Over the summer, the Inflation Reduction Act became law. Should Coloradans support this law? Why or why not?
No. With out of control inflation the highest since 1982, the bill spent hundreds of billions of dollars and added an army of 87,000 IRS employees, which will ultimately lead to higher inflation and more audits of law-abiding American taxpayers.
What is something unique you bring to the Congress?
I was a prosecutor for 25 years and have fought for victims of crime my whole career. I’ve been to the southern border, and seen the ongoing catastrophe there firsthand. I’m a constitutional conservative who’s willing to work to achieve bipartisan legislation. I’ve collaborated with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to protect women in the workplace, preserve Colorado lands and monuments, and to protect speech and competition in the tech marketplace.
If your party holds the majority in your chamber next session, what should be its top priority?
We have got to get legislation on the floor that secures the border. I’ve been there and the problem is severe and ongoing. Crime is skyrocketing as a result of policy choices that coddle criminals and ignore the rights of victims. Congress should get back to the policies of just a few years ago that we know work: tough on crime, with swift and sure penalties for those who peddle poisons like fentanyl in our communities. Debt levels are higher as a percentage of our economy than they were in World War 2. We have to rein in federal spending and reduce regulation to unleash economic growth.
What, if any, action should Congress take on abortion?
After Dobbs, the question is settled that abortion is not a Constitutional right and it is up to the people’s representatives where to draw the line. I believe that life begins at conception, and it is the role of elected officials to protect life.
The chambers may be split between Republican and Democrat control next session. Where do you see actionable, common ground with the opposing party?
I see additional opportunities to protect women in the workplace, safeguard Colorado landmarks such the largest black homestead in Colorado, Deerfield, and on the issue of Big Tech. I also intend to work together to combat the evil influence of China and the Russian Federation as well as state and non-state terrorist actors. Further, Congress must support our close allies in Israel and Western Europe
What is the biggest threat facing the integrity of our elections?
We need to ensure public confidence that our elections are fair and accurate by implementing transparent processes and remaining vigilant in order to prevent fraud. The confidence of the people in the validity of election results is a cornerstone of a successful democracy, and everyone needs to feel that the process was fair. I support picture IDs at the polls, and paper record for everyone who has cast a ballot. Election officials must be able to tabulate and announce the results on election night.
Ike McCorkle and Ryan McGonigal have not returned the questionnaire.
How candidate order was determined: A lot drawing was held at the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on Aug. 3 to determine the general election ballot order for major and minor party candidates. Colorado law (1-5-404, C.R.S.) requires that candidates are ordered on the ballot in three tiers: major party candidates followed by minor party candidates followed by unaffiliated candidates. Within each tier, the candidates are ordered by a lot drawing with the exception of the office of Governor and Lt. Governor, which are ordered by the last name of the gubernatorial candidate.
