Republican businessman Steve Clark today announced he would not seek the Republican nomination for the Fourth District Congressional seat currently held by Congressman Ralph Hall. Hall switched party minutes before the January 2, initial filing deadline and is running as a Republican.

“I am overwhelmed at the level of support our campaign has received, said Clark. However, a divisive primary battle against what is now an incumbent Republican congressman is not in the best interests of our Party.”

“We must focus our efforts and resources on reelecting President Bush and maintaining Republican control of Congress because the alternative would mean higher taxes on families and a major retreat from America’s unique leadership role on the world stage. We simply must unite as a party and not allow the liberals to win in 2004,” Clark said.

“I have enjoyed every minute of this campaign and will treasure the new friendships I have made with Republicans throughout the district. I am humbled so many were willing to sign up and work for our cause. I will always be tremendously grateful for their support,” said Clark.

“I encourage all Republican voters to welcome Congressman Hall to the Republican Party and support him in his reelection campaign. He has served the people of this district with honor and dignity. I will proudly support him in this effort,” Clark said.

Clark, a successful business leader is a conservative Republican who has brought new jobs to Texas. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and currently serves as a Director of the National Association of Manufacturers where he works to create new jobs and make American companies more competitive. Steve Clark and his wife Marlene live in Rockwall and have six children.

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Republican businessman Steve Clark said today he will run for U.S. Congress in the newly drawn 4th congressional district.

“We need more conservative leaders in Congress who will stand with President Bush to reduce the tax burden on working Americans and win the global war on terrorism,” said Clark an Air Force veteran. I am a strong conservative with the energy and experience I believe is necessary to effectively represent us in Washington.”

Clark is a successful technology and telecommunications executive with 20 years of proven business experience. He has held senior positions at AT&T, Lucent and most recently as Group Vice President of Avaya where he managed over 2000 employees generating over a half a billion dollars in revenue.

Clark, who speaks Spanish and Chinese, was AT&T’s senior executive in China from 1991 – 93. During his tenure he served as Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in China and worked with then U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills to open Chinese markets to American products.

He currently serves as a Director of the National Association of Manufacturers where he works to enhance the competitiveness of American companies and create an environment for new job growth.

Prior to his business career Clark served in the U.S. Air Force and as a Texas and U.S. Government instructor at San Antonio College. He is a graduate of SMU and earned a Master in Environmental Management from UTSA.

Steve and his wife Marlene live in Rockwall and have six children. He will formally announce his candidacy in the coming weeks.

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