2008 Republican National Convention Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Christy Swanson Below is the text of remarks that will be delivered as part the 2008 Republican National Convention's program this evening. The text is "as prepared for delivery" and it is embargoed until delivery. The text will be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention's media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."
Hello, my name is Christy Swanson.
My husband, Kip, and I own and operate a small business in Virginia. Three months ago, I was an Obama supporter, and while I am a Democrat, I am proud to say that I am voting for John McCain. Why? Because America's small business owners have no greater ally than John McCain. He understands that small businesses are the cornerstone of our nation's prosperity. But, it is not easy. My family business filters vegetable oil for restaurants; we use the left- over/waste oil to produce B100 biodiesel fuel to power our small company fleet. Basically, we are using new technology to fuel cars and save the environment. And, that makes us an uncharted business in a world of high taxes and healthcare costs. Three months ago, I thought I knew who I was voting for. Then I heard John McCain speak to the National Federation of Independent Businesses. His plan to help small businesses best addressed the problems we face. And, I learned quickly that John McCain is the only candidate with the leadership skills, courage, common sense, and right philosophy to keep the dreams of small business owners alive and fulfilled. And quite frankly, higher taxes scare the biodiesel out of me! Higher taxes will do more to hurt my family and other small businesses - both personally and professionally -- than almost any single promise he has made. John McCain's simpler tax system will keep businesses like mine growing and hiring more people through:
A reduction in corporate taxes. A phase-out of the Alternative Minimum Tax.
And, a first-year deduction for the cost of business equipment and technology investments. He just gets it. He knows what needs to be done to foster growth and innovation that creates jobs.
And that's true with healthcare. Of the estimated 47 million Americans without healthcare, more than 28 million are small business owners, employees and their families. Under a McCain presidency, more small-business families than ever before will be able to obtain health insurance. John McCain will provide families with a $5,000 refundable tax credit to purchase health insurance in the private market and will launch comprehensive insurance-market reform to lower costs, including permitting families to purchase insurance across state lines. He understands that small businesses --liberated from high taxes and healthcare costs -- will unleash a nationwide prosperity that will allow all Americans to flourish. I'm a Democrat. I'm voting for John McCain. It is right for me and right for America. About the Republican National Convention The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube. Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 Republican National Convention. Not Authorized By Any Candidate or Candidate's Committee.