Olathe, KS – Former State Rep. Patricia Lightner, Republican candidate for Congress, issued a statement Monday in response to the news that Congressman Dennis Moore will not seek re-election.

“Dennis Moore’s announcement that he will not run for re-election is certainly a surprise but not a shock in wake of his long line of votes that put him out of touch with the 3rd District,” she said. “While his decision is most certainly welcome news, this campaign was never just about defeating one individual, but about fighting for certain principles.”

Lightner emphasized that her focus will remain on those principles, particularly now that Moore is not running.

“I am running because I believe in limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty – and because I believe the 3rd District deserves a representative willing to aggressively advocate for those principles in Congress. I am not running to go along and get along – but to take the fight directly to Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and others who are seeking to reshape this country in a way it was never intended and will destroy the very foundations on which it was built.”

Lightner added that while other candidates may enter the race, she has the combination of experience, organization, and principles necessary to prove victorious in August and also November.

“Now that the political winds in the 3rd District have shifted, I’m sure everyone that has ever dreamed of running for Congress will consider entering the race. While I welcome any new competitors, I think the voters will respond to a candidate who has been consistently campaigning on conservative principles for months rather than trying to decide between several candidates who think Moore’s decision represents their opportunity to win political power,” said Lightner.

Lightner concluded her statement with a reminder that the Democrats will not cede the 3rd District without a fight.

“The Democrats have managed to keep the 3rd District blue for twelve years, and they’re not going to simply give it up without a strong candidate and a serious fight. So while the immediate media attention may turn to the Republican Primary, my campaign will be ultimately geared towards winning in November,” said Lightner.