I just finished watching A Face in the Crowd, and I could see multiple similarities between the characteristics of the main character, Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes, played by Andy Griffith, and certain current elected officials.

The film showcases the effects of populist politics. While Lonesome Rhodes did not actually run for office, the film showed him becoming involved in a political campaign and developing ambitions of eventually running for office himself.

Lonesome became so successful and popular that he eventually became convinced he was untouchable. He believed he could say or do anything without facing any real consequences. His popularity and influence seemed to convince him that the normal rules no longer applied to him.

However, in the end, he had become so delusional that even the people around him believed he had lost touch with reality and wanted nothing more to do with him.

If we are not careful, the same thing can happen in reality. To some extent, I believe it already has. Fortunately, it is not too late for us to change course.

There are thirty days until the election. That means we still have time to research the candidates, examine their records and determine who will actually work for the people. More importantly, we have time to decide who will be willing to hold the President accountable to the Constitution.

Regardless of political party, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It applies to Republicans, Democrats, independents and everyone else who holds public office. Unfortunately, the Constitution has not always been followed. In fact, I believe it has been trampled on in recent years, and We the People deserve better.

We should never allow a politician’s popularity, political affiliation or personality to become more important than the Constitution.

I am not perfect, and I never will be. But I will do everything possible to follow the Constitution and ensure that the rest of our government is held accountable to it as well.

I believe elected officials are supposed to serve the people, not themselves. Public office should not be about personal power, political fame or self-interest. It should be about service, responsibility and protecting the rights and liberties of the people we are elected to represent.

That is why I am running.

I am not running to become part of a political machine. I am running because I believe the people deserve representatives who will put the Constitution and the interests of their constituents ahead of political parties and personal ambition.

Thirty days is enough time to make an informed decision.

Research the candidates. Look beyond the slogans, personalities and political labels. Ask yourself who will actually represent you, who will defend the Constitution, and who will hold government accountable when it exceeds its authority.

We the People deserve representatives who remember that power belongs to the people, not to the politicians.