Campaign Blog » On the Issues » 
The top issue in this Congressional election is the economy. Actions must be taken to promote economic growth and job creation. History shows us that the best way to grow the economy and create jobs is to: limit the size of government, cut taxes and give businesses the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. I support economic growth principles such as reducing the role of federal government in industry; lowering taxes on families and businesses; and aggressively seeking to open markets and sign trade agreements. It is also important that America develop a comprehensive national energy policy that will allow us to be less dependent on foreign sources of energy and reduce high costs. In addition, as your Congressman I will work tirelessly to recruit new businesses and investment to Central Indiana, being a loud and pro-active voice for our region. One thing is for sure: the current policies of firing up the printing press and throwing trillions of dollars at the recession is not the proper way to get us out. In fact, these irresponsible borrow-and-spend policies are ultimately going to force huge tax increases and trigger inflation.
Campaign Blog » On the Issues »
Healthcare reform is important to the stability of our nation and the well-being of its people. Our current system is too expensive and too many Americans cannot afford healthcare. Many policy ideas have been introduced to solve the problem, including a government-takeover of the industry. I support solutions that are free market-based and disagree with the $1 trillion Democratic Party plan. I agree with President Ronald Reagan about the dangers of socialized medicine. The nation must solve our healthcare problem via private means.
Here is a list of policy ideas that reduce costs, expand access and increase the quality of healthcare for every American – and most importantly does so in a way our country can afford: 1) Increase competition and lower costs by allowing individuals and businesses to buy insurance across state lines; 2) Expand access to “group coverage rates” by giving individuals, small businesses and other entities the power to join together to get health insurance at lower prices, the same way large businesses and labor unions do; 3) Legislate medical liability reform that encourages speedy resolution of claims and deters junk lawsuits that drive up the cost of care; 4) Encourage insurers to offer incentives for wellness care and prevention, just like auto insurance companies discount your rate for being a safe driver; 5) Ensure that all individuals have access to coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions by establishing private sector-based “universal access programs.”
These are just a handful of ideas that would dramatically reform the industry and not require massive government intervention and spending. In comparing the plans of America’s two political parties, I support the common sense approach proposed by Congressional Republicans, which includes both Republican and Democratic ideas. Read the GOP Healthcare Plan. The bottom-line in the healthcare debate is that reform must happen for the good of our nation. We must get costs lowered and access expanded. During my campaign and as your Congressman I will fight to achieve those goals.
On the Issues »
Why do I want to be a United States Representative? I submit this Statement Of Candidacy for your review. I believe in Individual Freedom. I believe in a Limited Federal Government. I believe in Low Taxes and Free Markets. I believe in having a Strong National Security. These are the reasons I am a Republican and this is the overarching point of view I would bring to the table as your Congressman. My desire to do this job stems in large part from my goal of a life of public service, in all of its forms. I have always wanted, and will always strive, to be a public servant and to better the future of Indiana and the United States. A President once said, “…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” These words ring as true today as they did almost 50 years ago and I want to answer the call of service. I have the ability, education, experience and capacity to be an effective Congressman and I would always do my best for the constituency.
I want to bring a sense of honor, decency, integrity and common sense back into the U.S. Congress. Too often we hear people claim that all politicians are the same and they are only looking out for themselves. With an average Congressional approval rating regularly below 40 percent, I am not at all surprised to hear these sentiments. What most politicians seem to forget is that they are elected to represent the best interests of their constituencies and their country…not their own interests. I will never forget why I walk the halls of Congress and I pledge to always do my best for the District, State and Country.
Increasingly in today’s political scene politicians vote along party lines or based on special interests. It has always been a strength of mine to look at all sides of an issue before taking a position and to make my decision based off of “is this policy going to be in the best interests of my constituency rather than myself, my party or special interest groups?” I will always vote for the bill that is the most beneficial for the Hoosiers I represent and will never vote for a bill only based on who initiated and supports it. I believe that representing the interests of all of my constituents, rather than some, is the best way to ensure a free, safe and prosperous America for all citizens and future generations.
We stand at a crossroads in our history and need to assure the continued leadership of this country on the world stage. It is time to usher in the next generation to take up the reigns of leadership and responsibility for the future of the U.S. I accept this challenge and ask for your support and vote in the 2010 elections.
