U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman talks with supporters during a fundraising event in Warsaw.

WARSAW —Frustration with Washington is the number one concern U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, a candidate for U.S. Sentate, is hearing from the public. Stutzman was in Warsaw Wednesday evening, March 30, to speak with supporters at a fundraising event at the home of Scott and Cindy Silveus.

“I am the most conservative candidate in this race,” stated Stutzman. “Just because you say you are a conservative doesn’t mean you’re fighting for conservative principle values … need an independent thoughtful person, not a person willing to do what the leadership tells you. We’re seeing a divide today — Washington insiders and the rest of the country. I’m not a Washington insider,” he stated.

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman

He spoke to a group of around 50 supporters about why he entered politics, challenges within the Republican party, challenges within the country and answered questions.

A statement he made in January was noted, which left an impression on an individual: “I’d rather go back to the farm than compromise my principles. If it means loosing the election, I’ll loose the election. I will not compromise.” Stutzman stated, “I still feel that way. Every member of Congress needs to be willing to do what is right, even if it costs them. I don’t believe it will cost. If you do the right thing, it’s not going to cost you.”

He mentioned there is capital cronyism on both sides. “The Democrats have their pet welfare programs. Republicans have their corporate pet programs as well. That’s my issue. It’s time we start thinking about every American rather than being winners and losers … I think that’s what we’re seeing today with two outsiders in the lead (for President) … establishment knows they will shake it up in Washington … People are looking for someone not beholden to the establishment in Washington.”

Stutzman noted the need for getting the budget under control in Washington, making sure the military is strong to fight ISIS and getting the economy rolling again. He stated the country’s $19 trillion debt is the greatest threat, but the country will not be a secure country with such a debt. He recalled the unification of the country following 9/11. “In this case we’re talking about our family budget.” He stated he was surprised when he reached Washington there wasn’t “as much urgency to fix the problems as I thought there should be … We can grow out of this if we have economic growth, but we have an administration that continues to suffocate the country.”

“What I’ve seen more in Washington, more than I ever imagined, Washington picks winners and losers and that has got to stop … able to look at our voters and say, ‘I’m going to do what I say I’m going to do’ … election year conservatives and then when they get there they do something different. They just tow the line … Find myself in the tough spots from time to time … We’re doing this for our state, for our community and in the end we’re doing this for our two boys at home and your family … make sure families … our kids our grandkids have the great country to grow up in and have the opportunity we have.”

He stated the next Senator from Indiana needs to be a strong, constitutional conservative, somebody willing to stand up and raise his hand to say, “I don’t think this is a good idea and not just walk off the cliff with the rest of the crowd in Washington. I know that’s important to me and to you. If we don’t have people who are independent thinkers and willing to stand up for what is right, we will continue to see Washington take us down the road we’re on and something’s got to change.”