(August 19, 2009)—Dave McIntyre, who finished a close third in the Republican Primary race for the nomination to the District 17 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, is going to try again, joining a growing field of GOP candidates seeking to challenge Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, in 2010.

McIntyre launches his campaign Thursday with a 12-hour swing through the district that starts with announcement of his candidacy at 8 a.m. Thursday on the steps of the Grimes County Courthouse in Anderson.

"This is a big district," McIntyre said. "Parts of twelve counties. It takes nearly five hours to cross north to south in a car. It includes cities and ranches, urban and rural, big universities and tiny communities.

“The only way to understand 'We the People' in this district is to get out and 'See the People.' That's what I am doing on the first day of campaigning. That's what I will do after I am elected” he said.

“My issues are the people's issues: deficit spending, excessive government, abuse of the Constitution, jobs, the economy, education, security of the border and the country, intelligent use of our troops overseas. It's time to stop worrying about the future and do something about it,” he said.

McIntyre knows the territory.

In 2004, the Texas A&M lecturer and consultant finished third in the GOP primary in the then newly created district with 10,678 votes.

McIntyre won by a substantial margin in Brazos County and carried Burleson, Madison and Robertson Counties, but fell just short of Dot Snyder of Waco who received 11,567 votes and of former State Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth who got 15, 625 votes.

Wohlgemuth went on to win the runoff, but lost to Edwards in a district that had been drawn for her to win.

The GOP field is more crowded this year.

Waco businessman Rob Curnock, who lost to Edwards in a close race in 2008, has already started campaigning.

Timothy Delasandro of College Station, Charles Wilson of Waco and Darren Yancy of Burleson have also filed as candidates with the Federal Elections Commission.

McIntyre Appearance Schedule

8:00 AM, County Court House, Anderson, Grimes County
9:15 AM, Republican Party Hqs, 4012 Stillmeadow, Bryan, Brazos County
12:00 PM Republican Party lunch, HOT builders association building, 621 W. Hwy 6, Waco, McLennan County
1:15 PM (McIntyre will remain in parking lot, 621 W. Hwy 6, Waco, McLennan County)
2:30 PM White Horse Station, 142 N Avenue D, Clifton, Bosque County
5:30 PM Burleson City Hall, 141 W. Renfro, Burleson, Johnson County
7:30 PM Black Eye Pea parking lot, 1502 Corsicana Hwy (Hwy 22), Hillsboro, Hill County.

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