Tom Vigneulle, who is running for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District seat, visited Chilton County on Monday.

Though Vigneulle said he “never dreamed” he would be running for political office, Vigneulle said he hopes to bring his small business-minded approach to Washington D.C.

Vigneulle and his wife, Ginger, started their own business, Royal Bedding Manufacturing, in 1987. He said he’s seen the negative impact federal regulations have had on the business.

“There are hundreds if not thousands of small business owners that simply aren’t going to be able to make it,” he said. “Uncle Sam is the problem. He’s in the way of small businesses growing.”

Vigneulle recalled starting his business with $35,000. He said the cost now would be more than $200,000, mostly so a building would meet fire codes.

The candidate said he believes in a frugal and simple government, a principle he hopes to champion at the nation’s capital.

“I have a perspective that none of these other guys have,” he said. “I’m going to speak for small business owners and their employees. I want to bring back to Congress something that’s been lacking: ears to hear.”

Vigneulle said he also believes in “respect for the Constitution and respect for life,” and that the Republican party needs to return to its roots.

Vigneulle said he wants to empower citizens by supporting term limits, and listening to people and not special interests.

“Washington, D.C. is becoming a bubble, and we’re turning America toward socialism and Marxism,” he said. “It really is a sad story. We have to re-establish freedom.”

For more about Vigneulle, visit his website at TomIsForYou.com.