The Issues:

1. Immigration and Borders

Peaceful immigrants should be allowed to enter the US at conveniently located Customs and Immigration stations, subject only to brief vetting to ensure that they are not terrorists or criminals, and reasonable consideration of the nation’s ability to assimilate them. Coupled with reasonable immigration for the peaceful, I believe we must maintain a vigorous national defense against our enemies. Terrorists and criminals who attempt to enter the US via a Customs and Immigration station should be denied entry and, where applicable, arrested and detained or extradited.

2. Foreign Policy and the Military

My foreign policy is one of nonintervention. I am not an isolationist; I advocate conducting open trade, travel, communication, and diplomacy with other nations. It is diplomacy, not force, that should be the U.S.’s first response in international affairs. I support the individual troops who serve over seas. I believe in providing financial educational support, world-class medical care and other services for those who courageously serve in the military.

3. Toll Roads

I support legislation that would forbid tolls on any highway right of way which was obtained with tax dollars or through the use of eminent domain. I uphold the right of private enterprise to construct and operate private toll roads, provided that those private toll roads were not established by coercive government power.

4. Government Spending and Taxes

I believe that Federal spending and taxes are out of control. First, I support balancing the budgets at all levels of government without increasing net taxation. Next, I support a moratorium on bond issues and all other forms of borrowing money, giving top priority to the repayment of government debts. Then, once government debt and wasteful spending are eliminated, I believe that the savings must be returned to the people in the form of lower taxes. Finally, I support consideration a “Fair Tax” or “Consumption Tax” to replace the Internal Revenue Code, like the taxes on retail sales (except it would reimburse for taxes on purchases up to the poverty line so that citizens are not taxed on necessities). A Fair Tax / Consumption Tax taxes on what is bought, not earned. Fair Tax / Consumption Tax doesn’t tax on savings or interest earned on those savings. Taxes apply only to new goods, so taxes can be reduced further by buying used goods.

5. Education

I am concerned that our current educational system has caused the U.S. to fall behind other countries, which will have dire long-term consequences. I believe that the Federal government should set standards for the educational system to aspire towards, but let individual States, and competition within each State, act as the mechanism to achieve educational excellence. I believe this would allow for creativity to emerge for local governments to tailor the systems to the needs of their increasingly diverse populations. Equality should be the focus of the Federal government and Equity should be the focus of the state and local governments. For example, each student should receive the same Federal dollars, regardless of where they go to school (the Equality piece). The schools / parents should then decide how to best use the money (the Equity piece) based on student local needs. Additionally, the federal government could foster cooperation across states to encourage the sharing of information. To enable this competitive market in education, I would support the repealing of all restrictions on transfer from one public school to another or between public and private schools. Also, I would repeal all laws which interfere with the right of parents to home school their children. I believe that the public school system, originally established as the school of last resort, should not enjoy a monopoly on the education of our children.

6. Internet Regulation

I believe the internet should be free from government regulation and taxation.

7. Gambling

I would legalize casino and other types of gambling. I recognize that fraud in gambling is just the same as any other form of fraud. I therefore seek to ensure that those who operate crooked games, including public officials, are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

8. Police Powers

I support legislation or judicial rules that forbid the execution of “no-knock” warrants unless there is probable cause that they are necessary to avoid death or serious injury to an innocent person. I require that all warrants be presented to the subject for examination, with an original signature and a copy of the affidavit attached, and that the subject have an opportunity to contact the court that issued the warrant to verify its validity.

9. Gun Ownership

While not owning guns myself, I support rights of the people to keep and bear Arms and urges responsible gun ownership. I am aware of the fact that crime actually drops where gun ownership increases.

10. Freedom of Religion

While committed to my own faith and a regular member of my Church, I have consistently advocated that the federal government not be involved in citizens' everyday lives. For instance, I believe that prayer in public schools should neither be prohibited nor mandated at the federal or state level.

11. Abortion

I do not plan to turn my attention to the overturning of any existing Federal abortion laws. I support parental notification and the ban on partial birth abortion.

12. Capital Punishment

I do not believe that the federal government should use Capital Punishment as a penalty.

13. Welfare and Social Security

I am not a supporter of corporate or personal welfare. I believe that private organizations, charities, and individuals are best at determining who truly needs assistance and at improving conditions that lead towards self-sufficiency -- not the government. Specifically, I believe that we need to face the difficult issues associated with the fact that the current Social Security system’s expenses will soon exceed receipts and the system could be bankrupt as early as the 2030’s. My view on addressing this situation would be to meet current commitments for retired / nearly retired citizens, but then privatize Social Security. It should be noted that the Social Security system was never intended to be the only source of money during one’s retirement.

14. Free Speech

I am a strong supporter of Free Speech.

15. Environment

I strongly support environmental issues and believe that most Americans care about the environment, as well. I believe that market-oriented reforms will provide a cleaner environment, at lower costs.

16. Eminent Domain

I would close the loopholes in the prohibition against the use of eminent domain for private economic development. Under no circumstances should government have the power to force the transfer of land from private entity to another against the will of the owner.

17. Sexual Orientation Legislation

I oppose all Federal efforts to redefine marriage as between one man and one woman, as I believe that recognizing or legislating marriages should be left to the states.

18. Medical Marijuana and Drug Prohibition

I do NOT plan to focus my attention to repealing any existing drug law. I do not oppose the use of marijuana as a medical option. I believe that drug abuse should be treated as a medical problem.

19. Energy Independence

I believe that the U.S. needs to achieve Energy independence and that every potential solution must be pursued. I believe that America can achieve energy independence through a national strategy that emphasizes diversification, innovation, and conservation.

20. Health Care

I want to increase the quality, affordability and portability of health care. I believe in free-market solutions to the challenges we face. I believe that we can reduce costs and improve the quality of care by increasing competition.