Kristen’s Pick: Ian Smith, U.S. Congressional Candidate-CD3
DISCLAIMER: The following endorsement comes strictly from my role as attorney for the Child Advocate Coalition LLC. In no way should the reader misconstrue this endorsement as coming through any entity I assist with a public service position or voluntary political committee role.
In fact, it’s been a head versus heart battle here in CD3 for me since I first learned that my pandemic hero was running against the Burlington County GOP-endorsed candidate, Mr. Bob Healey.
As a Republican County Committee member, I proudly participated in the voting session for the pre-screened line candidates, and willingly signed the nominating petitions for Bob Healey and his running mates.
I like them all, personally and professionally. I respect each of them and believe that Bob and his team are more than qualified to serve the residents of Burlington County and CD3 honorably and with professionalism.
There’s just one hiccup.
The GOP already ran this playbook in 2021. They ran the polite, polished, centrist Jack Ciattarelli, steered clear of the grassroots crowd, avoided the growing cultural war, and rallied an impressive 39% of registered Republicans against a massively-unpopular incumbent Governor on the “taxes are bad” theme.
How’d that shake out?
The same consultants and strategists that brought you Jack have brought you Healey’s strategy, 2.0.
Avoid the hard questions, show up at the street fairs and fancy donor parties, avoid the rallies and angry moms.
We aren’t worth it, in the eyes of the GOP. Not for a primary, they don’t need us.
So if they don’t need us now, and Jack didn’t need us then, how can we ever trust that they will govern with our children and their needs in mind?
So I soul-searched, and I watched, all primary season.
I watched Ian and his wife spend hours upon hours at BOE Meetings, at small rallies in the wee morning hours of bus drop offs, during hot days outside of BCIT Medford in the last few precious days of the campaign.
Where other candidates are looking for the big crowd, the donor class, Ian Smith’s campaign has been about service. He’s with us, getting the hatred from the Left, and standing by our side against the bureaucratic overreach and abuse in public schools.
So I’m endorsing with my heart. I’ve watching Ian announce his candidacy and address his past. I’ve had time to develop relationships with his inner circle, and I have watched Ian engage with both fans and haters.
He’s consistent, calm, and honestly? He’s genuine. Yes, he has a new issue to overcome. Yes, the Democrats will seize on every personal misstep they can to delegitimize his candidacy.
So?? When we run the perfectly coiffed, centrist suited gentleman, we still lose. How many times do you run the same playbook, expecting change?
And how many times do we get told, wait until we get elected, then be told I can’t be seen with your groups…your message is too fringe…only to have those few elected Republicans turn their backs on us to embrace the establishment class?
I am no one’s gumar.
I want the candidate who wants us, stands beside us, and is proud to be seen with us.
There’s just one choice for “us” in CD3.
It’s time to Rock the Vote.
Meet Ian Smith…
Kristen: Who are you? Describe your professional background, family anecdotes, political involvement, history and personal values.
Ian: My name is Ian Smith, I am a small business owner of 3 businesses. I've been in business for over 10 years. I am an only child, raised by a wonderful single mother in Burlington County - living in Delanco, Mount Laurel, and Medford, before moving back to my childhood home in Delanco.
I have always been interested in politics, but did not get involved until Governor Murphy came looking for a fight when he tried to close down my business, Atilis Gym. My partner and I spent 2 years fighting off every attack the State launched at us, and we successfully kept our business open.
On the back end, I decided to get involved in politics so that we are not always reacting to bad government.
My personal values are simple - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people.
Kristen: Why are you running?
Ian: I am tired of do-nothing Republicans and their psychotic counterparts in the DNC. Career politicians need to go.
Kristen: What is your stance on parental choice for medical freedom in schools?
Ian: Parents should make ALL decisions for their children. There is no discussion beyond this principle.
Kristen: What is your favorite Constitutional Amendment?
Ian: 2A. It is the protector of all other rights, without the right to protect yourself you have no rights.
Kristen: How will you distinguish yourself among the primary pack?
Ian: Never bow to the soft NJGOP. Always represent the true heart of the GOP - the voter. Most of the GOP is full of complacent career politicians who are professional losers. I am a proven fighter and am willing to suffer for the causes for which I advocate.
Kristen: What are your top platform issues and how do you propose to achieve those in a legislative solution?
Ian: My top priorities are:
Medical Freedom. End all use of medical mandates, shutdowns.
Election integrity. Provide support to state legislature to fix our broken system in NJ. Support federal legislation for voter ID, single day voting, outlaw mass mail-in ballots.
Stabilize our economy through a balanced budget amendment.
Kristen: Who are your biggest supporters, professionally and personally?
Ian: I am blessed with a huge network of family, friends, and people all over the country who have supported me through the last 2.5 years. There are too many to name but I am incredibly grateful to these people and owe them the world.
Kristen: Give me your best pitch on why and how we can support your campaign?
Ian: I have a proven track record of fighting against bad government and am willing to take a beating in the process. The radical left doesn't scare me, I am happy to be on the front lines and take as many arrows as I need to in order to save this country.
Follow Ian on Facebook here.
Visit his website to learn more or volunteer.
Watch his Town Hall with Fernando Uribe Here.
Most importantly, vote your values in this primary. Don’t worry about November. Worry about finding candidates brave enough to be our advocates. Nothing else matters. #VoteYourValues #ForTheKids
Freedom Speaking LLC and Shielding Liberty LLC have partnered with the Child Advocate Coalition LLC to highlight candidates for office all across NJ, from local Board of Education candidates through the Congressional candidates. Views expressed by the candidates may or may not represent the views of the entities referenced above, however the entities are proud to provide a platform for free speech. Featured candidates are invited to submit responses to our interview questions, link their candidate and fundraising sites, and showcase their chosen photographs.