Issues
Jobs and the Economy-
The job market has been slow to recover and here in the 8th District and families are hurting. My number one priority is creating jobs to support economic growth. Since Larry Kissell has been in office, the 8th District has lost over 25,000 jobs.
Taxes and Spending-
We must reduce the out of control government spending that will continue to add to our deficit and handcuff future generations of Americans. Our children and grandchildren deserve better.
Social Security-
Let me be very clear – promises made are promises kept.
Healthcare-
There’s no question that health care costs are on the rise and are already unaffordable for many Americans. As a nation, we need to address this problem. Unfortunately, the health care bill that Congress passed earlier this year will make the problem worse, not better.
High energy prices and our reliance on foreign resources are a significant threat to our long-term economic well-being and national security. We must aggressively pursue a goal of energy independence for our nation and make a national commitment to increase conservation and develop domestic resources, new technologies, and alternative and renewable sources of energy.
The recent oil rig explosion and resulting oil spill in the Gulf is tragic because of the loss of human life and the long term repercussions – both economic and environmental. There are many lessons to be learned from this crisis to avoid such tragedies in the future, but it is critical that we not be deterred from our goal of energy independence.
I am opposed to cap and trade mainly because it would not improve the environment and be so cost prohibitive for American producers and manufacturers that they would move jobs offshore into the welcoming arms of developing countries like China and India. In short, cap and trade is a job killer. If enacted, cap and trade would be a regressive tax that would result in the largest tax increase in American history. American consumers would be forced to pay more for energy and gas resulting in higher prices for goods and services shrinking American families’ disposable income.
Veterans-
As a Marine Corps veteran, I sympathize with the deployed service members and the families they leave behind. We are a nation at war, and I do not want our troops to be overseas one day longer than is necessary to complete their mission. While our troops are away fighting for our rights and freedoms, it is our duty to fight for their rights here at home. That includes providing our troops with the best possible training, equipment and support. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our troops and veterans for their service and sacrifice, and I am committed to be their voice in Washington.
Homeland Defense-
A key responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense of the nation. Like many in the 8th District, I am incensed by the government’s failure to secure our borders. We are at war and have enemies that seek to destroy our way of life and will exploit any gaps in our defenses. The Christmas Day attempted attack on Northwest Flight 253 and the Fort Hood massacre sadly underscored that eight years after 9/11 our homeland security and intelligence community still need to make great strides in improving coordination and connecting the dots. Despite what the Secretary of Homeland Security recently said, the “system” is not working. Our leaders in Washington must recognize the determined enemy we face and should not revert back to the failed Clinton years where terrorism was seen as a law-enforcement issue. The President should direct the Attorney General to transfer the 9/11 conspirators and Flight 253 bomber into military custody and they should be tried before a military tribunal.
I still believe that protecting Americans by pursuing terrorists must remain our top priority.
We must secure our southern border to stop the flow of illegals into our country, and we need to do this immediately. The border must be secured by whatever means is necessary — a physical fence, a virtual fence, more border patrol officers, the National Guard — whatever it takes.
America is the land of opportunity, but I am against any policies that encourage further illegal immigration. While I understand and sympathize with those who wish to come to the United States to provide a better future for their families, I believe they should arrive here legally and contribute rather than be a burden on our society. I am against amnesty and do not support so-called “immigration reform” measures that do little more than reward illegal behavior or provide expanded taxpayer funded services to illegals.
Second Amendment-
The Second Amendment guarantees the right of Americans to keep and bear arms. I will steadfastly work to maintain this right and fight vigorously against any measures that seek to undermine it. Our justice system does not need more gun laws and restrictions on individual liberties, but does need to do a better job prosecuting repeat offenders who are responsible for so many criminal acts. I pledge to protect the wonderful heritage of North Carolina’s sportsmen and women and will work to ensure their cherished traditions can be passed on to future generations.
Family Values-
Strong families are the building block of any healthy and prosperous society. Parents should be actively involved in their children’s lives, and our government should do more to encourage marriage and strong family units. I believe we must protect the unborn and support the traditional definition of marriage as that between a man and a woman.
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