Issues
Iraq
The question is= How do we get out of Iraq without making the situation worse? First, we have to recognize that in this type of conflict there will be no clear win, only a more favorable outcome versus a disastrous outcome. To achieve that favorable outcome requires the simultaneous improvement of the Iraqi political system; the information presented to the Iraqi people; the security situation in Iraq; and the economic situation in Iraq. The Iraqis must continue to resolve their differences politically while informing the people of Iraq of their positive achievements. This will take time and we cannot expect this to happen in one or two session of their government. The surge of US troops in Baghdad is working, that combined with the increasing numbers of trained professional Iraqi security forces has the security situation in Iraq improving daily. The area that I believe is the key to a lasting favorable outcome is bringing economic development to Iraq. Congress has already allocated 21 billion US dollars to "reconstruct" Iraq without, in my opinion, providing the necessary effect in long term sustainable employment. Long term sustainable employment opportunities can be achieved if we can encourage private investment in Iraq. I believe this can be done through loan guarantees to the private investors, not throwing more money at the "reconstruction effort." Loan guarantees will help us leverage our money and most importantly, empower the Iraqis to help themselves, which will create a lasting favorable outcome.Veterans
I will be unwavering in my support for Idaho veteran's needs. My family and I have experienced first hand the sacrifice of veterans with my 25 years of service including a deployment to Iraq. I also know the pain, anxiety, and pride of a parent with a child in the military, as my oldest daughter has served twice in Iraq. As a result of all the previous wars and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Idaho's veteran population is growing. From traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress, injuries sustained in the line of duty to promises made, veterans need to know their Senator will do more than just provide lip service when the going gets tough. As your Senator I will fight to ensure that those who answered the call of their nation are not forgotten.Immigration
I believe we must first and foremost secure our border, not only for the immigration issue but also for the drug and national security issues. We must enable employers to better be able to identify who is illegal rather than tie their hands with fear that they will be sued for invasion of privacy. Punishing employers who hire people who deceive them without giving the employer the tools to screen the employee is anti-business and not good for the economy. Deporting 20 million people would be so costly that we need to develop a common sense approach to those people that are here illegally. We must fix the guest worker programs so those industries that cannot find local labor will continue to have a viable labor pool. At the same time we need to identify those that are here illegally and give them a deadline for leaving and reapplying to come back legally.Education
I believe that the best decisions about educating our children are made at the lowest levels; the local school board. As your United States Senator, I will encourage the local community to get involved and participate in improving the education of our youth.Economy
As Idaho's U.S. Senator, I will make certain that our government is not contributing to or inhibiting Idaho's economy in the current slowing economic situation. One area in which the government may assist, is to ensure U.S. companies have the freedom to compete with foreign goods/products. Free trade agreements only work when reciprocity is in place for U.S. goods, too. All segments of our economy must be on a level playing field in terms of safety for the consumer and production standards. Under NAFTA, this is not true for Idaho businesses.Another area the U.S. government can assist our economy relates to foreign aid. We need to require countries as a condition of receiving foreign aid, to purchase goods and/or services from U.S. companies. This would be particularly beneficial to Idaho's agricultural base.
Lastly, we are on the verge of an energy revolution. Innovation is what made this country great. Through tax incentives, to spur this revolution, we will create another thriving sector for our economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Energy
We need to encourage the development of alternate sources of energy to include wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear. We need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In Idaho, energy costs are a heavy toll on the farmers and ranchers, as well as the average Idahoan and those on a fixed income. Heating bills this winter and gas bills to travel are taking a huge cut out of each Idahoan's livable income. We need to find solutions to these costs.New research shows great potential for switchgrass biofuel! http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/107/1
