U.S. HOUSE QUESTIONS 2014
Top priority: If elected, what is your top priority for the 2015 Congress? Why are you running
for office?
I believe that funding to improve roads, bridges, and highways should be spent on just
that ‐ improving roads, bridges, and highways. As your Congressman, I will fight to make sure
important transportation infrastructure needs, such as the I‐94 and Highway 10 corridors, get the
funding they need, and that the money is not diverted to other less important projects.
Foreign affairs: More than half of Americans say President Obama is not tough enough in his
foreign policy and they believe the world is getting more dangerous with the Islamic State posing
one of the greatest security issues, according to the latest Pew Research poll. Should the United
States be more aggressive in its foreign policy? Be specific.
The Islamic State and other rouge states must be confronted. Local coalition partners
need to take greater responsibility in cases like this. We need to make sure there is clear foreign
policy objectives articulated from the Commander and Chief that protect American citizens first
and foremost.
Health care: Cost and quality of health care is an ongoing concern. What can be done at the
federal level to ensure Americans have access to quality and affordable health care? Do you
support changes in the Affordable Care Act?
I have seen firsthand the devastating effect Obamacare is having on small businesses and
working families. With at least 140,000 Minnesotans in danger of losing their health plans and
many being forced to pay significantly more for coverage, I will work to replace it with patient‐
centered reform with more competition and more choices for patients.
Education: What role should the federal government play in ensuring that U.S. graduates can
compete in the global economy? Are there specific reforms that you advocate?
The best thing the Federal Government can do is to make sure we have a thriving
domestic economy that provides opportunities to graduates. I believes that in order to get people
back to work, we need to get government out of the way. I will work in Congress to undo
reckless regulations that are strangling small businesses and lower taxes for businesses and
working families so they can invest in our communities and our local economy.
Energy: Do you support removing barriers to increased domestic oil and natural gas production?
Yes, I support expanded energy production that includes safe drilling right here in the
United States because it will help create thousands of jobs across the country and help end our
nation's dependence on oil from the Middle East. I also support building the Keystone XL and
other pipelines to transport the domestic production we have.
Social Security/Medicare: What role should these entitlement programs play in Americans’
retirement plans? Be specific in any changes you may support in the existing programs to ensure
they remain solvent.
All reforms need to be carefully considered and make sure that promises made are kept,
especially to those already retired and close to retirement. The key is to make sure the United
State has robust economic growth to provide the tax base to sustain these programs, and allow
future generations the opportunity to adequately prepare for their own retirement.
Economy: What steps do you support to stimulate the growth of jobs?
We need to make sure critical road and bridge projects are completed. We need to expand
domestic energy production and make sure we build the pipeline capacity to transport it. We
need to keep EPA and other regulatory agencies from implementing more regulation that stifles
job growth in small businesses here in Minnesota.
Agriculture: The proposed definition of the Waters of the U.S. would subject nearly any
property owner, including farmers, to new layers of reviews and permitting. Do you support this
proposal?
The EPA’s ability to change rules, add even more regulation to families just trying to run
a farm or maintain their land is out of control. Along with the new restrictions on coal-powered
electricity (which will lower disposable income for families by $3,000 a year according to the
Chamber of Commerce), it is clear that agencies have over-stepped their bounds. I would not
support these kinds of rules. In fact, I would work to make sure these areas of concern are put
back into the hands of Congress where landowners have a voice through their elected
representatives.
Immigration: Do America’s immigration laws need to be changed? What should be the tenets of
any immigration reform legislation?
We need to make sure the borders are secure and our process for admitting new residents
and new citizens is effective and efficient. We should always be improving policies and making
proper adjustments to provide for our workforce needs. Employers using e-verify are setting the
standard to ensure legal workers have a fair chance at employment, and families can earn a
proper living.
Open records: The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is widely regarded by citizens
and the news media as being deeply flawed and often completely ineffective in achieving the
purposes that it was enacted to serve. Would you support a federal study aimed at identifying
reforms that could be made to the FOIA, so that it in the future it will function more effectively
on behalf of citizens?
Yes.
Other issues: Are there other issues you want to address?
It is ridiculous that it's been nearly 17 years since Congress has passed a real budget ‐
allowing government spending and our national debt to soar. That's why I support legislation
requiring Congress to pass a budget each year, and if they don't, then Congressional pay should
be withheld until they do.
Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.
I’ve lived in Wright county for nearly 20 years, along with my wife Jacquie and our
seven children. I graduated from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and earned my law degree
from William Mitchell in St. Paul. I started my own law firm in Delano, and I’ve been an active
member of the community as a hockey coach and attend Mass with my family. I’ve served on
city councils in Delano and Independence, and served three terms in the State Legislature
representing parts of Wright and Hennepin counties. As a statewide candidate and radio host, I
traveled the state and heard from thousands of people and learned that a real public servant can
relate to the concerns of their constituents at a personal level.