The nation’s $16 trillion deficit has led Lee Anderson to run for Congress.

Anderson, a farmer and member of the state House of Representatives from Grovetown, said the federal government has to curtail its spending.

"People are ready for a change," he said. "Everywhere I go, they say they want someone to go to Washington they can relate to. They know I don’t have all the answers, but I will work for them to get a balanced budget. We’ve got to get this spending under control and get government out of the way of businesses."

Anderson also called for fewer mandates and regulations on businesses "so they can create jobs," he said. "Government was never formed to create jobs."

Anderson said he knew he was going to run as soon as the new Congressional districts were approved. The 12th covers parts or all of 19 counties, stretching from suburban Augusta to Appling County. About two-thirds of Effingham County is within the 12th District. U.S. Rep. John Barrow (D-Augusta), the incumbent, will face Anderson, the GOP nominee, in November for the seat.

"There are several reasons I’m running for Congress," Anderson said. "I’m fed up with (President) Obama and this administrationwanting to shove the largest tax increase down our throat and call it health care and never give the people the liberty and freedom to vote on it, and taking away the freedom and liberty to choose what doctor they want to go to."

Anderson also said people should be able to choose their doctor and hospital and be able to cross state lines to purchase insurance plans they believe are best for their families.

Agriculture is the state’s No. 1 business, Anderson said, and the state would be served by someone who understands agriculture in its delegation.

"The majority of this district is agriculture," he said. "I think it’s time to send a farmer to Washington."

But, Anderson declared, he doesn’t intend on making Congress a permanent occupation. He explained he has no problem with term limits.

"I don’t plan on staying," he said. "Eight years, that’s what a president gets to serve — that’s fine with me."

Anderson had been a school board member and county commissioner before being elected to the General Assembly in 2008. When state revenues declined, lawmakers made cuts to every department, Anderson said, and even offered to furlough themselves for 12 days.

If he’s elected to Congress, he said everything should be on the table when it comes to discussing spending cuts.

"We need to look at every department," he said. "We need to have the strongest Defense Department we can. That’s one area I would not cut. But I would ask them to look and see if there are ways they can improve their spending."

Anderson said people expect their government to balance its budget, just as they have to balance their budget at home.

"Bottom line, if you don’t have it, don’t spend it," he said. "No one can run their business the way the federal government is running theirs right now. We’ve got to get it under control. We owe it to the people. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

"A lot of times people say they’re running to save our children and grandchildren. By all means, I’m running to save our children and grandchildren. But I’m also running to save us. We’re up against the wall."

Washington is "out of touch with the working people," Anderson added. He is the third generation of his family to operate the farm he now owns.

"I’m struggling just like everyone else, trying to make ends meet, trying to meet payroll, trying to make sure the business keeps going forward," he said. "It’s harder and harder every year to make sure we can keep the farm going."

Anderson said he will "never" cut Medicare and won’t vote to cut Social Security.

"I will never vote against our senior citizens," he said.

Anderson admitted bringing the nation’s deficit back in line won’t happen overnight. He also said he is willing to cut his own salary by 20 percent.

"I believe in leading, not following," he said.

Anderson also called for the construction of the Keystone Pipeline and for expanded domestic oil drilling.

"We need to get to where we do not depend on another drum of oil from a foreign country," he said. "We need to take care of ourselves. We’ve got plenty of coal in this country. There should be no consideration of shutting down the coal plants in this country."

While Anderson has been castigated for not agreeing to debate Barrow — Anderson said he won’t debate Barrow until the incumbent categorically states who will vote for in the presidential race and to be the next speaker of the House — he is open to a one-on-one with the four-term Congressman.

"I want John Barrow to tell the truth," Anderson said. "I want him to go on TV and say, ‘I’m voting for Obama for president and Nancy Pelosi for speaker.’ I’ve already said I’m going to support Mitt Romney, and I’m going to vote for Mitt Romney. Why can’t the man tell the truth? Let the people know where he stands. Why share a stage with him if he won’t tell the truth?"

In an interview with the Herald earlier this month, Barrow said, "How I intend to vote as a voter is no secret."

Though Anderson has not agreed to date to debate Barrow, he has not ruled it out.

"We’re still looking into it," he said.