As a fourth generation Idahoan, raised in North Central Idaho, I take pride in the values Idaho represents---love of God, family, country and freedom, self reliance, hard work, common sense, and community spirit. As your Congressman, I would work tirelessly to make certain those values are protected.
As the owner of the ACE Hardware Store in Stites, Idaho I am the only small businessman in the race. I have been married to Pia for thirteen years and we have a seven year old son, Nicholas.
My experience includes:
* councilman and mayor of a small rural city
* three term state Senator served as:
* Vice Chair Natural Resources committee
* Chairman Health and Welfare committee
* Chairman Transportation committee
Americans' freedoms are being threatened from within and outside of our borders with attacks on private property, over-regulation, high taxes and out of control federal spending, unfair trade agreements, illegal intruders, and terrorists. Last summer a Chinese government-owned oil company attempted to buy a large American oil company. America should NOT be for Sale to foreign interests.
Ronald Reagan said it best:
"Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance - it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it, have never known it again."
National Security
* Always place America FIRST
* Adequately supply our soldiers with equipment and training
* Immediately secure our borders from all illegal intruders and reimburse local governments for ALL costs incurred
Energy Independence
* build additional refineries
* develop oil shale reserves
* expand oil exploration including ANWR
* keep energy reserves in American control
Budget
* freeze current budgets
* evaluate programs and departments for possible placement under local government or private sector
* Agencies and departments must justify mission, existence, size, and regulations' impact on citizens and businesses
* focus on America's needs instead of the world's wants
Health Care
* allow small business/individuals to purchase affordable group insurance
* give individuals responsibility/oversight of their medical costs
* stand up to pharmaceutical companies to ensure Americans are not paying to benefit other countries
* allow medical providers to concentrate on health services instead of paperwork shuffling
A strong American economy cannot continue to send our jobs to foreign countries without the same labor and environmental regulations. We can compete and prosper if given a level playing field with fair trade, not free trade agreements.
Effectively representing the interests of Idaho in Washington D.C. requires someone who will take bold and consistent stands -- even if those positions are unpopular inside the beltway. My record shows I work well with others, yet also stand on my convictions. I am a responsible, effective conservative who does not "go along to get along." This is why I am endorsed by former Congressman Helen Chenoweth.
I ask for your vote May 23.