 25, 2010

John speaking at U. Conn. (Storrs)

John Mertens will visit the University of Connecticut in Storrs to address political science students on April 27 at 11 am.

Dr. Mertens will discuss the practicalities of implementing public policy solutions in American politics. He will address Medicare and Healthcare, Social Security, Energy Policy, Bank Regulations, US Drug Policy and other issues. He will also discuss the practicalities of running for office: ballot access, campaign funding and media access.

Those interested in attending should contact the John Mertens for U.S. Senate campaign via e-mail at: John@Mertens2010.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

John attending Green Party State Convention

U.S. Senate Candidate John Mertens will attend the Statewide Connecticut Green Party Convention on Saturday, April 24, at the Portland Senior Center, located at 7 Waverly Ave., Portland, CT. The convention begins at noon, and is free and open to the public. John will be arriving around 2pm, following the 2010 Urban Issues Forum earlier in the day at the State Capitol.

Monday, April 19, 2010

U.S. Senate Candidate John Mertens Participating in 2010 Urban Issues Forum

U.S. Senate candidate John Mertens will participate in the “2010 Urban Issues Forum” at the Connecticut State Legislative Office Building (LOB) on Saturday, April 24. This forum offers Elected Officials and Candidates running for office the opportunity to meet “face to face” with concerned citizens for an “interactive dialogue session” on issues affecting communities throughout Connecticut. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can register at:
http://www.sojournerwomenspoliticalinstitute.info/Public_Registration.html
The event runs from 9am-1:30pm, in Room 2-C of the CT State Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave., Hartford, Connecticut.

AGENDA
9:00 A.M. Breakfast Reception: Meet and Greet with Elected Officials & Candidates
10:00 A.M. Presentations and Audience Q-and-A Session
12:00 P.M. Networking Break and Lunch
1:00 P.M. Wrap up Panel Discussion and Participant Recommendation Session
Candidates and elected officials will be on hand to answer questions and to listen to your concerns.

Sponsors of the event include The CT Health Foundation, Inc., the Commission on Children, the State of CT Office of Protection and Advocacy, the CT Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission, the Black and Latino Caucus, the African American Affairs Commission , the Foundation for Educational Advancement, Inc., African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities (AFCAMP), Sojourner Women’s Political Institute, CT Federation of Black Democratic Clubs, CT Commission on Health Equity, the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women and the Connecticut Branches of the NAACP.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

John Mertens Attending Forum at Eastern Connecticut State University

U.S. Senate candidate John Mertens (I) will attend a candidates forum organized by the "Eastern Conservatives" at Eastern Connecticut State University from 3pm - 5pm on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. The event will be held in the Johnson Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library on the ECSU campus.

U.S. Senate candidates Linda McMahon (R), Rob Simmons (R), and Vinny Foras (R) are also expected to appear, as well as fifteen candidates running for Governor, a variety of constitutional offices, and Congress.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

John Mertens Attending Sacred Heart University "Candidates Day"

John will attend the Sacred Heart University "Candidates Day" on April 13, 2010 from 1pm - 3pm. The event will be held in the University Commons of the main academic building of the Fairfield, CT campus.

U.S. Senate candidates Merrick Alpert (D), Richard Blumenthal (D), Linda McMahon (R) and Peter Schiff (R) are also expected to appear, as well as 15 other candidates running for a variety of constitutional offices and Congress.

Each candidate will have a table at which they can meet attendees. In addition, Sacred Heart University students will videotape private interviews with each candidate, and posting the videos on the University website.

John says: "I'm looking forward to it! It's another opportunity for people to see and hear that I'm the only candidate that gives specific solutions to the huge long- and short-term problems we face (see the 30 detailed position statements on my website)."

Monday, April 5, 2010

John Mertens in U.S. Senate Forum at the Hartford Club on Thursday

Dr. John Mertens will be the sole Independent to participate in the MetroHartford Alliance U.S. Senate Candidate Forum at the Hartford Club on Thursday, April 8, from 8am - 10am.

Seven candidates are scheduled: Merrick Alpert (D), Richard Blumenthal (D), Vincent Forras (R), Linda McMahon (R), John Mertens (I), Peter Schiff (R), and Rob Simmons (R). The event will be moderated by Tom Monahan from NBC 30.

It will be taped and broadcast at a later time by CT-N. It will also be filmed by the MetroHartford Alliance, and made available on their website. NBC 30 will also be taping for potential future broadcast.



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John Mertens for U.S. Senate
P.O. Box 330452
West Hartford, CT 06133-0452