The idea of a politician walking his district during a campaign isn’t foreign to Pike County residents. Walking long distances isn’t foreign to Congressional candidate Beau McKinney either.

That’s why McKinney, vying for the Republican nomination in District 2, kicked off his congressional “walk” in Troy Tuesday afternoon.

Former Marine McKinney, who has served two terms in Iraq, said his troops walked all throughout the area going door to door and listening to what the people wanted.

“That’s when I realized the real fight was in Washington,” he said.

McKinney said his intent in walking the district is two-fold.

“I’m tired of fancy words and speeches. My intent in walking the district is to show the people my actions,” McKinney said. “I also want to find out what their wants and needs are.”

McKinney is running his campaign with several key stances from voting House speaker Nancy Pelosi out of her seat to repealing the Obama health care plan if elected to the seat.

Health care, he said, is the issue he believes is among the most important for the district’s voters.

“I want to serve the interest of the people. I am the only candidate with the leadership skills, knowledge and a proven plan…that can really save America,” he said.

McKinney started his hike in Troy Tuesday, but he said he will likely stay in the area for a couple days.

He doesn’t have a time frame on when he’ll complete his trek, but he is headed south to Brundidge and ending in Daleville.

He said he’ll head toward Montgomery after, but he is focusing his campaign on the Wiregrass area.

McKinney will be camping in various places along the way, he said.