Roemer Rails Against Special Interests [VIDEO]

Former La. Gov. Buddy Roemer made a quick campaign stop in Concord at The Barley House on July 27, talking up his presidential campaign and railing against both political parties as too influenced by "big money" that is destroying the country.

Roemer, who appeared on the pre-recorded “Road to the White House” program that airs on WKXL, a local news radio station, said it was time to stand up and tell the American people the truth about their government.

“I decided to run because no one else was, with my issues,” he said. “I decided to run because America is in trouble … I think this is a great nation and it deserves free, clean, solid leadership.”

Roemer said his effort would focus on two issues: Jobs and money.

“Money is about debt and indebtedness,” he said. “We have debt we’ll never repay. We are indebted in Washington, D.C., to the guys that bring the big checks … they’re the ones that write the tax code.”

Part of Roemer’s campaign to curb the influence of big money on the presidential cycle includes limiting his contributions to $100, just as he has in previous campaigns. He will also refuse all political action committee and special interest money, he said. 

“The president needs to be free to lead,” Roemer noted. “Both parties suffer from hogs at the trough … big checks, special interest money, and I hear more of the same drivel every single day on the campaign trail.”

On jobs, Roemer said none of the other candidates were talking about the loss of job overseas and how the tax code and trade deals are rigged against American companies and workers.

“The best jobs in this country are gone,” he said, “and we traded them for jobs at Wal-Mart ... Does made in America mean anything?”

In order fix the problem, Roemer proposed changing the tax code to keep companies from profiting while exporting jobs. He also proposed implementing protections, similar to Japan and Germany, to keep jobs in the country.

To solve the debt crisis, Roemer would reorganize the way the federal government is structured by implementing computer software and IT efficiencies. He would cut the federal workforce, noting that more than 40 percent of federal workers would be retiring during the next decade anyway. Roemer would support what he termed “fair” spending cuts, like ending all energy subsidies, like ethanol and oil company tax breaks, and even called on closing the Department of Energy altogether. The savings, Roemer said, would be in the $141 billion range.

“Doesn’t hurt any seniors, doesn’t hurt any children, doesn’t hurt America, it makes it stronger,” he said.

After that, he would consider consolidating and cutting other agencies over a period of years.

Brian Shea, the owner of The Barley House, which hosts the monthly “Road to the White House” segments, said he was enjoying his time with the presidential candidates.

“It’s a good opportunity for The Barley House to be front and center without being political,” he said.

Shea said the monthly program brings the candidates into the restaurant and adds to the atmosphere. It also allows him, his staff, and customers, to meet the candidates. Herman Cain sat down with business owners about a month ago, he said. Shea said he has been on the phone with a number of the candidates attempting to get more of them into the restaurant.

“We have tried to sort of position ourselves as campaign central,” he said, “not politically, but as a fun place to come in and see the candidates and get up close and personal.”

Roemer, who is 67, served in the House of Representatives for four terms during the 1980s before running for and winning the governorship of Louisiana in 1987. He served one term but was defeated for re-election in 1991 after switching parties and becoming a Republican. He attempted a comeback in 1995, but failed to make the run-off.

Roemer worked as a trade consultant in the 1990s and later, founded and is currently CEO of the Business First Bank of Baton Rouge, a $1 billion bank that, Roemer noted, received no bailout money during the recent crisis. He officially launched his campaign last week, renting a house in Manchester to live out of while he campaigns in the Granite State.