ANNVILLE - Russ Diamond, founder and chairman of PACleanSweep, filed the required paperwork in Harrisburg today to appear on the Republican primary ballot in the 101st legislative district on April 22, 2008.

“The people of Lebanon County deserve a representative in Harrisburg who actually supports, obeys and defends our state constitution,” said Diamond. “My candidacy is a natural extension of the PACleanSweep mission – replacing career politicians with energetic, effective leaders who can deliver change instead of just talking about it.”

Diamond has pledged to strictly adhere to the provisions of Article II, Section 8 of the document, which clearly states that legislators are entitled to “salary and mileage for regular and special sessions as shall be fixed by law, and no other compensation whatever.”

“I will not take a pension. I will not enroll in the gold-plated legislative health care plan. I will not accept mid-term cost of living raises. I will not take any other perks. I will accept salary and mileage - period,” Diamond added. “If we can’t trust a legislator to abide by the plain constitutional language that outlines compensation, how can we trust that same person to protect critical rights such as our freedom of speech, religion and assembly and the right to bear arms?”

Diamond founded PACleanSweep in July 2005 in response to the unconstitutional pay raise. His organization raised over 110 candidates for legislative seats and assisted over 40 percent of the challengers in the historic 2006 primary election. Thirteen individuals who signed the PACleanSweep candidate declaration were subsequently elected to the House of Representatives. The pay raise was repealed as a direct result of public outrage and electoral pressure provided by Diamond and PACleanSweep.

“Constitutional rule was the cornerstone of PACleanSweep. It also happens to be the key to the Republican principles of limited government and individual freedom,” Diamond said. His legislative agenda will include eliminating property taxes, limiting government growth and advocating for a citizens’ constitutional convention. Diamond has already authored an enabling act for a convention and intends to circulate it for co-sponsorship as one of his first priorities in office.

Diamond, 44, has owned and operated Raintree, a nationally known CD and DVD duplication service located in Annville, since 1992. In 2006 he was named one of three “Citizens of the Year” by the Philadelphia Inquirer for his efforts with PACleanSweep. In July 2006 he received the “Public Service Achievement Award” from Common Cause/Pennsylvania. In November 2006, he was named a “Communicator of the Year” by the Harrisburg chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. A licensed private pilot since 2001, Diamond serves as president of the Annville Flight Club.

The 101st district includes the city of Lebanon, the boroughs of Cleona and Palmyra and the townships of Annville, South Annville, North Cornwall, North Londonderry and South Londonderry.

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