Endorsed by Col. Steve Acuff
By: BJ Lawson
When my wife and I considered my decision to run for Congress, we spoke with a lot of people. One of the first people I met was Steve Acuff, a retired Air Force Colonel and the Fourth District’s Republican candidate in 2006.
Steve and I met over coffee at Cafe Carolina on November 15, 2007. It didn’t take much conversation to realize that he was a principled, honorable man who deserved a lot more votes than he received against David Price. We discussed everything from the political process to issues ranging from retirees’ rising cost of living to foreign policy. I left the discussion inspired, and with the distinct feeling that I had met a kindred spirit who was truly committed to government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
We stayed in touch over the ensuing months, and met again in mid-January. By that time, I’d observed that political activity can be divided into three categories: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good is truly enjoyable — talking with voters about the issues, and meeting other enthusiastic people out to improve our community and nation. The bad is a bit maddening — seemingly intractable waste and corruption in every level of government. The ugly is, well, just ugly. Fortunately, Steve provided wise advice: “Stay grounded in The Word.”
His advice has been essential for our emotional and spiritual well-being during this challenging process. One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 11:9: With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. Given the tendency of politics to degenerate into ad hominem attacks, devotional time is essential to remaining focused on the real issues, and the real mission.
Given my respect for Steve and his history of service to our country, I was honored to receive his endorsement this week:
March 5, 2008
Dear Fellow Republicans,
It is with great pleasure that I endorse Dr. William (B.J.) Lawson in his effort to challenge David Price this November.
As the prior Congressional candidate in North Carolina’s Fourth District, I know how challenging this race will be. I first met B.J. last fall, when he approached me while considering this Congressional run. We have continued to meet over the months since beginning his campaign, and I believe he is the best candidate to represent our party and District in the fight against David Price.
B.J. is a thoughtful, serious individual who has accomplished much in his 34 years. As a husband, father of three children, physician, and successful entrepreneur, he has a broad background for discussing and communicating the issues facing our nation. His Christian faith and dedication to a Constitutional federal government are the anchors we need for principled conservative leadership.
Finally, he is a tireless worker who has shown his commitment to our party and country in the months since he declared his candidacy. He is honest and forthright in discussions with voters, constantly seeks input on important issues, and communicates effectively across party lines. All of these attributes are a welcome change from “politics as usual”, and all will be required to beat David Price in November.
I hope you will join B.J.’s campaign as we raise the money and awareness necessary to beat David Price. Freedom isn’t free, but liberty is priceless!
Sincerely,
Steven D. Acuff
2006 Congressional Candidate
North Carolina’s Fourth District
It takes courage to take a stand. I am inspired by the many supporters who are joining this quest to take back North Carolina’s Fourth District, and our nation, for a Constitutional federal government.
To borrow the closing phrase from Steve’s Web site, after his loss to David Price in 2006:
This is not over.
Indeed. David Price, you’ve been warned. The revolution against your 22-year reign of big-government special-interest politics-as-usual is just beginning.

March 7th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Whooo hoooo! That’s a great letter that Steven wrote. I couldn’t agree with it more.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Fantastic. What a great letter.
March 7th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Congratulations B.J. on such a fine endorsement. If I could vote for you all the way from California I would. You can expect a nice contribution from me as soon as I am able!
March 7th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
This letter from Mr. Acuff and some further study sways my vote to BJ.
Mr. Acuff is an honorable and discerning gentlemen. He ran a clean, honest, and hard campaign against Congressman Price two years ago. It is our loss that Mr. Acuff is not running in this election, but it looks like we have another great candidate in his place.
I look forward to meeting Mr. Lawson at an event soon and helping in any way possible.
March 8th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Is your campaign going to start selling tee shirts with the “Liberty is Priceless” slogan?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
That looks like a good endorsement. I hope it helps the campaign.