Taking Hoosier Common Sense to Washington

I believe in the core principles on which this nation was built — personal freedom, personal responsibility, a free market and self determination. I am a student and lover of history, and I draw instruction and motivation from the work of our founders and their vision.

I believe education is the engine that will power our people and our nation.

I believe all children learn differently, and that our educational strategies should strive toward individualized instruction, high academic standards and lifelong learning. Our schools should be about preparing and educating our children — and nothing else.

I believe in a strong, free, vibrant economy, where every individual can create economic and personal achievement for their family through creativity, hard work and competition. I believe in a market where government doesn’t pick winners and losers.

I believe a strong economy comes from freedom, innovation, human capital development, a sound economic and monetary system, and trade.

I believe our federal government is too large, too intrusive, has long overstepped its intended purpose, and is a burden on our marketplace.

I believe the current torrent of new programs, new spending, and new regulation is a threat to the long term viability of our nation. I believe it should be our goal to begin a long-term effort to phase down the role of the federal government toward one aligned with the Constitution.

I believe families, churches and communities are the most effective and the first source of support for individuals in need, and that government should target its social services at those individuals who face the most difficult challenges, over which they have little control.

I believe in a strong but cautious national security posture for the United States, which seeks first to protect Americans, second to defend our alliances — including NATO, Israel and our economic trading partners — and finally, which works to support all people who seek freedom.

I believe government regulation of the private sector should be based on science, not emotion. Government should tread very reluctantly on personal freedoms, and place a premium on private property rights, individual choice and economic growth.

I love the outdoors, our natural resources, our farms and our wildlife. I believe thoughtful people of all parties and points of view should share a fundamental commitment to conversation, stewardship of our natural resources and environmental protection. However, I oppose policies that place unsound, emotional regulation at odds with personal choices, economic growth and personal property.

March 19, 2009