On The Issues
Taxes
Americans are over-taxed and already keep too little of the money they earn. The federal government needs to understand that they have a responsibility to be good stewards of our money and to use it wisely. I will support lower taxes, less government regulation, and a comprehensive review of the current tax code to bring simplicity, fairness, and equity to all citizens.
Economy and Jobs
The federal government’s massive spending has resulted in a huge debt that will have serious consequences for all of us unless reversed. The current national debt is roughly 12 trillion dollars, much of which is owed to foreign nations such as China. Continuation of this policy is a recipe for long-term economic disaster. Wisconsinites need jobs and the majority of jobs are created by the private sector. I will support incentives for small businesses, tax relief for families, elimination of wasteful government spending, and a balanced federal budget.
Healthcare
I agree that the current healthcare system needs improvement. We must make affordable care available to all U.S. citizens in an efficient and equitable way. It is unfair to deny healthcare coverage due to pre-existing conditions, low incomes, unemployment, or senior age. I will support a “bottom-up” solution that utilizes free-market principles, competition, and limited government regulation. I do not support a “top-down” government-run overhaul of the healthcare system. I want to preserve the integrity of our system that unquestionably offers the best healthcare in the world, including the best research and best technology. LEARN MORE
Energy
I believe that our great nation should be able to produce all of its energy needs and should not be dependent upon foreign sources of energy. I support becoming energy-independent by 2020, through utilization of our natural resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas, expansion of nuclear energy facilities, and use of biofuels, wind, and solar technology.
National Security and Veterans
One of the most important responsibilities of the federal government is to protect its citizens against domestic and foreign attack. In that regard, I will support our military and all those who protect us against aggression and terrorism with continued federal funding to guarantee a well-equipped military, secure national borders, and adequate funding for our veterans including proper healthcare, education assistance, and support programs. As a former Air Force Major, I am committed to a strong national defense and deeply respect the sacrifices made by our men and women in the armed forces, and especially for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Education
Our children represent the future of this great nation. We need to make every effort to guarantee the continued success of the education system, both public and private, thereby providing quality education for every child. We must respect parental choice for private education and home schooling as well as respect the need for adequate funding of public schools. I will support funding of public education with an over-sight process that rewards success and discourages poor results, empower states and local communities with important decision-making control, and promote school choice programs.
The Second Amendment
The Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” As Americans, we cherish our independence and do not want the government to infringe upon our constitutional rights. With rights go responsibilities, and any violators of established law should be duly punished. Therefore, I support legislation that provides the right of law-abiding citizens to own guns and prosecutes those who disobey the law.
Term Limits
One of the main reasons for the “disconnect” we are seeing between our elected officials and their constituents is the power and privilege accumulated through many years in Washington. Politicians often become more obsessed with their political careers than with serving the people who send them to Washington. Their values become fuzzy and their allegiances shift from their districts to the Beltway lobbyists. I wish to preserve the integrity of the political process where elected officials consistently represent the wishes of their constituents. I support the concept of term limits for Senators and Congressmen.
Immigration
I believe in the “American Dream” and favor legal immigration into our country. However, we should not reward those who enter the country illegally or who break our laws. I support a comprehensive review of the current U.S. immigration process as well as improved efficiency of the citizenship process so every immigrant worker has the necessary tools to become a productive citizen. We should have a balance between the needs of those legally entering our country and national security.
Life and Family
I am a strong pro-life advocate and believe that life begins at conception. We need to defend the unborn and ensure that those who do not have a voice are protected. I am against federal funding of abortion. I am also an advocate of strong families and firmly believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
