Lewis Shupe, former Democratic congressional candidate, and longtime local activist, announced his write in candidacy as an Independent for the United States House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District.

“I am running for Congress because our democracy has been steadily weakened by moneyed interests, constitutional erosion and a political class that no longer answers to voters,” Shupe said. “The people of PA-07 deserve real representation that puts democratic power back where it belongs — with the registered voter, and not with the DNC.”

Shupe is campaigning on a platform centered on systemic reform and civil liberties, including:

• Publicly funded elections to end the dominance of special interests.

• Reversing the trends of constitutional infringements and restoring civil liberties.

• Single-payer, universal health care as a human right.

• Restoration of the Fairness Doctrine to promote accountability in broadcast media.

• A moratorium on data center development.

• Harnessing the power of registered voters to strengthen democratic participation and oversight.

A retired and disabled webmaster with more than 35 years of experience in information technology, Shupe brings a systems-level perspective to public policy. Over his career, he wore many hats — problem-solver, analyst, snowplow driver, activist and advocate — developing a deep understanding of how large, complex systems succeed or fail, in particular data centers.

“Between discovering my windshield shot right before my first campaign event and my sister passing away a few weeks later, it has given me much to think about. But watching the two “official” candidates sickens me to the point of action.”

Additional policy positions and campaign information can be found at shupeforcongress.com