Al Cowan on the Issues

Budget

As our government throws more and more money on economic Band-aids and wasteful programs, we are amassing debt at an astonishing rate. We’re borrowing from countries like China, and placing the burden of our shortsightedness on our children and grandchildren.

As a small business owner, I know that sticking to a budget is critical to staying afloat. In Congress, I would support a balanced budget amendment. Our lawmakers have proven they are incapable of showing restraint when it comes to spending. It’s time to keep them in check.

National Defense

There is nothing more important than our national defense. As a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, I strongly support our troops both here and abroad. Our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan are putting their lives and their families on hold to defend their countrymen. They deserve our admiration and our thanks.

Healthcare Reform

The national healthcare plan is something we cannot afford and will lead us further and faster into bankruptcy. The people of this country do not want to turn their healthcare decisions over to the government, and I will work to keep our insurance plans and medical choices free of government interference.

Term Limits

If elected, I pledge to serve no more than three terms in office. We have term limits for the highest office in the Country which is a job many times more complex than that of a member of Congress. I support term limits as part of a solution to clean up politics as usual in Washington, to curb the undue influence special interests exert on incumbent Congressmen and to bring new ideas, new voices and new people to getting our Country moving in the right direction.

Taxes

With the $700 billion bailout of the banks and legislators’ rampant use of earmarks, we are spending far more than we can afford. To protect our children from ever-increasing debt, we need to stop this Congressional spending spree. I would not support any measure that gives the government more of our money to waste on programs we do not want or need.

Education

As a former school board president, I know how crucial a good public education system is to the future of this country. We all want our kids to have the best we can give them, but handing over control of local institutions to the federal government is not the answer. Education is best left in the hands of the local school boards and the state.

Right to Bear Arms

I am a strong supporter of our Second Amendment freedoms. I will oppose any legislation that infringes on the right to bear arms.

Abortion

I believe that life begins at conception. I am pro-life in my personal beliefs, and will protect the right to life during my public service. Additionally, I am opposed to the use of public monies to promote abortion or to any requirement for health care professionals to perform abortions against their will or beliefs.

Immigration

I am in favor of doing all we can to stop illegal immigration. While I welcome those immigrants who come to the United States legally, I believe we must protect our borders against those who wish to do us harm. Turning a blind eye to illegal immigration allows terrorists to infiltrate our borders. Our border agents are working hard to protect this country, and need the support of Congress.