Read profile and see the video  on KWNA’s web site.

The Matayo for Congress campaign released its first television commercials this week, featuring the endorsement of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

In the commercial, Huckabee lauds Matayo as a battled-tested legislative leader with strong Christian values and says, “Doug Matayo knows how to win, even when the Republicans are outnumbered.”

Although Huckabee has endorsed in primaries across America during this mid-term election, he only appeared in a commercial for Matayo this cycle.

In a second commercial featuring the candidate, Doug Matayo talks about his desire to cut taxes, create jobs, and fight for conservative values in Congress.

“I’m not going to Washington to make friends, I’m going to pick a fight,” says Matayo. “It starts by repealing Obamacare … I’m ready to embrace the battle for all we cherish, not run from it.”

The commercials can be found online at www.dougmatayo.com.

A small business owner, Doug, his wife Amy and their four children live in Springdale. As state representative, Doug led efforts to consolidate state government and opposed tax increases. He served as Gov. Mike Huckabee’s floor leader and received Huckabee’s endorsement for congress.

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Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee

“Our country is in a difficult spot right now,” said Huckabee. “If Republicans were not already awake, the Obamacare vote on Sunday woke them up. We must to do everything we can. We must send our best to Washington if we want to turn things around.”

“That is why I am endorsing Doug Matayo. I saw his work in the Arkansas House. He knows how to win even when Republicans are outnumbered. He fought to reduce the size of Arkansas government, has never supported a tax increase and he is kept on the right track because of his strong conservative Christian values. He is exceptional, and that is why I have made the exceptional decision to endorse someone in this election.”

‘These are tough times and tough times call for someone like Doug Matayo,” said Huckabee. “Doug is not just a placeholder. He will embrace the battle for all we cherish and not run from it. We need courageous patriots like Doug in Congress.”

Doug Matayo is a conservative Republican and small businessman. In his two terms in the Arkansas House, Matayo was known for opposing all tax increases and for authoring and passing Arkansas’ legislation to prevent illegal immigrants from getting state driver’s licenses. Matayo pushed against the Democrat majority in order to streamline government, reduce the size and cost of state agencies and protect the unborn.

“I travel the country and see many up and coming leaders,” said Huckabee. “That is why it is such a pleasant surprise to come home to Arkansas and see Doug Matayo running for Congress. He is one of the best conservative leaders I have seen anywhere in America. He never compromises his values. He doesn’t take no for an answer. He’s a businessman, not a politician. We need more people like Doug Matayo in Congress. I am excited to see him go to work there. He is the kind of man who will go to Congress not just to cast votes but to be a huge force for good.”

Matayo said, “I am honored to have the support of Arkansas’ greatest Republican. Mike Huckabee fought the Democrat machine in Arkansas and his leadership as Governor was courageous and always true to the values we hold deepest. As a Presidential candidate and a national figure Governor Huckabee brings a refreshing message to the national dialogue that proves simple common sense and core values would go a long ways in making our government better. I am humbled to have his support and trust.”

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Matayo is a conservative Republican and small businessman. In his two terms in the Arkansas House, Matayo was known for opposing all tax increases and for authoring and passing Arkansas’ legislation to prevent illegal immigrants from getting state driver’s licenses.

“I was moved to run because of what is happening in Washington right now. With President Obama making passing a government takeover of health care his top priority, it looks like the few conservatives left there could use some help. When I think about the direction the country is heading it concerns me for my children and their future. We have to take action now.” said Matayo. “I am hoping Arkansas will lead that effort.”

“Obama and the Democrats are trying to increase the size of government exactly when they should be cutting the size of government,” said Matayo. “Government is taking a larger and larger part of the economic pie and squeezing out private businesses and jobs. That leaves fewer working Americans and fewer businesses to pay the heavy tax burden.”

“If we all work together this year, the next election will bring a landslide of new, fresh, honest, conservative voices to Washington who will begin the process of putting this nation back on the right track,” said Matayo. “I want Arkansas to be a big part of that. That is why I have entered this election and why I am already working hard in this campaign.”

“It has been tough for America because of what has been happening in Washington for the last year. But I am optimistic that we are about to see a very big change,” said Matayo.

Matayo and his wife, Amy live in Springdale. They have four children.

Matayo has been active in conservative causes since his college days. He began by volunteering for the successful state senate campaign of John Brown in 1994. In 1998, he served as campaign manager for the successful campaign of Representative Andrew Morris. Additionally, Matayo was elected Vice-Chairman of the Siloam Springs chapter of the Christian Coalition in 1996. In 2004, he served as Washington County coordinator for the Arkansas Marriage Amendment which amended the Arkansas Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Doug has been active in his community. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Board for the Children’s Safety Center (CSC) in Springdale, being elected to the position in fall of 2008. Under his leadership, the CSC has increased their funding sources to their highest levels in their nearly 13 years of existence. Faith is the most important aspect of Doug’s life. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at his church – Keypoint Church. Keypoint Church has locations in Springdale and Bentonville.

Professionally, Doug has a background in management and finance. For the past 10 years he has operated an insurance and financial services firm in Springdale. He is also the managing partner in MyCoffee, LLP which owns and operates two drive-thru coffee stands along the Highway 412 corridor in Northwest Arkansas, in Siloam Springs and Tontitown.

Matayo is a businessman and entrepreneur but understands it is a social responsibility to contribute to his community through public service. Doug agrees with our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, when he said, “We in government should learn to look at our country with the eyes of entrepreneurs, seeing possibilities where others see only problems.”

A 1994 graduate of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Matayo graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and another degree in Broadcasting. He met and married Amy Millsap while attending JBU. They have been married 16 years and have four children, three of whom attend Springdale Public Schools.