Dear Friends and Neighbors:

My reason for running has always been to serve the people of Missouri as best I can. After much deliberation I have concluded that in the long-run what's best for the voters is for me to spend the next four years attending the University of Missouri-Columbia's law school and graduate school programs.

Serving the people doesn't mean getting elected and just showing up in Jefferson City to cast a vote on legislation. A good legislator is someone who is knowledgeable of the issues and has the skills to critically evaluate legislation. While campaigning over the past few months it has become apparent to me that I lack some of the necessary knowledge and skills that I believe will be invaluable in preparing me to be a watchdog for the voters of the 79th District. That is why I have decided to go back to school to gain the legal understanding provided by a law degree and the policy analysis tools of a masters in public affairs.

If accepted, I expect to start classes in 2011. I have every intention of running again for political office after graduation, and believe that at that time I will be a most formidable candidate, especially having the previous experience of running a campaign. In the meantime, I will find ways other than elected office to serve the people of Missouri.

Sincerely,