As I have been talking with people during the campaign, one message they are sending is loud and clear.  They are sick and tired of politicians who do not listen to the people and who say one thing on the campaign trail, yet do another in City Hall, Olympia, or Washington D.C.  My campaign is about bringing a fresh face, fresh ideas, and a change of priorities to Olympia to help change the direction of our state.

“An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy.”  John Marshall (U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice inMcCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 327 (1819))

“To…maintain commerce…; to…discharge…debts and contracts, expend the public money with same care and economy we would practice with our own, and impose on our citizens no unnecessary bur[d]ens…are the landmarks by which we are to guide ourselves in all our proceedings.”  Thomas Jefferson (Second Annual Message to Congress, 1802)

Taxes/Budget – I have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge to vote against any bill that would increase taxes or the size of the budget. Read more

“Government is aptly compared to architecture; if the superstructure is too heavy for the foundation, the building totters, [even if] assisted by outward props.” Benjamin Franklin (Article in Pennsylvania Gazette, 1736)

"The greatest [calamity] which could befall [us would be] submission to a government of unlimited powers." Thomas Jefferson (Declaration and Protest of Virginia, 1825)

Limited Government – I pledge to vote against any bill that would increase the size and scope of state government.  Government must get out of our lives. Read more.

Jobs and business are critical to the prosperity of a state.  Free markets ensure a free people.  Read more.

Life – I am unashamedly pro-life.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life…” Declaration of Independence

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Criminal Justice - No more field trips for criminally insane murderers. 

“[Y]ou will want laws and magistrates to protect your property and persons, and to punish those among you who commit crimes. You will find that our laws are good for this purpose.”  Thomas Jefferson (Address to Delawares, 1808)

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Transportation - More, better, and safer roads for all, not buses and light rail for a few.  Eastern Washington deserves, and I will continue to fight for, a fair distribution of tax dollars.   

“I experience great satisfaction at seeing my country proceed to facilitate the intercommunications of its several parts, by opening rivers, canals and roads. How much more rational is this disposal of public money…”  Thomas Jefferson (Letter to James Ross, 1786)

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Education - Education equals opportunity. I believe in a first-class education in both public and private schools based on four simple principles: competition, prioritized funding, parental choice, and accountability. 

“No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness…establish and improve the law for educating the…people.”  Thomas Jefferson (Letter to George Wythe, 1786)

“Our liberty depends on our education…”  Fisher Ames (Oration on George Washington, 1800)

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Constitution/State Sovereignty - It is not a “living” document ratified by each generation. I also believe that State Sovereignty is the path back to freedom and restoration of our Constitutional Republic. 

“All political power is inherent in the people, and governments are established to protect and maintain individual rights.”  Article 1, Section 1, Washington State Constitution

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Private Property - This is a fundamental principal of liberty.  Every person should own, and enjoy, the fruits of their labor. Eminent domain should be used as a last resort, and never to make a profit for the government.

“Property must be secured, or liberty cannot exist.”  John Adams (The Works of John Adams)
“It is…little else than a name where the Government is too feeble… to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of…property.”  George Washington (Farewell Address)

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Gun Ownership - Gun rights for law-abiding citizens are non-negotiable.

“The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired...” Article 1, Section 24, Washington State Constitution

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Families - Stronger families mean stronger societies and less crime. I support all efforts to protect and defend the traditional family.

“It is in the love of one's family only that heartfelt happiness is known.”  Thomas Jefferson (Letter to his daughter Mary Jefferson Eppes, 1801)

Religious Liberty/Conscience - This is the heart of our republic and our state. 

“No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority. It has not left the religion of its citizens under the power of its public functionaries…”  Thomas Jefferson (Reply to Address to New London Methodists, 1809)

“Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion…” Article I, Section 11, Washington State Constitution

I authored and supported conscience (legislation) for health care providers and pharmacists so they may continue to freely exercise their religious beliefs without fear. No one should be forced to choose between their career and their conviction.

 Marriage - Marriage between one man and one woman is the best environment in which to raise children. 

“But nature…seems to have provided more securely for the perpetuation of the species, by making it the effect of the oestrum implanted in the constitution of both sexes. And not only has the commerce of love been indulged on this unhallowed impulse, but made subservient also to wealth and ambition by marriage…”  Thomas Jefferson (Letter to John Adams, 1813

I will work to strengthen our current Defense of Marriage Act and fight vigorously to oppose any attempts to undermine it such as SB 5688.  I was a supporter of the Reject Referendum 71 campaign.