2010 is here, and March 2 is coming quickly. In fact, early voting starts in just 42 days, on Feb. 16. Our campaign ended 2009 in a strong position as the leading Republican in this race, and that momentum is continuing into 2010.

Here are 10 reasons why we believe 2010 will be a good year for the people of Central Texas, who desperately need a conservative representative who shares your values and will stand up for you in Washington:

10. Growing frustration with our liberal incumbent – There is a strong sense of “enough is enough” among voters all over the district, some of whom have in the past voted for our incumbent and are now waking up to his liberal tendencies in Washington. Every day we talk to them and every day more of them join our campaign.

9. Broad name recognition and strong momentum following 2008 race – Following the strong showing in 2008, the voters of Central Texas know who Rob is. We are able to save many of our resources for the battle in November.

8. Outstanding online presence including campaign web site, Facebook, Twitter, and more – Our online communications programs are the best in the District. We have a Facebook page with almost 600 supporters, hundreds of followers on Twitter and a comprehensive, news-based web site. All these are assets we will take into the November race.

7. Strong fundraising with more money raised already for 2010 than in all of 2008 – Thanks to the generous support of donors throughout the District, we have already raised more money for the 2010 campaign than we did in all of 2008. We will have the money we need to win in November.

6. All-volunteer organization keeps costs low and conserves money for November – Not only is our fundraising going well, we are keeping more of the money in the bank to serve as a springboard into the general election. Our volunteer staff is doing work that other campaigns are paying outside consultants to do.

5. A small business owner who is not a Washington insider – 2010 will be a referendum on Washington, as voters are fed up with Washington insiders, government bureaucrats, and party politics as usual. They recognize we need someone who has spent decades running a small business right here in Central Texas, to represent us and get government under control.

4. A strong, determined candidate with the respect of Central Texas voters – In 2008 Rob ran when no one else would, standing up for us when the party said the race couldn’t be won. Many of our supporters respect his courage and determination, and we are standing with him for 2010, because we see in him someone who will stand up for our values when others prefer to stand aside.

3. A candidate who demonstrated that he will listen to voters – In August, when our liberal incumbent refused to hold Town Halls to listen to our concerns over government-run health care, we joined grassroots groups like the Tea Parties in pushing to be heard. Rob went directly to the people and held his own Town Halls, compiling hours of comments and feedback into a report on health care from the people of Central Texas.

2. More than 1,300 supporters and volunteers with strong support in all 12 counties of District 17 – In this age of expensive ads and direct mailings, we know that one of our strongest assets is our large base of supporters, stretching over all parts of the District. More than 750 of them signed petitions to get Rob on the ballot in March, a remarkable expression of support.

1. Consistent, common-sense conservative message of less government, lower taxes and more personal freedom – Make no mistake, this campaign is about ideas and message, and our message has been clear from the start. Rob is the true common-sense conservative whose values match those we hold dear in Central Texas. He is ready to work to reduce the size of government, lower taxes, and preserve and strengthen our personal freedoms.

Thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers for your help so far. We are determined to lead the charge in Central Texas for conservative values and Constitutional liberty, and with your help we believe 2010 will be the year we elect Rob Curnock to Congress.