Batavia, NY – Retired Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia announced today that he is filing the necessary paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to form a campaign committee. The move allows Bellavia to begin raising money for his much anticipated Congressional campaign.

Mr. Bellavia chose to file his candidacy on April 15, 2008, to highlight the need for tax reforms that allow workers to keep more of what they earn.

"During this time of challenge for the U.S. economy, Western New Yorkers need someone who will go to Washington to fight for their job and their families," Mr. Bellavia said. "The last thing voters want is a tax-and-spend liberal who will further burden their wallets with the threat of more taxation."

"If elected to represent the 26th district of New York, I would oppose any effort to raise the personal income tax. I firmly believe that Americans' hard earned income belongs to them – not the federal government."

Mr. Bellavia is the recipient of both the Silver and Bronze Stars, and the Conspicuous Service Cross, New York State's highest award for combat valor. He also has been nominated for The Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in a fierce, urban hand-to-hand fight in the battle of Fallujah in November 2004. Mr. Bellavia is the author of House to House: An Epic Memoir of War, which recounts his experiences on the ground in Iraq.

Mr. Bellavia, a native of Buffalo, lives in western New York with his wife and two sons. There he has founded a local Veteran's Coordination Center that focuses on the early treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other veteran's-related issues and outreach programs. Bellavia is also a co-founder of the non-partisan, non-profit Vets for Freedom organization.

I'm thinking they could do worse, much worse.