The Issues
OVERVIEW
Individual freedom and the dignity that is derived from that freedom is the cornerstone of America’s greatness. With that fundamental belief in mind, I want to help change the course in Washington.
It is time to clear the government created roadblocks of deficits, debts and high taxes and once again unleash the greatness of our people and the free enterprise system.
Constrained government spending and a lower tax burden will reverse the economic decline that has plagued America for the past year and a half. Will this turnaround happen overnight? No, but as John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan knew, allowing people to keep more of their hard-earned money is far superior to putting it in the hands of government bureaucrats.
So let’s begin a new chapter in America’s history by renewing our faith and hope in the American dream. Let’s incentivize our people to put their energy, creativity and determination to work for the betterment of our nation.
THE ISSUES
THE ECONOMY AND JOBS
When it comes to job creation, the goose that lays the golden eggs is small business. There are an estimated 18,000 small businesses in the 10th Congressional district. We must do all that we can to spur their growth.
Lower taxes, a common sense approach to regulations and access to capital can quickly get America moving again.
It’s time to end confiscatory taxing, stimulus packages that are really political packages and economic experiments like Obamacare.
TAXES
Plain and simple, we are taxed too much. Americans have been tightening their belts for years and now it’s government’s turn to discover fiscal discipline. History has shown that higher taxes will only bring more spending, more deficits and more debt.
SPENDING
Spending by the federal government is out of control. During my years as State Treasurer, we reduced the spending at the Treasury by 62%. Bringing efficiency to the activities of the federal government will be a major goal of mine. It is time for an efficient, effective and disciplined government.
NATIONAL DEBT
Our national debt is over $12.5 trillion and is projected to exceed $14 trillion by year end. $12.5 trillion represents $40,000. of debt for every man, woman and child in America. What an appalling legacy to leave future generations. They deserve better.
HEALTHCARE
I am strongly opposed to the proposed federal takeover of America’s healthcare by the federal government. Spending on healthcare represents about one-sixth of our gross national product. The entire issue of healthcare should be carefully reconsidered by the Congress with the emphasis on free market not governmental solutions.
ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS
I support the appointment of a bipartisan commission to consider reform of entitlement programs and to propose solutions.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The long term future of our country is dependent on our public schools. The global economy demands that our students be able to compete on the world stage. I support higher standards and accountability for students, teachers and school administrators. In that vein, I support the further expansion of charter schools to increase the educational choices and opportunities available. More competition among different school models will bring about healthy results.
HOMELAND SECURITY
The safety of the American people is one of government’s most important roles. We must secure our borders and improve our intelligence resources to combat terrorism. I believe that terrorists should be treated as enemy combatants.
ARMED SERVICES AND VETERANS
The brave men and women who volunteer to serve America in the armed forces deserve our gratitude and support. Many American lives are at risk around the world and at home. When they return home, after their active service is completed, we as a nation owe them the best medical care available and all of the other benefits that they have earned.
IMMIGRATION
My parents came to this country as immigrants. Our country is built, in large part, on the efforts and hard work of legal immigrants. With that said, the government should vigorously enforce the laws regarding illegal immigration. The citizens of this country should not be burdened with the substantial costs of illegal immigration.
THE ENVIRONMENT
I support common-sense conservation policies that reflect the need for Congress to serve as good stewards of the environment. We owe it to future generations.
ENERGY
We need a comprehensive energy plan to reduce gas prices and curb our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. We need to utilize American energy supplies, promote the building of new refineries, cut the number of reformulated fuel blends, and responsibly promote conservation technology and alternative sources of renewable energy.
ABORTION
I support a woman’s right to choose under the guidelines set by the United States Supreme Court. Certainly, many people disagree with this position and I respect their views. I do oppose partial birth abortion and federal funding of abortions. I support parental consent requirements for minors and counseling to encourage adoption and would work to increase the number of adoptions.
RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
I strongly support the citizens’ rights set forth in the Second Amendment as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. Safe and responsible gun ownership is a fundamental American right going back hundreds of years.
DEATH PENALTY
I support the death penalty in certain cases involving heinous crimes.
SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Marriage, in my view, is between a man and a woman. In a federalist system, states should be able to legally sanction other unions. It should be a state’s choice by referendum or legislation not by a state court acting by judicial fiat.
MIDDLE EAST
Politics in the Middle East are complex and constantly changing. Certain things that don’t change are that Israel is an important American ally and we cannot accept nuclear weapons based in Iran.
Regarding Israel, we need to continue to play a role in seeking common ground and negotiations with the Palestinians. A possible two-state solution could help reduce tensions and terrorism in the area.
Iran is controlled by an anti-American fervor. Neither Israel nor America can risk having Iran armed with nuclear weapons. I support strong economic and other sanctions that will reduce that possibility.
THE ISSUES
The Economy and Jobs
When it comes to job creation, the goose that lays the golden eggs is small business. There are an estimated 18,000 small businesses in the 10th Congressional district. We must do all that we can to spur their growth.
Lower taxes, a common sense approach to regulations and access to capital can quickly get America moving again.
It’s time to end confiscatory taxing, stimulus packages that are really political packages and economic experiments like Obamacare.
Taxes
Plain and simple, we are taxed too much. Americans have been tightening their belts for years and now it’s government’s turn to discover fiscal discipline. History has shown that higher taxes will only bring more spending, more deficits and more debt.
Spending
Spending by the federal government is out of control. During my years as State Treasurer, we reduced the spending at the Treasury by 62%. Bringing efficiency to the activities of the federal government will be a major goal of mine. It is time for an efficient, effective and disciplined government.
National Debt
Our national debt is over $12.5 trillion and is projected to exceed $14 trillion by year end. $12.5 trillion represents $40,000. of debt for every man, woman and child in America. What an appalling legacy to leave future generations. They deserve better.
Healthcare
I am strongly opposed to the proposed federal takeover of America’s healthcare by the federal government. Spending on healthcare represents about one-sixth of our gross national product. The entire issue of healthcare should be carefully reconsidered by the Congress with the emphasis on free market not governmental solutions.
Entitlement Programs
I support the appointment of a bipartisan commission to consider reform of entitlement programs and to propose solutions.
Public Education
The long term future of our country is dependent on our public schools. The global economy demands that our students be able to compete on the world stage. I support higher standards and accountability for students, teachers and school administrators. In that vein, I support the further expansion of charter schools to increase the educational choices and opportunities available. More competition among different school models will bring about healthy results.
Homeland Security
The safety of the American people is one of government’s most important roles. We must secure our borders and improve our intelligence resources to combat terrorism. I believe that terrorists should be treated as enemy combatants.
Armed Services and Veterans
The brave men and women who volunteer to serve America in the armed forces deserve our gratitude and support. Many American lives are at risk around the world and at home. When they return home, after their active service is completed, we as a nation owe them the best medical care available and all of the other benefits that they have earned.
Immigration
My parents came to this country as immigrants. Our country is built, in large part, on the efforts and hard work of legal immigrants. With that said, the government should vigorously enforce the laws regarding illegal immigration. The citizens of this country should not be burdened with the substantial costs of illegal immigration.
The Environment
I support common-sense conservation policies that reflect the need for Congress to serve as good stewards of the environment. We owe it to future generations.
Energy
We need a comprehensive energy plan to reduce gas prices and curb our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. We need to utilize American energy supplies, promote the building of new refineries, cut the number of reformulated fuel blends, and responsibly promote conservation technology and alternative sources of renewable energy.
Right to Bear Arms
I strongly support the citizens’ rights set forth in the Second Amendment as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. Safe and responsible gun ownership is a fundamental American right going back hundreds of years.
Death Penalty
I support the death penalty in certain cases involving heinous crimes.
Same Sex Marriage
Marriage, in my view, is between a man and a woman. In a federalist system, states should be able to legally sanction other unions. It is should be a state’s choice by referendum or legislation not by a state court acting by judicial fiat.
Middle East
Politics in the Middle East are complex and constantly changing. Certain things that don’t change are that Israel is an important American ally and we cannot accept nuclear weapons based in Iran.
Regarding Israel, we need to continue to play a role in seeking common ground and negotiations with the Palestinians. A possible two-state solution could help reduce tensions and terrorism in the area.
Iran is controlled by an anti-American fervor. Neither Israel nor America can risk having Iran armed with nuclear weapons. I support strong economic and other sanctions that will reduce that possibility.
