Jobs & The Economy
My top priority is enabling job creation and turning our economy around. As a former business owner, I believe the federal government must stop driving companies overseas with high taxes and over-reaching regulations.
Washington has poured trillions into bailouts, while approving failed “stimulus” legislation and a budget breaking healthcare takeover. These actions have done nothing to improve our economy or put Americans back to work. It is critical that we change the regulatory environment to enable businesses to create good jobs, opening new positions for our seniors and young people to fill, and setting the stage for future opportunities for our children and grandchildren.
Government Spending & Debt
The current rate of government spending is unsustainable and Washington continues to fail in addressing it. The endless government bailouts and handouts must end – the debt must be resolved, the budget MUST be balanced, and we must do more than simply reduce the rate of RISE of the debt. Almost every economic report says we are on the verge of recession, so discussions of taxes hikes are ludicrous.Our taxes MUST be simple, fair and easy to apply. Congress MUST establish the priorities of where the treasure of our Nation will be spent. In Congress, I’ll work to produce a budget that assures our Nation’s security and protects the future well being of our children and grandchildren.
Energy
New Mexico’s abundant energy resources hold the promise of true economic development for the state and the nation. My knowledge of energy issues, as an industry executive, makes me uniquely qualified to represent New Mexico on this issue.
Our nation already has the solutions to our energy needs. Domestic oil, natural gas, coal, wind, solar and nuclear resources will power America and create jobs for New Mexico and the rest of the country. In Congress, I’ll work to enable job creation in New Mexico’s energy industry, fight-off harmful legislation like cap-and-trade and ensure that we have a true energy policy.
Foundational Issues
I believe in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe in the right to keep and bear arms. I believe that life is sacred from conception to natural death. I believe the family is the foundation of a strong America and that marriage between a man and a woman is the best foundation for strong families.
Social Security
Social Security is a solemn promise we’ve made to our seniors. Washington’s reckless spending and disastrous economic agenda threatens to bankrupt the country and that has put Social Security at risk. With every bailout or failed “stimulus”, Washington raids the Social Security trust fund, and endangers the promise we’ve made to Americans. That has to stop!
National Security
The National Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. We must remain vigilant against our enemies, both foreign and domestic. I will always work to keep America safe from terrorists, and defend it from Washington’s of out-of-control spending. I will always work to protect and fund the needs of our servicemen and women.
I understand the critical missions of our national laboratories and the military installations in New Mexico, especially Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base. In Congress, I will stand up for these institutions that are so vital to our economy and our national security. I will help guide the process through which their missions will change for the state, nation and the world.
Congress
The Constitution is the rulebook that Congress and the President must abide by. It guarantees a process to Americans, and it is meant to defend us from the excesses of government. Washington insiders and politicians should not be in the business of redefining their own power for those things not explicitly laid out in the Constitution. I believe Congress should abide by the following:
• Balanced Budget: Congress should have a budget, presented on time, and balanced. That means: Congress cannot spend more money than the American people pay in taxes and fees. I have long advocated a Balanced Budget Amendment but getting it passed by Congress and the States will take time; a Balanced Budget RULE can be implemented NOW but requires the integrity of those we send to Congress to honor and sustain the rule. NOW is the time to do the right thing. NOW is the time to balance the budget. I do not need an Amendment, or a rule, to do what I know is right! New Mexico has a balanced budget requirement and is among the few States that actually honors the balanced budget requirement. It is time for the Nation to do the same.
• Single Issue: With the exception of the budget, I believe each and every piece of legislation should be limited to a single issue – no log rolling, no ear marks, and no non-germane attachments in which hidden and confusing language can lurk!
• Transparency: The People’s business should be conducted in the open and unclassified records must be easily available.
• A Government that Works: We deserve a Government that is efficient and effective – a government that works for the people it is elected to represent!
