The incumbent, Bob Etheridge, maintains an lifetime voting record opposing all of these principles according to the Republican Liberty Caucus. As an authoritarian, he advocates strong government restraints on both economic and social issues; he favors government ownership of our property, restricted markets, and mandated social conformity.

While you may or may not agree with my position on a certain issue, at least you will know where I stand. The same cannot be said for my opposition: the current US House Representative Bob Etheridge and Republican Challenger Dan Mansell.  They are leaving the option of following the whim of special interest groups. As more information is presented, my stance may evolve over time; but it will be grounded on the principles mentioned above and I will share with my constituents, as best as I can, why a shift in position was necessary. If I don't live up to my commitments, I expect to be held accountable - just as my Democratic opponent should be held accountable now.

Libertarians use a caring, people centered approach to politics. Politicians too frequently forget that their laws and regulations affect real, live human beings. Libertarians never lose sight of that fact. We see each individual as unique, with great potential. We want a system which encourages all of us to discover the best within ourselves and make the most of it. A system which encourages the development of the most harmonious relationships among all people.

In dealing with political issues, libertarians focus on the people involved. Who is having a problem? What is it? What is the government doing already, if anything, and might that be the cause of the problem? Most importantly, Libertarians ask: is anyone violating another's rights? Is someone committing murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, embezzlement, arson, trespass, etc.? If so, then it's proper to call on government to help the victim against the wrongdoer.

But, if not, the government should not get involved. In most instances, people are better off if allowed to work out their own problems through voluntary cooperation without introducing the coercive tool of government.

Campaign Emphasis:

1. Restoring the size and scope of the federal government to conform to the proper role defined by the US Constitution. Our representatives took an oath to uphold the constitution and should be held accountable when it is disregarded to pursue special interest agendas.

2. Replacing the personal income and payroll taxes with a national sales tax, such as the Fair Tax. This approach will greatly reduce the compliance burden associated with IRS mandates, eliminate taxes for those below the poverty level, reduce loopholes to ensure all pay their fair share, establishes a true progressive tax, and gives consumers control over their taxes based on their spending choices.

3. Promoting the reform of our foreign policy to curtail acting as the world's police force and intervening in the internal affairs of other sovereign states. In parallel, our national defense capabilities must be enhanced so that our borders may be secured and we can swiftly and decisively react to threats from abroad.

4. Restoring proven free-market, private-sector solutions to our failing healthcare, welfare, and Social Security programs.

5. Safeguarding our individual freedoms and right of self-determination. If the choices or actions of an individual are not imposed upon and does not harm another, then the government should not be involved. Currently, we frequently see infringements on our freedom of speech, choice, privacy, and so on; this must be put to an end.

6. Promoting fiscal responsibility to eliminate wasteful spending and unconstitutional government programs. My innovative approach will serve to diminish the national debt rather than saddle our children with this burden, leave more of taxpayer's hard-earned money in the hands of taxpayers, and promote a stronger economy.

7. I support comprehensive reforms as it relates to the current immigration crisis. Estimates place the number of illegal immigrant population up to 10% of our total population; this places a strain on our infrastructure and results in law-abiding citizens being forced to reward these aliens for criminal behavior; it is basically government-sponsored theft. I fully support legal immigrants and the contributions they have made; however, considering the sheer volume of those illegally crossing our borders, recognize that we must penalize those that disregard our sovereignty.