My beliefs

Over the course of the first year of his second term, the Chief Executive aggressively encroached upon the powers of Congress The world has witnessed American’s basic constitutional rights being tread upon. It's not our imagination that freedom of press, speech, assembly, protection from unreasonable searches, the right to an attorney, a trial, protection from cruel and unusual punishment, and habeas corpus have all been encroached upon (we all saw it happening but groups who measure these things, such as Freedom House and The Economist Democracy Index, quantify it).  We have watched people shot down in our streets with our own eyes. People who are not “the worst” have died in detention. An 85-year-old woman from France, was inhumanely detained. And there is the example of little Liam. Where is our humanity? Our morals? It seems many folks have forgotten what patriots 250 years ago fought, suffered, and died for. My representative and this strange new Republican party responded by doing nothing/looking away. The Framers in Federalist #51 clearly stated that the purpose of the US Constitution was to control the governed, but also to govern itself. Political power was not to be abused; it had to be limited. The branches of government were designed to check the abuses of the others. I will stand up for those basic principles of American democracy.

Teaching young people is an endeavor which is forward looking, which is why, unlike present officeholders, future generations will be foremost in my mind. I believe we have made life more difficult for our young people. We will be handing off a $39 TRILLION debt (which is growing at a rate of $1 TRILLION every five months) due to irresponsible fiscal policy, including spending on war and defense. Our tax system is the opposite of what Adam Smith, the “father of Capitalism” said we should have. Whereas I could work through college and pay for expenses each term, today students just can’t. Young people face a nearly impossible housing situation. While China and European nations are embracing more clean and renewable energy the US is moving away. America should have the world best health care system yet we don’t by most measures. We can look to Germany how to make voting fair and secure. For young people we need to mend relationships with our democratic allies and stop embracing dictators. Zinke has embraced leadership which has selfishly eroded trust in our government. I want your votes so I may vote for you to turn this around. We are after all, as Washington begged us to be, more American than anything else. And, as many of us often pledge, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

  • The institutions that protect our freedoms are being tested. Political division has replaced problem-solving, and the character expected of public officials has eroded.

    Instead of focusing on the work of governing, too many politicians spend their time attacking opponents, chasing media attention, and turning politics into performance.

    At the same time, America’s leadership abroad should reflect strength and stability — not unpredictability or bullying. Our nation must lead with principle, defend our allies, and act in the long-term interests of the American people.

    Ray believes Congress should return to the serious responsibility of governing.

Republic

Affordability

  • While Washington celebrates economic statistics, families are dealing with rising costs, stagnant wages, and growing uncertainty.

    Our tax system increasingly rewards the wealthiest interests while working Americans feel the squeeze. The result is an economy that too often pulls wealth upward rather than building broad prosperity.

    Congress must focus on policies that strengthen the middle class, encourage responsible economic growth, and bring discipline back to the federal budget.

Young People

  • They deserve confidence that if they work hard, they can build a future — whether that means starting a business, raising a family, protecting our natural environment, or pursuing new opportunities in emerging industries.

    But young people today face serious questions:

    • How will rapid technological change reshape jobs?

    • Will opportunity remain accessible?

    • Will our environment and natural resources be protected?

    • Will democracy and constitutional rights endure?

    Government should help ensure the next generation inherits a country where opportunity is real and freedom is secure.