Connecticut: 2014 Candidates for Congress – Where They Stand….See note please
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/authors/detail/ruth-king-2014-candidates-for-congress
It is hard to believe that the Nutmeg State has not a single Republican legislator….This posting reflects my views and choices, not those of Family Security Matters which is non partisan.
To see the actual voting records of all incumbents on other issues such as Foreign Policy, Second Amendment Issues, Homeland Security, and other issues as well as their rankings by special interest groups please use the links followed by two stars (**). U.S. Senate
Richard Blumenthal (D) Next Election in 2016
Chris Murphy (D) Next Election in 2018
District 1
John Larson (D) Incumbent
http://www.ontheissues.org/house/John_Larson.htm **
RATED 1+ BY AAI INDICATING A PRO ARAB VOTING RECORD
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
HEALTHCARE http://www.larson.house.gov/index.php/on-the-issues/health-care
The historic health care legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama offers the American people the choice of affordable quality health care coverage for the first time. The Affordable Care Act is giving Americans more security by holding insurance companies accountable, and helping more families get the peace of mind of affordable health insurance.
IMMIGRATION http://www.larson.house.gov/index.php/on-the-issues/immigration
President Obama’s recent commonsense immigration reform proposal has four parts. First, continue to strengthen our borders. Second, crack down on companies that hire undocumented workers. Third, hold undocumented immigrants accountable in order to earn their citizenship; this means requiring undocumented workers to pay their taxes and a penalty, move to the back of the line, learn English, and pass background checks. Fourth, update the legal immigration system for families, workers, and employers.
ENVIRONMENT http://www.larson.house.gov/index.php/on-the-issues/energy-a-environment Today our nation continues to confront three of the most critical issues of our time, our environment, our foreign policy and our economy. It is clear that we must end our reliance on foreign sources of fossil fuels. These fuels are damaging our environment and causing hazardous climate change around the globe. They are also making us indebted to foreign countries, putting our national security in jeopardy. Americans are seeing record fluctuations in the cost of energy; filling up the gas tank or heating a home has become difficult to afford. That’s why Congressman Larson has focused on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower the price of energy, and invest in renewable energy sources.
Opposed construction of Keystone XL Pipeline without limiting amendments.
FOREIGN POLICY http://www.larson.house.gov/index.php/on-the-issues/foreign-policy Congressman Larson has stood firmly in support of Israel, considered our greatest ally and a great democracy in the Middle East. Previously, Larson has voted in favor of resolutions reaffirming Congressional support for Israel and the right of the Israeli people to protect themselves. At the same time, Larson has joined his colleagues in recognizing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, supporting diplomatic initiatives in the region.
Matthew Corey (R) Challenger
Contractor, Navy Veteran http://www.coreyforcongress2014.com/
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
http://www.coreyforcongress2014.com/issues
HEALTHCARE http://www.coreyforcongress2014.com/issues/health_care Health care cost is on the rise. I support purchasing insurance across state lines because competitive bidding will lower the cost of health care. I also believe in you should be able to keep the same benefits when switching policies. There should not be discrimination on purchasing healthcare with preexisting conditions. I believe in setting up private health care savings accounts to drive the cost of health care down. With the implementation of Obama Care we will see health care costs on the rise, people losing their primary care doctors, loss of full time positions to part time, and stagnation in hiring because business cannot afford the extra burden of regulations. Seniors are facing the most challenges with limited services and waiting lists. States should help subsidize health care to those who can’t afford it. Repeal the National Health Care and end its unconstitutional mandate that all Americans must carry only government-approved health insurance or answer to the IRS.
ENERGY http://www.coreyforcongress2014.com/issues/energy National security starts with becoming energy independent. We need to put an end to burdensome regulations that have a minimum impact on the environment. I believe we need to put Americans back to work by giving permits to drill on federal lands in a responsible way. Americans can collect royalties from mining companies to fund our green energy projects. We can grow our economy by keeping money state side instead of funding terrorist nations. This approach will protect our national interests, security, and stimulate economic growth.
District 2
Joe Courtney (D) Incumbent
http://www.ontheissues.org/house/joe_courtney.htm **
RATED -2 BY AAI INDICATING A PRO-ISRAEL VOTING RECORD
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
ENERGY https://courtney.house.gov/energy-environment/ As a founding member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and the Green Schools Caucus, I have worked to balance our nation’s urgent energy priorities with the protection of our environment. Energy independence is not just about lowering gas prices – it means greater national security and increased innovation that will spur economic recovery and American global leadership in the development of advanced energy technologies.
Opposed construction of Keystone XL Pipeline without limiting amendments.
HEALTHCARE https://courtney.house.gov/health-care1/ The Affordable Care Act, passed into law in March 2010, took a significant step towards addressing many of the unfair health insurance practices that impact families and businesses, invest in strengthening our health care workforce, and reorient our system of care to one that focuses on health maintenance – rather than disease treatment. I am proud to have received the Patient Advocate Foundation’s “Advocate of the Year” award for my work in ending the practice of pre-existing condition discrimination as part of the new law.
** Address the long-standing problems with the doctor reimbursement formula, known as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), that subject patients to annual threats to access to their doctors.
Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh (R) Challenger
Realtor, 2011 New London Mayor Candidate
http://www.loriforcongress2014.com/ 2014 is a critical year to unseat Joe Courtney and stop the tsunami of socialism that ails our economic growth in Connecticut! This is the year to initiate reform of government policies that are destroying our small businesses and crushing the middle class.
Obama’s policies, supported by Congressman Courtney, have only served to increase the ranks of the poor. Our land of opportunity is quickly vanishing along with the American Dream. The small business rain makers and job creators are being taxed and regulated into extinction.
From Common Core State Standards, that nationalized our education system; to Dodd Frank, which will soon drive small banks out of business; to the ongoing ObamaCare disaster: Congressman Courtney has voted in favor of and defended, 93% of what is hurting our economy and crushing our personal and economic freedoms.
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
ENERGY Expansion of our domestic energy production to power our economy and our country is a no brainer. Energy independence and innovative energy solutions are critical to both our national defense and our wallets.
In 2013, Lori produced a one hour radio show entitled ‘Living Off The Grid’ to draw the public’s attention to the urgent national security threat of our aged power grid. Of paramount importance, the Electric Grid must be addressed in crises mode; as the catastrophic loss of life that will result from a power grid failure is an actual and preventable threat. This is the single most important issue in our country that must take center stage.
REGULATION Congress should be restricted from passing laws that have not been read and that the citizens of this country have not been allotted time to review. This is an unconscionable practice in need of immediate reform. Citizens must have open access to bills before they are voted into law and be given ample time to scrutinize the purpose and effect of regulations that will be imposed upon them. Elected officials have a responsibility to read and understand a law before they vote on it.
FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE Our military objectives are undefined and ambiguous at best, and a cause of great concern, as is the fact that over 200 of our highest ranking and most experienced military brass have been fired since Obama took office.
Diplomacy in the name of civil liberty, human rights and freedom is a worthwhile foreign policy investment for our country, but long term military occupation, nation building and the failed notion of buying favor, is not.
HEALTH CARE President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is legislation that resulted in a Federal takeover of our entire health care system. While the Supreme Court ruled on mandatory purchase or penalty, dozens of lawsuits remain unheard on various aspects of this flawed law. Privacy, cost, access and accountability are Lori’s immediate concerns. Legislative reform must focus on protecting our healthcare professionals’ ability to provide necessary services and procedures, and prevent the already evident decline in patient care.
IMMIGRATION As the daughter of an immigrant mother, Lori supports legal immigration and embraces diversity. She does not support illegal immigration or amnesty that jeopardizes the integrity of our laws and our constitution. The welfare of legal citizens, workers, students, businesses and veterans takes precedence to amnesty policies designed to increase the autocratic powers of the Federal government, increase our tax burden and increase unemployment. It is the duty of the Federal government to protect our borders and that is a problem that must be addressed.
Evan Evans (R) Challenger
http://www.evanevansforcongress.com/
Evan enlisted in the United States Army and deferred his acceptance at the University of Connecticut for a year to complete his initial military training. He served as an enlisted man in the military from 1987 until 2001, when he was commissioned as an officer. Evan presently holds the rank of Major in the National Guard. He was deployed overseas in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990, Iraq in 2006, and Kosovo in 2011
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
HEALTHCARE Having health insurance for those who truly cannot afford or who cannot get it due to a pre-existing condition is a noble goal, but nowhere in this country do we see the negative effects of government regulation on business more clearly than with the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as “Obamacare”. We have gone from a country that had less than 5% of its population uninsured to a country where everyone is afraid about losing their insurance coverage. Federal solutions simply don’t work. I would, if given the chance, vote to repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act, and replace it with well-thought-out solutions.
ECONOMY AND JOBS The downsizing of government to its essential roles will reduce cost and reduce the deficit. A reduction of cost and the deficit will allow for the reduction of taxation which is driving business overseas where countries compete with us economically. I support the reduction of corporate taxation to induce businesses to bring their trade back home. Equally importantly, these reductions would be offset by reduction in government spending achieved by reducing the footprint of government and the inherent waste and duplication of programs and services. Meaningful reductions in spending can be achieved without meaningful reductions in service.
NATIONAL DEFENSE National Defense: We have a military weary from a decade of deployments, yet they are now experiencing cuts in their benefits. As a soldier and as a citizen, I can think of nothing that risks our national security more. As your Congressman, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the President seeks approval from Congress for all “non-emergency” military actions. Our young men and women will only be placed in harm’s way for those conflicts which have received appropriate Congressional oversight.
Congressman Courtney twice in a day voted to cut benefits to our veterans. As an officer in your military, I can attest to the fact that those same soldiers never cut benefits to their country. This betrayal is unacceptable, and I will work tirelessly to afford our soldiers, both in active service and retired, the benefits we promised them.
There is clear and present danger to our country from those who have sworn to harm us. Enemies like Al Qaeda are not decimated, but growing. Their growth is not only in the Middle East, but in parts of the Orient and Trans Africa. Potential trouble spots exist all over the world that could, at any given time, turn violent and devolve. There has never been a time when we more clearly needed a strong and vibrant military and, in spite of the burden we have placed on them with multiple deployments away from home into harm’s way, they are strong and proud. I am proud to have led soldiers in combat deployments and to have served beside the best of a generation.
District 3
Rosa DeLauro (D) Incumbent
http://www.ontheissues.org/house/Rosa_DeLauro.htm **
RATED NEUTRAL BY AAI
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
ENVIRONMENT http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=16
Curbing Climate Change Climate change is the biggest environment and ecological challenge we will face over the next century. Rising global temperatures are already causing the melting of glaciers and sea ice, resulting in rising sea levels and more severe and extreme weather events, including flooding and droughts, reduced crop yields, shortages of drinking water, and other negative ecological consequences. Coastal communities like Connecticut are at a greater risk for some of these dangers such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events, including hurricanes. To curb the harmful effects of climate change, Rosa strongly supports domestic and international efforts to reduce green house gas emissions and curb the negative effects of climate change.
Opposed construction of Keystone XL pipeline without limiting amendments.
HEALTHCARE After many months of debate and more than half a century of work on the part of many presidents who tried to reform our health care system, our country finally succeeded. The health care reform bill President Obama signed into law fulfills the promise of generations of great leaders who fought to secure quality, affordable health care for all Americans. This health care reform is good for the middle class, for small businesses and for the economy, and we will be a better and stronger country because of it. This is a big deal. It is a big deal because we have finally begun to overcome the distortions and power of the insurance companies who want to keep raising rates and dropping you when you are sick. It is a big deal because it brings so many big, long overdue changes that most people just take as common sense.
FOREIGN POLICY
Iran. Rosa is a co-sponsor of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, which sanctions foreign companies that sell refined petroleum to Iran or help Iran with its own domestic refining capacity. While she supports the reform movement in Iran, she also supports engagement with the Iranian government in an effort to reach a solution that prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Yet, barring any such agreement, she supports UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Iran, other multilateral sanctions to pressure Iran to curtail its nuclear activities, and, if necessary, unilateral sanctions including those provided for in the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, as part of an effort to convince the Iranian regime to meet the demands of the international community and change its current course.
Steve Packard (R) Challenger
http://www.packardforcongress.com/
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
- Encourage job growth in the US by reducing the unnecessary statutory requirements associated with hiring employees. End unnecessary regulations and make compliance easier wherever possible.
- Refocus US energy policy on providing more secure, economical domestic energy as a means of stimulating economic activity and improving national security. Transition toward energy sources that are low in carbon dioxide emissions.
- Reduce government waste, consolidate redundant programs and cut out the pork. Balance the budget and keep it balanced. Make the US government both more efficient and easier for citizens to navigate.
- End the abusive power grabs by the executive branch and other. Restore a fair and constitutional process for legislation.
- End the US government’s intrusion into the lives of Americans through warrant-less wiretaps, domestic spying and other breaches of the Constitution. Reign in the NSA and FBI and end the era of “Big Brother” in the United States.
- Institute meaningful and sensible changes in financial regulations to avoid another major banking crisis. Most importantly: end the disastrous practice of subsidizing and encouraging high risk lending and trading of bonds backed by such high risk loans.
- Re-write and simplify the tax code and make it more fair and equitable by removing many of the loopholes. Make taxation fair for the middle-class and make the US an attractive place to do business, rather than rewarding companies that move offshore.
- Institute real and meaningful healthcare reform that gives Americans back freedom and choice in their medical decisions while extending coverage and improving care to more Americans.
- Restore the United States to a leader and respected nation in the international community. Establish foreign policy that maintains a position of strength but avoids armed conflict and does not over-extend the military.
- Rebuild American science programs, including space exploration, the national laboratory system and agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Make the US a world leader in science once again.
District 4
Jim Himes (D) Incumbent
http://www.ontheissues.org/house/Jim_Himes.htm **
RATED NEUTRAL BY AAI
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
FOREIGN AFFAIRS http://himes.house.gov/issue/foreign-affairs-and-defense
- Ending the War in Afghanistan
- Reductions in Nuclear Weapons
- Israel – Throughout the process, we must never forget that Israel is the sole functioning democracy and our most reliable ally in the Middle East. Its history, politics, and thriving economy create a special and unbreakable bond between Americans and Israelis, and I will continue to support measures which strengthen our nation’s relationship with this critical partner. Through the continued support of Congress for investments in the security and development of the region, I hope that we can begin to make progress towards a just and lasting peace.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT America’s national security and economic prosperity demand that we take charge of our energy future. We need an energy strategy that reduces our dependence on foreign oil, promotes energy efficiency, encourages the development of American energy technologies and sources, and helps preserve the planet for future generations. Smart energy policy will create jobs in the short-term and make our planet more livable for future generations.
For far too long, our addiction to Middle East oil has resulted in our funding both sides of the war on terror and left us vulnerable to the whims of unstable foreign governments and dangerous dictators. Reforming our energy policy to encourage the discovery and production of home-grown energy sources and technologies will make our nation fundamentally safer and save billions every month in military costs.
Opposed Keystone XL Pipeline construction without limiting amendments.
WASHINGTON, DC-Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) ranks among the most pro-environment legislators in Congress, according to the League of Conservation Voters’ (LCV) 2013 National Environmental Scorecard. Himes earned a grade of 96 percent for his work in the House last year, and a 95 percent since taking office.
https://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-among-most-pro-environment-legislators-0
Joe Bentivegna M.D. (R) Challenger
Surgeon, Ron Paul Campaign Activist & ’94 US Sen. Candidate
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
HEALTHCARE As a Medical Doctor Joe understands the Healthcare system better than anyone else. He believes in sustainable and compassionate reform and that Obamacare is fundamentally broken
ECONOMY AND JOBS Today, the middle class is being massacred. This was once a country where one person with a job could support a family, purchase a house, get health insurance, and send a kid to college. Today, families can barely get by on two incomes. We need responsible economic policies that will reduce our debt, help families get back on their feet, and allow small businesses to succeed.
I support common sense reforms to eliminate bureaucracy and inefficiency. We can begin by simplifying the tax code, which is 73,954 pages long and costs American businesses and families billions of dollars a year in compliance expenses. We need to cut the corporation tax rate to encourage manufacturers and employers to stay in Connecticut, in order to provide jobs and stimulate economic growth. I also support the elimination of long term capital gains taxes, in order to encourage prudent investment, such as research & development that brings business to Connecticut, providing training and education for local people.
Dan Debicella (R) Challenger
Ex-State Sen., Ex-State Rep., Business Consultant & ’10 Nominee
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
http://www.debicella.com/issues.html
HEALTHCARE Dan supports repeal of ObamaCare. Dan has proposed new “Families First” plan to reduce healthcare costs for the middle class.
Interstate competition between health insurance companies to ensure that premiums are truly controlled by the market
Malpractice reform to reign in out-of-control insurance costs for doctors and hospitals
ECONOMY AND JOBS Create favorable environment for small business and entrepreneurs through:
- Simplifying the tax code
- Eliminating red tape and government bureaucracy
- Repealing ObamaCare
- Expanding free trade
Enable certainty for business, rather than the annual games on budget and regulatory issues
Carl Higbie (R) Challenger
Businessman & Iraq War Veteran, SEAL
While I was in the Navy, I published my first book, “Battle On the HomeFront” in an effort to point out our country’s short falls, and they have gotten worse.
HOT BUTTON ISSUE
HEALTHCARE I support and will motion to repeal Obama-care and return to our traditional healthcare system with one difference, competition across state lines.
I rarely support big government spending, however, I do support a federal subsidy for anyone with a pre existing condition who lost his or her insurance as a result of the “Affordable Care Act”.
John Shaban (R) Challenger
State Rep. and Attorney
https://www.shabanforcongress.com/
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
https://www.shabanforcongress.com/issues
HEALTHCARE Federalized Healthcare Insurance. A one-size-fits-all federal program will not work because the United States has a diverse a population, all with differing local economics, and all with differing local needs. Interstate competition, clarity and tort reform will drive down healthcare costs, not another federal program.
The “Affordable Care Act” is another federal leviathan fraught with flaws, exceptions and uncertainties. Worse yet, it is a program driven through punitive taxation rather than market-based solutions. The ACA needlessly imposes onerous obligations and a maze of regulations on both local governments and small employers – all with little benefit to the public at large. These burdens will drive up overall costs, limit doctor choice, and/or drive people to public exchanges and plans.
Simply put, the ACA is the wrong approach from wrong level of government, and I would support repeal.
IMMIGRATION Congress is moving in the right direction on immigration reform, but must stay away from blanket amnesty because giving a “free pass” to undocumented and/or illegal aliens is unfair to those folks who are going and have gone through the immigration process. Instead, I support a “step up and stand out” approach.
Undocumented and/or illegal immigrants should identify themselves as such, where after they will be charged with a violation of our laws. The penalty for the violations, however, can be suspended and eventually erased if that person registers with the INS, pays a small fine, pays taxes going forward and thereafter goes through the immigration process from the back of the line. During this time period, these folks should not be subject to deportation unless they violate other laws or otherwise depart from the process.
District 5
Elizabeth Esty (D) Incumbent
http://www.ontheissues.org/house/Elizabeth_Esty.htm **
NO STANCE ON FOREIGN POLICY
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
ENERGY http://esty.house.gov/issues/energy-and-environment
Energy and Environment – I have a long-standing commitment to protecting our environment and working for a clean energy future. The dramatic increase in extreme weather incidents around the world-including recent storms like Hurricane Sandy-is wreaking great human and economic havoc and should serve as a wake-up call that we need to take the impact of human actions on the environment seriously. We should move quickly to an energy-efficient future, which will require investments in renewable energy and incentives for energy-efficient technologies.
Opposed construction of Keystone XL Pipeline without limiting amendments.
HEALTHCARE http://esty.house.gov/issues/health-care Our goal needs to be making quality health care more accessible and more affordable for every American. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) isn’t perfect, but it is a significant step in the right direction. Many of its reforms are making a tremendous difference for people across Connecticut, and we can be proud that our state is leading the way in successfully and responsibly implementing the Affordable Care Act – with Connecticut being the first state to exceed the enrollment expectations set by the Congressional Budget Office.
Mark Greenberg (R) Challenger
Businessman and 2010/2012 Candidate
http://www.markgreenbergforcongress.com/
Mark Greenberg has now received more than 200 endorsements of 5th District leaders, including 17 members of the Connecticut General Assembly who represent towns in the district unifying around his candidacy, as well as the endorsement of 15 Republican Town Committees in the 5th District.
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
HEALTHCARE The failed, big-government experiment of ObamaCare is costing millions of people their health care coverage as well as their jobs. The Congressional Budget office reports that due to ObamaCare, the equivalent of 2.3 million jobs will be lost by 2021. Other workers are already seeing their work hours cut, as some employers are reducing workers’ hours below the 30-hour-per-week threshold at which the employer mandate kicks in.
I completely agree with the goal of ensuring access to health care for all Americans, but ObamaCare is not achieving that goal. It is a costly bureaucratic nightmare that has cost millions of American their health care coverage and will now cost millions more their jobs.
There are many problems with ObamaCare, but the main one is that it does not work. It needs to be repealed and replaced with solutions that actually do work.
To drive down costs and provide care to uninsured residents, I propose the following competition-based actions to increase access and drive down premium costs:
- allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines to promote competition and provide more consumer options at lower prices.
- provide options to purchase health insurance that are not tied to the workplace – so people do not lose coverage if they lose or leave their jobs.
- allow the purchase of catastrophic coverage in all states – which some states currently prohibit. Individuals should have the right to purchase the coverage they want, at a price they can afford.
- implement national medical liability reform to reduce costly and meritless litigation, to keep more doctors practicing medicine and to prevent the practice of “defensive medicine.”
ENERGY Today, alternative energies such as wind, solar, and geothermal provide us with the opportunity to move toward energy self-sufficiency. We must reduce our dependence on unstable and hostile countries by developing our own energy right here in America with new green technologies that will create jobs.
I am committed to the dependable, affordable, and environmentally clean production of energy for America’s future. I am committed to an energy policy that enhances our economic and national security – and one that includes development of all sources of energy – renewable energy, nuclear, natural gas, clean coal and domestic oil production, as well as any other forms of energy that can become economically viable and affordable to consumers.
We need to allow leasing, exploration, and production in more areas in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and the Alaskan Coastal Plain where 10.4 billion barrels of oil are estimated to lie beneath the surface – to achieve energy independence. One immediate step that should be taken is the approval of the fourth phase of the Keystone pipeline which would create thousands of jobs and deliver 700,000 barrels of oil per day.
We must also invest in the expansion of proven domestic energy sources like natural gas. Clean, safe and efficient domestic energy sources will create new jobs in America and lessen our reliance on foreign oil. Therefore, it is vital that we aggressively develop the infrastructure needed for transmission and delivery of natural gas.
NATIONAL DEFENSE America must be strong and vigilant and we need national defense policies at home and overseas that keep America safe and free. Unfortunately, the President’s budget priorities have placed ObamaCare above defense spending and the President’s 2013 budget reduced national defense to the lowest of the major budget priorities of the federal government in terms of dollars allocated. In addition, our military’s personnel levels and force structure have also been reduced.
History has taught us that standing up to bullies early can save American lives later on. President Reagan stood up to the Soviets until the people of the Soviet Union themselves demanded Western freedoms – and President Reagan lived to see the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. Being the greatest nation in the world brings great responsibility. Throughout history, America’s values and principles have been beacons of freedom to the world.
We need to ensure a military that is capable of safeguarding our national security, preventing a major power threat to our allies around the globe and protecting Americans against threats to their lives and well-being.
Sal Lilienthal (R) Challenger
Bicycle Tour Company Owner
http://www.sallilienthalforcongress.com/
After studying ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT literally in the Sri Lankan paddy fields and graduating from Hobart College in 1988, he moved to Vermont and landed a job turning wrenches at a bike shop. For nearly 10 years, he traveled almost everywhere on the planet with some of the world’s top cyclists providing technical support at races including the Tour de France. In 1997, Sal decided to start a business, a bicycle tour company in Kent Ct.
Goals: Strengthening the Economy, Defending the Constitution and Protecting the Homeland.
John Pistone (Independent Conservative) Challenger
http://www.pistoneforcongress.org/
HOT BUTTON ISSUES
TAXES
- A Flat / Fair Structure.
- R / D Tax Incentives. reduce capital gains.
- The repeal of the marriage tax penalty. oppose the A.M.T and the Estate Tax.
- Our federal income tax code makes our country less competitive and takes away our nation’s potential for job growth and creation.
HEALTHCARE Oppose Government-run health care – “Obama Care.”
- Oppose Government – imposed coverage mandates.
- Support Tort reform.
- Support Expanding the availability of health savings accounts.
- Support Interstate completion of health-care providers.
- Support Medicare and Medicaid reform.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT Support the following:
- Energy independence.
- Expanding of offshore oil and gas drilling.
- The immediate lifting of bans against drilling.
- Refinery construction.
- Development of alternative energy.
- The construction of the Keystone XL Pipe-Line.
- Support realist efforts to preserve the environment. I will only support factual data, not politicized science.
IMMIGRATION Support the following:
- Securing our borders and ports.
- Stiff penalties for document fraud.
- A guest workers program.
- All available technology to help support our agents at the borders.
- A reform immigration system that will create a path to earned legal status.
NATIONAL SECURITY Support the following:
- Keeping our Armed forces at full strength. Oppose any cuts to our veterans and their family benefits.
- All terrorists should be tried in a military tribunal.
- No Miranda Rights for terrorists.
- No foreign aid to state sponsors of terror.
- The expansion of Guantanamo.
- Accountable/transparency in defense spending.
- Oppose our U.N funding policy.
Comments are closed.
