I am running for Congress because - like many Idahoans throughout the 1st District - I believe we need to get back to the basics of sound government:
* Less spending;
* Lower taxes;
* Limited government;
* A strong national defense;
* And, above all else, individual freedom.
These are the principles upon which our Republican Party was founded. Yet we are straying from these basics. Taxes are too high and the $8.2 trillion debt is unacceptable. We have too much regulation, at the expense of individual freedom.
We can't afford to continue down this path. That's why this race is so important.
I'm running because I have the experience, the ability and the passion to do this job. I've served 17 years in the Legislature and my peers elected me to leadership. I've chaired key committees, built coalitions and sponsored important bills.
I have a record of accomplishment. And when I go to Congress, I want to build on that record and work on the issues important to you, such as:
* Good paying jobs;
* Quality education;
* Affordable health care;
* Illegal drugs.
Badly written environmental policies, such as the Endangered Species Act, have hit many communities of this state like a wrecking ball. People are nervous about their future and the future of their communities.
We need to open new and diverse opportunities for Idahoans, and I believe we can accomplish that. Idaho is a great place to live and raise a family. I want to make it a better place to work.
A strong workforce depends on a quality education. I will push for greater local control over our children's education, and at the same time and work to increase the caliber of education.
We're in a global economy and we must compete globally. The education we provide is of national concern. The federal government can play a role by setting goals -- leaving Idaho and other states in control of setting standards.
I want to help make health care more affordable. In Idaho, there are about 250,000 people without health insurance and 80 percent of them are working people. That's a crisis. In addition, Medicare is a confusing mess for many senior citizens.
I'm a nurse practitioner and I've served as chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. I understand health care issues from the professional and political perspectives. Solutions aren't easy, but I'm well prepared to be involved in those debates. I want to bring some Idaho common sense to the table.
I will tackle the tough issues of illegal drugs and illegal immigration. Ninety percent of illegal drugs, amounting to $120 billion, come across our borders. To stop illegal drugs in our state, and the negative effects of illegal immigration, we must control our borders.
There will, of course, be other issues. But remember that the race for Congress comes down to this:
* The experience to know what's right;
* And the ability to get the job done.