PRESS RELEASE - October 23, 2005

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE BARRY MICHAELS

BUILDING GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT WITH

“WALKING IN YOUR SHOES” CAMPAIGN

      Las Vegas Congressional candidate Barry Michaels has a different approach in appealing for support through his “walking in your shoes” campaign. “I want to make it clear that I know what it feels to be the ‘average’ person; the one who has to sometimes struggle to make ends meet, the divorced single parent, and even someone who has made a mistake and has been behind bars.” He continued to explain that lawmakers are many times out of touch with their constituents’ needs and they start living a privileged life. “It’s not going to happen with me once I get in office. You don’t forget hardships. Instead you build on them and you have empathy for those who are having difficulties in life.” 

      Michaels, who among other things, was a former chiropractor, airline executive and real estate investor, has already demonstrated his bootstrap approach to successfully running a business. “I particularly admire those with that small business entrepreneur spirit. It is what helped make America great and I think we ought to do more to support it.” 

      His “walking in your shoes” approach will at times actually involve him wearing construction boots, scuffed everyday shoes, casual shoes and other foot apparel worn by workers in various professions. “This is one way I can visually demonstrate that I identify and care about a broad constituency here in Las Vegas. And once in office I want people to know I am never above them. I will do my very best to be responsive to their questions.” One way he plans to do that is to have an ombudsman in the Las Vegas office who will directly intercede between individuals, business, and government.

      Finally, Michaels wants to stress that his life is an open book, “warts and all.” “I’ve made mistakes and I’ve paid for them – dearly at times. Nothing has been ’kept in a closet’ or swept under the proverbial rug. I have learned and I have changed and I want to help make life better for those whom I serve.”

Phone:  702 391-0666