Question:
Jim of Johnson County noted that he liked my overarching principles, but that he is also interested in understanding how I would implement those principles in an increasingly complex social and economic environment, where some of our staunchest conservatives have appeared to lose their way. He also notes he's looking for innovative, sharp-thinking on policy, not just obstructionism.

Answer:
Jim, that's an excellent question.

First of all, you are right that many of our own do lose their way once they get to Congress. That's one reason Republicans were booted out of power in 2006 and 2008 -- people saw that the record didn't match the rhetoric, so they decided to give Democrats a chance. Now they're seeing they are no better, which is why you saw a recent poll that 57% of people want to replace the entire Congress!

One of the reasons I talk about my principles FIRST is that is where my positions on specific issues come from. Many candidates for office look at the political winds and then develop a series of issues based which way those winds are blowing. I have heard some joke that all politicians have issues, but few of us have principles. And it's true -- without a core philosophy to guide you, it is very easy to fall prey to bad advice pressure from special interests, lobbyists, and others that are a perceived path to victory, rather than doing what's right.

Additionally, I would like to point out that one major advantage I have is my combination of private and public sector experience. I have six years of legislative experience which will allow me to hit the ground running when it comes to understanding the process of governing -- yet at the same time, I have been out of elected office for five years and can therefore step back and better assess the problems with current legislation as a private citizen, not clouded by just thinking like an elected politician who sometimes believe they know better than the individuals they were elected to serve.

So, the way I look at it is this -- no matter the issue, whether it be complex or simple, I'm going to apply my core principles as I make a decision. I'll give you two examples:

If it's an issue of spending money on a particular program, I'll ask three questions: One, is it a good idea? Second, if it is a good idea, should government be doing it anyway? And finally, even If government should be doing it, can we afford it? Without a yes to all three questions, I'm going to vote no, because it violates the principle of limited government.

A second example would be the issue of health care. A complicated issue, no doubt. First of all, I'll again ask if it's something the government should be involved with, period. And even if that's a yes, if the proposal limits economic freedom or individual liberty -- two core princples which I hold dear -- I'm going to oppose it.

Now, that doesn't mean I'm going to oppose all health care reform. Rather, it means I'm going to support reforms that further those principles. Things like lifting barriers to competition, or expanding medical savings accounts, or looking at tort reform. All of these, when combined, will expand access and affordability.

In the end, I believe having the right principles will guide our way to the right position on a specific issue. Soon, I'll be rolling out detailed policy positions, so I look forward to your feedback.