Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Chris Rahe is running for office to represent the ideals and concerns of the citizens he serves.
Rahe is running against Bill Friend in the state house candidate race for District 23 in the Nov. 7 general election.
Rahe, a Bourbon resident, said he was a former Republican, but became a Democrat because the party better reflected his values.
"While I understand no party is perfect, I agree with what the Democrat Party stands for," Rahe said.
"I believe in liberty, individuality and self-government and I believe we as Democrats need to work together for the common good," Rahe said.
Rahe said he is a Democrat whose focus is on running for "We the people."
"The greatest gift our founding fathers gave us was the ability to govern ourselves," Rahe said.
It is Rahe's first year for running for office, but said he spent a lot of time at the statehouse when he worked for the Indiana State Medical Association from 2001-2003 that has prepared him in getting a feel for politics.
Rahe is focusing on issues in his campaign including energy independence, educational excellence, health care and environmental protection.
Rahe believes economic policies built on a foundation of real moral values will produce deeper prosperity.
He also supports energy independence.
"With top-notch universities and strong agricultural base, Indiana should lead the world in the research and development of alternative fuels," Rahe said.
He also feels health care should be provided for all citizens.
"We can't wait for the federal government to provide some kind of relief from the burden of expensive health care," Rahe said.
He also believes in sensible environmental protection.
"We need to protect the environment, but in a way that isn't burdensome to individuals and small business," Rahe said.
