What I Believe

Leading a Republican renaissance

America remains a center right nation, but we must do a better job at articulating conservative solutions to problems facing our nation. Simply put, we need a Republican renaissance. We must be prepared to offer a real and substantive alternative to the policies of liberal governance that we know simply don’t work. We need small government with big ideas. I’m running for Congress to champion a smaller, fiscally responsible government that emphasizes personal responsibility, the sanctity of each human life, the primacy of the family, and a strong national defense.

Strengthening business, growing jobs

Policy makers should not be in the business of using the tax code to pick winners and losers. Incentivizing niche industries or creating tax loopholes for corporate giants is neither the responsibility nor the function of good government. Congress must instead dramatically and permanently reduce corporate tax rates and axe onerous regulations to ensure American businesses can compete around the world. I’m running for Congress to reduce corporate tax rates.

Defend life at all stages

The Declaration of Independence recognizes as self-evident that our Creator has given us an unalienable right to life. Public policy and judicial fiat which undermine this most basic of all God given rights diminishes the humanity of us all, and must be remedied. The most vulnerable among us, the unborn, the aged, and the infirm will have no greater advocate in Congress than myself. I am running for Congress to champion the sanctity of life.

Protect and promote marriage and the family

It all begins and ends with the family. The family is the most basic unit of American government; as the family goes, so goes the nation. For the well being of our children, and in light of the innumerable social goods conferred upon society by the married family, I believe government has a compelling interest in promoting a marriage culture. Marriage, as ordained by God predates civil government and should not be redefined by unelected, unaccountable jurists. I will advocate policies that honor the sacred institution of marriage and provide the common sense tax relief that families need to raise their children. I’m running for Congress to strengthen the family.

Rein in runaway spending

With a current budget deficit nearing $1.5 trillion dollars, and a presidential administration committed to failed Keynesian economic theory, conservatives in Congress have some heavy lifting to do.  We simply cannot afford the government we’ve created, and with the retirement of the baby boomer generation our entitlement programs are headed for fiscal disaster.  Our national indebtedness has become a security issue, and at this point even a strong economic resurgence will not be enough to cover the government’s unfunded liabilities.  We need a fundamental change in the way government does business.  No more excuses.  No more mortgaging our children’s future to pay for things we don’t need and can’t afford.  Congress must act to dramatically cut discretionary spending–starting with ineffective, redundant, and unconstitutional programs.  I’m running for Congress to get our nation’s fiscal house in order.

Fix the tax code

Americans should resent the fact that our tax code is so complicated it’s created an entire industry of professional tax preparers. We shouldn’t have to fear an IRS audit or penalties for non-compliance to a tax code that’s so complex the Congressmen that write it don’t even prepare their own taxes. The tax code must be simplified.  I’m running for Congress to overhaul the tax code and provide permanent tax relief for families and businesses.

Maintain a strong defense

Reagan once said, “History teaches that wars begin when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.” America’s military has been one of the greatest forces for good the world has ever known. Our government must ensure that our military continues to be second to none, that our fighting forces receive the support they need, and that our veterans are honored for their service. A strong defense and a robust intelligence remind our enemies abroad that the cost of aggression against the United States and our allies is anything but cheap. I am running for Congress to keep America safe.

Uphold the Second Amendment

The right to bear arms was understood to be so basic and necessary to American citizens that our founding fathers saw fit to include it in the constitution’s Bill of Rights. I believe that firearms in the hands of law-abiding citizens serve as a powerful crime deterrent and will do all I can to ensure that our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is upheld. I‘m running for Congress to protect and uphold our Second Amendment rights.

Reform health care

Access to affordable health care for all Americans can be achieved without socializing our health care system. Congress should act to shift control of health care from employers to individuals and families. By allowing greater competition in the insurance market and by giving families ownership of their health insurance, we can drive health care costs down. We can also increase security by making health insurance portable and attainable for the self-employed, students and those between jobs. I’m running for Congress to ensure that Americans have access to world leading health care services on their own terms.

Improving education

Instead of increasing the strings attached to federal education funding, Congress should act to empower parents to choose the best educational option for their children, ensuring students have every opportunity to succeed and are prepared to compete in the global marketplace. Congress must also act to ensure that higher education, the linchpin of the American dream, remains affordable. Both goals can be accomplished by simplifying the tax code to recognize that education is an investment in human capital. I’m running for Congress to champion educational choice, and to keep education policy decisions local.