No name recognition, no problem – Mark Everson runs for president

Republican Mark Everson knows it's a tough road to the Oval Office – especially for someone with no name recognition.

But that's not deterring him.

Everson, who has served as the leader of the Internal Revenue Service and as deputy director at the White House Budget Office, announced his bid for the presidency in early March and has opened an office in Des Moines. The Pascagoula, Miss., resident stopped by the Capitol Wednesday to talk with lawmakers and meet with the press at a nearby book store as he heads out on the campaign trail.

"I recognize this is going to be a bit of a climb," he said, but he noted that others have come from behind to win the Iowa Caucuses.

"My hero is Rick Santorum," Everson said. "He was done. He lost a Senate race by 17 points, which is about as badly as you can get beaten as an incumbent. … But six years later, what did he do? He came out here, he worked his tail off and he won (the Iowa Caucus). This state plays a pretty important role in our democracy because it surfaces talent and thins the field."

Everson's policy goals include reforming tax policy, instituting comprehensive immigration reform that includes amnesty, and bringing back the military draft "so the rich and powerful share in that burden."

He said his proposal to bring back the draft has resonated with Iowa voters he's spoken with who feel the country has lost its shared sense of sacrifice.

Everson said he plans to invest between $250,000 and $300,000 of his own money into the campaign. He knows he'll have to raise significantly more, but says another goal of his candidacy is to show that big money can't buy elections.

"I think it's offensive, the idea that this process would be dominated by the money," he said. "And I think the people of Iowa … are equally offended by the idea of million-dollar fundraisers."

He said he plans to visit all 99 counties to knock on doors, attend meetings and hold events. A number of people at campaign stops have asked to take photos with him at events, he said – "just in case."