Political Reality-TV Star to Run for Connecticut Governor in 2006

Outspoken cast member, Bob Vanech, runs for real" office after ten-week national run on reality TV; season premiere of American Candidate airs this Sunday, August 1st, on Showtime Television.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 31, 2004 -- Bob Vanech, the 35 year-old, Stamford, Connecticut-born entrepreneur and venture capitalist, has announced his intention to run a genuine gubernatorial campaign in his state of origin. Currently one of ten would-be candidates on Showtimes new political-reality television show, American Candidate, Vanech promises a fresh perspective on leadership in Connecticut".

Imitating a run for the Presidency, American Candidate introduces new faces and ideas to the political discourse. Mr. Vanech sees this as a unique opportunity to shape political reality closer to home. Given former-governor Rowlands near-impeachment, now seems the logical time to announce my plans for 2006," said Mr. Vanech today in Los Angeles. Yes, American Candidate intends to debut a Presidential candidate; it could well be me. But in the state-governors race, my ideas can have an immediate impact. And with the right support, I am hopeful that I will become Connecticuts next governor. Our country needs leaders that are everyday, real Americans."

During the course of the show, the producers and Showtime executives promised that the program would catalyze and inspire some of the cast members to get active in local politics and possibly run for public office. Mr. Vanech is the first of the cast members to announce his plans to run for real office since the show began. While Mr. Vanech has been a lifelong businessman, most of the ten candidates have previously been involved in politics in some fashion. His time spent on American Candidate has motivated him to test his political mettle in the real world and pursue a life of public service.

Self-described as fiercely independent", Mr. Vanech favors smaller government. Having been registered as a member of both the Democratic and Republican parties, he would consider accepting the endorsement and ballot access of one of the parties, but is currently running as an unaffiliated independent. Touchstones of Mr. Vanechs gubernatorial campaign echo his national platform: Challenge the political establishment, restore true morality and democratic values, and achieve excellence in all things American."

Open-minded, forever optimistic, and with a moderate approach to government focused on consensus, Mr. Vanech calls for responsible fiscal policy and espouses progressive social beliefs. He promises a return to efficient, democratic government through electoral reform, insisting that all public servants be held accountable. Mr. Vanech also holds free speech in high regard, being vocal in his support of American workers. Throughout his professional career in cities nationwide, Mr. Vanech has led numerous innovative technology companies resulting in the creation of American jobs.

A married father of three, Mr. Vanech has lived in Boston, New York, Seattle and Los Angeles. As a charter-school board member, he is committed to reshaping the education system for our children. He credits his early schooling with his success at Choate Rosemary Hall high school in Wallingford, Conn. Mr. Vanech later earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance at Boston Colleges Carroll School of Management.

Like his education, success is a hallmark of Mr. Vanechs career. He started out in sales at MCI, where record results earned his management title. Mr. Vanech later founded and was president of Eureka Broadband Corporation, a 250-person, $35-million technology firm. Currently Mr. Vanech serves as president/partner of AMP5, a technology-acceleration and venture-capital firm headquartered in Los Angeles. He splits his time between California and Connecticut.

Press Contact:

Peter J. Schedler

917-363-3633

pschedler@yahoo.com

Related Web Links:

Showtime's American Candidate:

http://www.americancandidate.com/

Bob Vanechs American Candidate Site

http://www.sho.com/site/americancandidate/hq.do?content=bob

The Executive Producers of Showtime's American Candidate" are R. J. Cutler, producer of the acclaimed documentary "The War Room," Jay Roach who directed the three Austin Powers movies, and Tom Lassally, who is in post-production for the feature Stay."

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC xtra. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD®, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND. SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, which is owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios.

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