The Economy and Budget
Whether Republicans or Democrats are in power, running up huge deficits and massive national debt is irresponsible and wrong. I believe we should immediately start working toward balancing the budget and reducing the national debt. The government should not be bailing out Wall Street corporations, or nationalizing banks or automobile companies.
Legislative
When our founding fathers gave birth to this great country, they never envisioned new bills in congress that were thousands of pages long. The Stimulus Package was over 1,400 pages. It was printed at midnight and by morning, congress was voting on it. Not one member of congress read the bill before voting on it. I believe all members of congress and interested Americans should have ample time to read and understand the contents of a bill before it is voted on. As a congressman, I would fight to ensure both congress and America have the time to read and understand bills before being voted into law.
National Security
America needs a strong military to protect us, home and abroad. And we need to support those fighting men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe. These men and women deserve the best equipment and the best care, both while serving and after.
And I believe in the importance of securing our borders. In the wake of 9/11, this is more important than ever. The lack of adequate border security puts all of us at risk of another terrorist attack on the United States. In addition, illegal immigrants cost this country millions of dollars by filling our jails and utilizing our services, draining valuable resources meant for the legal citizens of this country.
Wall Street Bailout
I was adamantly against the Wall Street bailout. I do not believe the government should be bailing out Wall Street, big corporations, or the fat cats who run them. I believe that when people and companies make bad decisions, they should live with their consequences. You and I didn’t benefit from the Wall Street bailout, but yet we are the ones paying for it.
Social Security
Millions of Americans have paid into social security all their lives and are counting on it as they begin to retire. We must shore up the Social Security program and work to ensure its benefits will be available to all of those who worked so hard to pay into it.
Energy
Even though fuel prices have dropped considerably, we must keep working toward energy independence. That means drilling and refining more of the oil we have here at home and utilizing the vast resources we have available to us in western Pennsylvania, like coal and natural gas.
2nd Amendment
I am a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights. I believe in Americans’ right to defend themselves. I also enjoy the sports of shooting and hunting and am a proud member of the NRA.
Life
I am pro-life and believe there is no question that life begins at conception. But, I don’t think saying you are pro-life is good enough. I think we need to provide and encourage viable alternatives to abortion and work to decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies in the first place. These goals can be accomplished now, with no need to wait until the "right" Supreme Court justices are appointed.