Three candidates are running for United States Representative - District 3: Alex Donkervoet, David Niederkorn, and Van Taylor. The document provides biographical information for each candidate including their age, address, occupation, education, past experience, fundraising amounts, and reasons for running.
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Mia Love's Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
Brenda lawrence wikipedia (highlighted)VogelDenise
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Brenda Lawrence's Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
Gwinnett County Black History 2021. Gwinnett County Black leadership providing new change for the community. Learn about the State of Georgia black leadership Nikki Merritt, Kim Jackson, Gloria Butler, Dar'shun Kendrick, Karen Bennett, Dewey McClain, Donna McLead, Shelly Hutchinson, Jasmine Clark, Nicole Hendrickson, Kirkland Garden, Jasper Watkins, Sheriff Kebo Taylor, Tiffany Porter, Debora Fluker, Tania Whitner, Veronica Cope, Ronda Leary, Solange Destang, Victoria Jones, Craig Newton, Ariene Beckles, Matt Myers, Raphael Wamock, and Hank Johnson.
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Mia Love's Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
Brenda lawrence wikipedia (highlighted)VogelDenise
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Brenda Lawrence's Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
Gwinnett County Black History 2021. Gwinnett County Black leadership providing new change for the community. Learn about the State of Georgia black leadership Nikki Merritt, Kim Jackson, Gloria Butler, Dar'shun Kendrick, Karen Bennett, Dewey McClain, Donna McLead, Shelly Hutchinson, Jasmine Clark, Nicole Hendrickson, Kirkland Garden, Jasper Watkins, Sheriff Kebo Taylor, Tiffany Porter, Debora Fluker, Tania Whitner, Veronica Cope, Ronda Leary, Solange Destang, Victoria Jones, Craig Newton, Ariene Beckles, Matt Myers, Raphael Wamock, and Hank Johnson.
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Danny K. Davis' Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
She entered the University Of Miami School Of Law in Florida. Her sole interest, as is stated at her website, in attending law school was to help others. She was interested in public interest law, particularly juvenile advocacy.
The Pennsylvania Influencers list is made up of the Commonwealth’s top business, legal and civic leaders, whose opinions are respected by peers and elected officials alike.
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Alma Adams' Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
Bonnie watson coleman wikipedia (highlighted)VogelDenise
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Bonnie Watson Coleman's Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Danny K. Davis' Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
She entered the University Of Miami School Of Law in Florida. Her sole interest, as is stated at her website, in attending law school was to help others. She was interested in public interest law, particularly juvenile advocacy.
The Pennsylvania Influencers list is made up of the Commonwealth’s top business, legal and civic leaders, whose opinions are respected by peers and elected officials alike.
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Alma Adams' Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
Bonnie watson coleman wikipedia (highlighted)VogelDenise
17 USC § 107 Limitations on Exclusive Rights – FAIR USE
Bonnie Watson Coleman's Bio and/or Biography – Do you know this HOUSE NEGRO?
In our pursuit of the OVERTHROW of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime, we intend to seek the PROSECUTION of these House Negroes (i.e. some of which are LAWYERS). Please NOTE “HOW Many” were EDUCATED under WHITE INSTITUTIONS!
While the AGE REQUIREMENT is 25 Years Old to serve as a United States SENATOR and/or REPRESENTATIVE, as of 2017, the AGE RANGE for the House Negroes Serving is BETWEEN 40 – 88 Years Old!
This is SIGNIFICANT because the House Negroes Placed in the United States Congress are those who GREW UP in the Heart of the CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and EXPERIENCED the BRUTAL Murders/Killings of Civil Rights Leaders as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, MAKING them EASY PREY to be CONTROLLED by THREATS and FEAR on their Lives and their Family Members MADE by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists!
Help BRING these HOUSE NEGROES to JUSTICE for the ROLES they have PLAYED in the TERRORIST/RACIST/DISCRIMINATORY Practices of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
This House Negro had a DUTY and OBLIGATION to NOTIFY the Public/World of the Illegal/Unlawful Occupation of the DESPOT presently CONTROLLING and RUNNING the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime!
Moreover, the THREATS made (if any) by WHITE Jews/Zionists and WHITE Supremacists AGAINST them and/or their Family Members, Friends, etc.
For all Assessments, the following general requirements hold.docxkeugene1
For all Assessments, the following general requirements hold:
(1) Assignments should be 2-3 double-spaced pages, with reasonable (12 pt.) font and reasonable (1 inch) margins.
(2) Citations to the material and in-text citations are required(MLA style).
(3) Assignments should be turned into eCampus (for the collection of artifacts for scoring).
!!
Assignment Three:
When You Win…SLO #3
1. Research the committees of the House ( http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/ ) and state senate (http://www.senate.state.tx.us/committees.php )
2. Choose at least three (3) committees on which you’d serve, if elected.
a. Explain each committee’s functions.
b. Explain why your placement on these committees is justified. How does it serve your district’s needs? How does it emphasize your experiences/interests?
3. What kind of constituent service would you be likely to do? What kind of “home style” would you create (and how?) Most Texans do not know who their legislators are. How do you seek to solve that problem?
!!
Assignment Two:
The Campaign: SLO #2
How much does it cost to run for office in Texas?
https://www.texastribune.org/2017/03/01/heres-how-much-texas-candidates-spent-vote-general-election/
How will you raise money? (read this handy info from the Texas Democratic Party before you violate any campaign finance laws: https://www.txdemocrats.org/act/run-for-office )
Name interest groups that will support/oppose you? Go to https://votesmart.org/interest-groups/TX/#.WXjT4ojyuUk and identify two (2) interest groups that you think will support your campaign, and two (2) who will oppose your campaign. Explain why? (referring to your platform).
What’s your SLOGAN?
Design a campaign sign
How do you get out the vote? Given your issue stands, what voter groups do you need to target? (refer back to the district analyses documents on your current legislator’s homepage
Assignment One:
Why not you? Why not now?
For this project, you will hypothetically be running for office. Choose whether you would like to run for the Texas House of Representatives OR the Texas State Senate. We will be doing the project in chunks, as we cover the material in class, so tasks may be assigned out of sequence.
Preparing to run: SLO #1
1. Know your district. Go to: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx, and discover the district number, and who represents you in the Texas house or state senate. Which political party is your state house/state senate representative affiliated with? (if you choose to run as a House or Senate representative, check the district that you want to run for.)
2. Go to your current representative’s page, and look at the district analysis documents.
1. What does your district look like (in terms of population, age, education, employment, election results)?
2. What issues arise based on the district’s demographics (this will help you think about your platform)
3. Is your district gerrymandered? http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Info.as.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale war
Dallas morning news voter guide united states representative district 3 republican
1. Age and contact information
Age: 34
Address: P.O. Box 797272, Dallas , TX
Campaign or Work Phone Number: (972) 940-2394
Email address: Alex@NeedANewVoice.com
Web site: www.needanewvoice.com/
Age: 47
Address: 508 West Lookout Drive, Suite 14-1082, Richardson , TX
United States Representative -
District 3
Select candidates from the list below to compare their answers to our questionnaire:
Note: Based on your address of McKinney Springs or party selection, you’re not eligible to
vote in this race.
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
D
2. Campaign or Work Phone Number: (972) 207-8766
Email address: David@NiederkornForCongress.com
Web site: NiederkornForCongress.com
Age: 45
Address: 1900 Preston Road #267 - PMB 229, Plano , TX
Campaign or Work Phone Number: (972) 836-7986
Email address: info@vantaylor.com
Web site: www.vantaylor.com
Social media
Twitter: @AlexDonkervoet
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NeedANewVoice/
Twitter: @DC4TX3
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Niederkorn-For-Congress-1363690310408899/
Twitter: @VanTaylorTX
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VanForTexas
Occupation/main source of income:
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
3. Actuary for an insurance company.
Professor of Politics at Arlington Baptist University
Small Businessman
Education (include all degrees):
BBA from University of Wisconsin – Madison, major in Actuarial Science. I began at LSU where I
spent 3 years majoring in Chemical Engineering before transferring to Wisconsin to pursue
Actuarial Science. I have passed numerous actuarial exams.
Ph.D. in politics (cand.) - University of Dallas
M.A. in politics - University of Dallas
M.A. in historical theology - Criswell College
M.A. in philosophical theology - Criswell College
B.S. in pastoral ministry and Bible - Baptist Bible College
Harvard College - BS
Harvard Business School - MBA
Various Military - Sampling includes: Infantry Of cer Course, Airborne, Basic Intelligence Of cer
Course, Sniper Employment Of cer Course
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
4. Highlights of current civic involvement/accomplishment:
Voting, paying taxes, reaching out to all US Senators and numerous US House of Representatives to
give them my opinion on important issues. Signing multiple petitions in advance of a cause,
volunteering as Watchdog at PSID, coaching little league baseball and lead my of ce’s charity/
personal improvement throughout the year.
I am active in several local political organizations. I support the Collin County GOP, and I have
become especially involved in the Collin County Republican Men’s Club. Most of my civic
involvement is through my church, First Baptist Richardson. We have a social conscience that
motivates us to participate in our local community, in our state, and internationally. Locally, we feed
the homeless, clothe the impoverished, and support our public-school teachers. Throughout Texas,
we build playgrounds in neglected communities, support churches serving poor neighborhoods,
and deliver disaster relief. Internationally, we provide clean water wells in Africa, children’s heart
surgeries in Iraq, and language education in Ukraine.
I am currently the State Senator for Collin County. Working with constituents I proudly
spearheaded legislation protecting victims of domestic violence and safeguarding our children
from online sexual predators. I also have worked to make it easier for our military to vote while
serving overseas, verify the citizenship of every voter in the state, close a loophole preventing
healthcare fraud and abuse saving local taxpayers millions, curb the prescription opioid epidemic,
stop the proliferation of toll roads, and author sweeping ethics reform including revoking bene ts
from corrupt politicians. Additionally, our Truth in Taxation rule, which forces politicians to state
clearly in the rst line of any bill if there is an attempt to raise taxes or fees, has been cited by
Americans for Tax Reform as a successful blueprint for other states to implement.
Highlights of past civic involvement/accomplishment:
Coaching youth rugby, Habitat for Humanity, & volunteered at The Humane Society. Voting, paying
taxes, reaching out to all US Senators and numerous US House of Representatives to give them my
opinion on important issues. Signing multiple petitions in advance of a cause, volunteering as
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
5. Watchdog at PSID, coaching little league baseball and lead my of ce’s charity/ personal
improvement throughout the year.
I am always helping someone around me. Over the past few years, I have assisted men and women
who struggled with various addictions both physical and emotional, I have mentored college
students at the University of Texas at Dallas who are away from home, and I have given help to
families in need.
I have also prioritized applying my academic study of politics to current issues. Often this means
researching a particular problem so that I can offer an effective presentation to those looking for a
solution. Sometimes these are local affairs in the DFW area, and other times these take place
around the country.
As precinct chairman for Precinct 116, I called thousands of voters to increase turnout in my
precinct as well as serving as an Election Judge in west Plano. I earned my Eagle Scout at age 13 and
started a Republican club in college.
I served approximately ten years in the Marine Corps as an of cer. As the Marine honor grad from
intelligence school, I earned the privilege of leading an elite Reconnaissance platoon. After four
years of active duty, I joined the Marine Corps Reserves to continue serving my country while
earning an MBA at Harvard Business School. I volunteered for duty with the Marine Corps’ C
Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, and was activated to ght in Iraq where I served with the
2nd Force Reconnaissance Company. As a Captain, I led missions behind enemy lines for the 4500
Marines of Task Force Tarawa, including the leadership of the Task Force’s rst Marines entering
Iraq before the start of the main invasion in 2003. My platoon encountered and defeated several
Fedayeen ambushes, helped rescue an American prisoner of war, and rescued 31 wounded Marines
during a counter-attack by several thousand Iraqis. For my service, the Marine Corps awarded me
the Navy Commendation Medal with a “V” for Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the
Presidential Unit Citation.
As State Vice Captain of Vets for Freedom in charge of North Texas, I helped organize hundreds of
combat veterans from across America to lobby Congress directly by coming to Washington, DC and
holding a rally. We directly urged congressmen to support President Bush and the successful surge
in Iraq. Further I conducted numerous national and local media interviews supporting the War on
Terror and our men and women in uniform.
As Texas Chairman of National Defense Committee, I worked to expand voter rights for active duty
military personnel. Prior to 2011, Texas law made it very hard for military people to vote absentee.
Whereas Texas civilians had a 75% success rate voting absentee, Texas active duty military had a
75% failure rate. National Defense Committee worked to change the law to enable military
members to vote securely using electronic means.
Previous public offices sought or held:
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
6. None
Regarding the three Republican candidates, one of us has been pursuing a Washington career a
long time, one of us is very new to politics, and one of us has invested the last several years studying
and teaching the legislative process and the U.S. Constitution. The last one is me.
Our career politician moved to Waco in 2006 to run for U.S. Congress and lost. Instead of staying to
serve his new community, he soon moved to Plano, claiming to have been offered a job. Two
problems with this are: (1) Since he claimed to the people of Waco to be right at home, why did he
leave so quickly? And (2) If he moved for a job, how did he manage to run for the state legislature so
soon after moving here? What job allows a new employee to take off 100 work days every other
year as required by the state legislature? His attempts to explain these politically motivated moves
have not been convincing. Clearly, Van Taylor is a career politician who wants desperately to
advance to Washington. He has earned his nickname “Moving Van.”
My candidacy is unique in that I am not a career politician, nor have I ever sought political of ce, yet
I know how Congress works. I have been studying the legislative process and the interworking of
the U.S. Congress since 2011, while earning my Ph.D. in politics at one of the most conservative
departments in the country, the University of Dallas. I also have studied and taught the philosophy
and principles of the American Founders, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S.
Constitution. I have three years’ teaching experience at Criswell College, and two years’ experience
at Arlington Baptist University. It is often said, “If you want to know something, then teach it.”
Students are demanding, and I have learned more about the legislative process and the
interworking of Congress as a (Conservative) college professor than I learned as a Ph.D. student.
Not everyone in Congress really understands how it works. I do. I know Congress better than my
opponents, and better than many who serve there now.
Republican Precinct Chair
Texas House
Texas Senate
U.S. Congress
How much funding have you raised for your campaign?
$0
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
7. We have over $50,000, and we will soon hit our next target of $100,000. Since one of my
opponents spent over $1 million (of his own money) to win a part-time seat in the state legislature,
we know we cannot outspend him. But, we can offer a better candidate with better ideas. And, with
suf cient funding we will get our positive message out.
Thanks to the generosity of so many people concerned about our nation's future our campaign on
the most recent led FEC report we reported raising over $500,000 in just ve weeks after
announcing my candidacy.
Who are your top three contributors?
I will take campaign contributions but do not believe we should send of cials to Washington that
30%+ of their time fundraising and not serving us. I therefore ask individuals to reach out to friends
and family to inform them about political candidates and to vote. We either need to stop
complaining that congress spends too much time fundraising or send individuals who spend 100%
of their time on the job we elected them to do.
I’ve given the most, since I’m not limited to the $2700 restriction. Our biggest donations have been
in-kind in the form of services provided. Our service donors make a great team and include web
design, printing, sign-making, strategy and more. We learned early on that talented people are glad
to donate their specialized skills to what they deem a worthy cause.
Many people have generously donated the maximum contribution allowed by the Federal Elections
Commission.
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
8. Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal
proceedings? If so, please explain:
No, never.
When I was young and irresponsible—I was young and irresponsible. Now that I’m grown, though,
I’ve been responsible for more than two decades. My life looks like most people’s lives: a few
indiscretions in youth, but, by the grace of God, nothing with permanent rami cations.
In 1991, as I traveled through Massachusetts a police of cer wrongfully arrested me for possessing
a disassembled hunting ri e in the locked trunk of my car. I pointed out to the of cer that federal
law speci cally protects gun owners while traveling through states, but the of cer arrested me
anyway. Authorities released me and dropped all charges within minutes of the District Attorney
hearing the facts. This reinforced my passion to protect Second Amendment rights for all
Americans.
Have you ever been involved in any civil lawsuits or
declared personal or professional bankruptcy? If so, please
explain:
No
See above.
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
9. n/a
What is an example of how you led a team or group
toward achieving an important goal?
I kick started a health challenge in my of ce in which teams of 4 individuals competed to complete a
set of health goals. Each individual selected 3 daily goals from a list I created (ranging from only
taking stairs, to eating a salad a day) to help them towards achieving a healthier lifestyle. For two
months I tracked each team’s progress and checked in with my co-workers to help encourage them
to stay on track with their goals. As a nale to our health challenge, my co-workers and myself
nished a 5-mile Tough Mudder. It was great to see people that were winded after a ight of stairs
at the beginning of the challenge cross the nish line of a ve mile obstacle course.
Leading in Congress is very different than leading in other arenas, such as in the business world, in a
sporting event, or in a military mission. In each of these cases, one leads colleagues who are
obligated to follow. In Congress, no freshman is any more useful than his or her ability to work with
other independent men and women who each have their own agendas. Few if any leadership
experiences are applicable to pushing legislation through Washington. Moreover, the sad reality is
that, outside of a handful of designated leaders—such as the Speaker and the Whip—an individual
member of Congress has no more power than his or her singular vote. The solution to this problem
is to return power to the individual members through the committee system. Everything Congress
does now comes from the few who are in leadership. They depend on lobbyists and bureaucrats for
expertise, while most members of Congress pass their days with busy work that they gladly
perform to keep their jobs.
I had the privilege of leading an incredible group of brave Marines in Iraq. When my reserve unit
was activated we reported to drill center on a Friday night, left for Camp Lejeune on Sunday, and
boarded the USS Bataan Monday morning heading to Kuwait. On board ship we trained urgently,
developed Standard Operating Procedures, studied manuals, trained with new weapons, learned
new equipment, and engaged numerous in team building and decision skills exercises. While in
combat my platoon encountered and defeated several Fedayeen ambushes, helped rescue an
American prisoner of war, and rescued 31 wounded men during a counter-attack by several
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
10. thousand Iraqis. We accomplished every mission and by the grace of God brought every man home
safe to their family.
Why are you running for this office?
I believe we should expect more. Congress is not broken but the candidates we send to Washington
and how those individuals are selected is. Republicans and Democrats seem to spend more time
shaming the other party than nding compromises and appropriate legislation to move America
forward. A major problem is the lack of transparency and abundance of vague, cookie-cutter
responses from candidates and of cials when it comes to their positions. Party endorsements
occurring before all the candidates are even known shows me that we need new individuals
representing us in Washington. We need candidates that are selected by the voters, not just people
well connected in the Republican Party. When looking at who to vote for this term, I did not nd any
individual that I felt had the ability to adequately represent our interests and issues. America is
fragmented and while I can’t piece her back together, I believe I am a candidate who will put
forward ideas, opinions, and the transparency needed to start mending our country.
Congress is a demanding job. Too many of our politicians, however, are more interested in a title
than a job. They must submit to leadership, and must “go along to get along” because their priority
is advancing their own careers. I owe no one anything, and I am not pursuing a lifetime career in
politics. I want to serve, and then return to teaching. Wouldn’t it be neat to have a politics professor
who served in Congress for a few years?
My interest in public service was inspired by some great statesmen. As a Ph.D. student, I received
support from two foundations: The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation here in Dallas, and the
Rumsfeld Foundation in Washington. Sumners promotes self-government and Rumsfeld seeks to
build a network of well-educated public servants. Both foundations introduced me to some of our
top statesmen, often in very personal settings. I met Lt. Col. Allen West at my rst event, and he
later became a friend and occasional mentor. My experiences with West and other prominent
statesmen led me to consider the possibility of my own public service.
My desire to run for Congress continued to grow as I became more familiar with the legislative
process and the U.S. Constitution. I too often have to pause my TV to give a better answer than the
politician being interviewed. A person can only take so much of the political speak—that says
nothing—that comes out of Washington. It is unfathomable how few of our politicians understand
the Constitution and how the American government actually works. They speak in platitudes that
amount to what I call “amen lines,” but seldom do they address real issues with real policy solutions.
I enjoy my job as a (Conservative) Professor of Politics, but I have come to realize that the
philosophy and principles of the American Founding are dying. I therefore feel a responsibility to go
to Washington to ght for their survival.
Our current path is unsustainable. Washington is broke, and I have come to see that Congress is the
weak link. Do you want proof? Answer this question: If Washington is broke, but the presidency
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
11. wields great power, and the Supreme Court wields great power—then where does the problem
begin? Some blame the Administrative State (or, if you prefer, the Bureaucracy), which is true—but,
if all these other Washington institutions are too powerful, then which is too weak?
The power of the presidency is the easiest to demonstrate. From 2009-2016, America looked to
the rest of the world like Barak Obama. From 2017 to at least 2020, America looks to the rest of
the world like Donald Trump. Meanwhile, few Americans look exactly like either one of these men.
Also, under Mr. Obama’s presidency, states like Texas wished for greater federalism—while under
Mr. Trump’s presidency, states like California wish for greater federalism. This is unsustainable. The
fundamental nature of our nation cannot suffer a dramatic shift every four to eight years
depending upon who is in the White House.
The solution is to establish a stable Congress that writes laws that the President executes and the
Courts interpret. The Constitution establishes this simple system, but we have replaced it with a
progressive government that expands the power of the president and the Court. And Congress
stands idly by, in part unwilling and in part unable to regain its power. I am pursuing public service
because I believe the only way to save our country is from within the walls of Congress.
Two speci c things need to be done inside Congress to make it work again. First, Congress
overwhelms itself by trying to do too much. The solution is to return much power to the states. We
are asking the impossible, which is for over 300 million people to agree on intimate things such as
healthcare and health insurance. It simply isn’t possible for so many to agree on so much—read
Federalist 10. This is why, as I stated above, under Mr. Obama states like Texas touted federalism
while under Mr. Trump states like California tout federalism. Here’s a simple example. If California
can go against federal policy to legalize recreational marijuana, then why can’t Texas go against
federal policy to ban abortion? If we are honest, we can all agree that Washington is not always
capable of solving our problems. A Congress that stops trying to control so many aspects of our
lives is a Congress that frees itself to work again.
The second speci c thing to be done inside Congress to make it work again is to solve the problem
that Congress does not do well that which it is obligated by the Constitution to do. The solution, as I
indicated in a separate response, is to return power to the individual members through the
committee system. While they pretend to great power, the average member of Congress is less
powerful than the most capable member of his or her staff who knows more about the legislative
process than does the member. A few leaders in Congress—and this is true in both parties—control
every aspect of the legislative process. Members seldom suggest policy that becomes law, and
committees seldom write the laws that are passed. As I already said, everything in Congress comes
down from a few leaders who rely upon unelected experts, while most members of Congress pass
their days with busy work that they gladly perform to keep their jobs.
A Congress that does less of what it’s not supposed to do, and more of what it’s supposed to do will
be a Congress that works. I have very speci c policy ideas including saving Social Security, truly
xing our tax code, and rehabilitating the disgrace that is the Department of Veterans Affairs. The
primary reason I am running for Congress, though, is that Congress is broke and I know how to x
it. That’s why my campaign slogan from the start has been “Imagine a Congress that Works.”
I am running for Congress for three reasons: Laura, Helen, and Susie (my daughters) and all the
children in this great land. Throughout our nation’s history every generation has fought to leave a
better America for the next. Sadly, we are on track to leave our children a nation buried beneath a
mountain of debt with politicians and bureaucrats in Washington controlling even the most routine
aspects of our lives. We are losing our freedom not to a tyrant – but to government itself. I refuse to
accept this future for our children.
Van Taylor
12. I believe America’s success story has volumes yet to be written and it is our duty to ensure the next
generation inherits a nation just as strong, secure, and prosperous as previous generations have
passed down throughout our history. America is at a tipping point. We must protect our liberty,
restore the core mission of government, and renew the promise of the American Dream.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I am what and who we need in Washington. As an actuary I bring a different and unique view to the
table. Congress does not need any more lawyers or career politicians. We need individuals who rely
on data and understand the underlying issues that drive the majority of the US budget (Social
Security and insurance). I am going to focus on solutions that work to solve the issue regardless of
party lines, be transparent so all individuals know where I stand on important issues, and focus
100% of my time on serving as an elected of cial and not spend 30%+ of my day focused on
fundraising. The system cannot be xed by individuals preselected and groomed by the Republican
Party but instead, Republican ideals need to be pursued by an individual selected by the voters.
Since character and motives matter, I hope my efforts in previous responses to compare and
contrast the opponents are appreciated. I know a lot about all three of us, and I intend to share only
that which is relevant to voters. Thus, while the motivation of a man who has earned the nickname
“Moving Van” is important, I’d rather nish a different argument that I also started to make in
previous responses. I have argued that my candidacy is unique because I know the legislative
process of Congress, I know the U.S. Constitution, and I know both what’s wrong with Congress and
how to x it. I have already offered two speci c things to be done to make Congress work. Yet, I am
not a career politician. I have the prerequisite knowledge to be successful in Congress, but I have no
debts to pay to anyone in the establishment. I want voters to consider the rarity of my capacity for
success in Congress combined with the very different perspective I will bring to the legislative
process.
We need a greater variety of members to make Congress work again. The majority of
Congresspersons—from both parties—are lawyers, business people, and former military personnel.
We certainly need lawyers in Congress—their job, after all, is to write laws. We also need business
people in Congress who understand the economy—especially how the free market truly works
when left alone. And we bene t from having military veterans in Congress—although there are
currently 102 veterans in Congress—which is nearly 20%, yet the Department of Veterans Affairs
is a disaster. By contrast, only 13 current members of Congress hold a Ph.D., which is 2%—and of
these, only 4 current members hold a Ph.D. in politics. I am not arguing for a Congress full of Ph.D.s,
but surely we need a greater variety within the membership of Congress—and certainly more
people who have invested several years in the study of politics should be part of the political
process at the highest levels.
My candidacy is unique in that my resume is unique. I’ve already discussed my Ph.D. studies and
experience as a (Conservative) professor in a previous response. My academic friends tell me I am
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
13. turning to “the dark side” by engaging in actual political practice. In a world of career politicians,
though, new candidates must come from somewhere. And if a Ph.D. in politics combined with years
of teaching the legislative process and the Constitution don’t qualify one for Congress, then we
must consider no longer complaining about career politicians. As I stated previously, too many
members of Congress don’t really understand the legislative process, while I know it not only better
than my opponents, but also better than many current members. Can you imagine a Congress that
works? I can. And I want to help make it happen.
In the State Legislature I have proven myself to be an effective conservative leader. I have taken
tough votes and helped push the legislative chambers to the right. This manifested itself in large
issues like banning sanctuary cities, limiting the state budget to less than population and in ation,
cutting taxes, and protecting the unborn, but also on a host of issues that go largely unreported like
reducing or removing costly and burdensome licensing requirements, stopping a DPS database of
ngerprints on every law-abiding Texan, forcing politicians to state in the rst line of a bill if there is
any attempt to raise taxes or fees, and much more. I know the legislative process and understand
how to spot opportunities for conservative change. Additionally, representing the people of House
District 66 and Senate District 8 has also given me the opportunity to visit with thousands of
constituents. My best legislative ideas come directly from the people and I look forward to
continuing my 100% meeting policy.
As a businessman and family man I know rsthand that government growth has an inverse
relationship with personal liberty. The more government grows the less freedom we have. And
nally, my time serving in combat offers me a perspective. While I have watched some legislators
struggle with a tough vote I have always been relaxed doing what is right and knowing that in the
worst-case scenario everyone will walk out of the Capitol and go home to their families. This
perspective can infuriate lobbyists and special interest groups but it allows me to always put the
people and my values rst.
Length of residency in Texas and, if applicable, your
district:
2 years and 6 months in my district. Five additional years from 2007-2012.
Here a little work is required to distinguish between the three candidates. Each of us—if you can
believe it!—have only lived in the district for about a decade. Two of us claim to have moved here
for a job, and one of us claims to have moved here for graduate school at Criswell College. The last
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
14. one is me. To compare and contrast us, then—which all campaigns must do—motivation is again the
distinguishing factor.
There is no reason to challenge the notion of one us to have moved here for a job. Alex’s education
and previous experience clearly led him to a great job here in Dallas. Who wouldn’t want to live
here? Similarly, my resume is well known and indisputable. After working for a decade right out of
high school, I went to college as an adult. I graduated in 2008 from Baptist Bible College in
Spring eld, Missouri, and then I moved here for graduate school. I graduated from Criswell College
twice, rst with a M.A. in philosophical theology in 2010, and then with a M.A. in historical theology
in 2012. I then earned two more master’s degrees, both in politics, both from the University of
Dallas, the rst in 2013, and the second in 2015. I am now a Ph.D. candidate, and I am writing my
dissertation on congressional term limits. I have also, as I stated in previous responses, taught at
Criswell College for three years and at Arlington Baptist University for two years. I have also
explained in previous responses how my political studies motivated my current run for Congress.
My motives are as clear as my accomplishments.
This leaves “Moving Van.” Since by now—for those who have read all of my previous responses—this
is a tired issue, I will not belabor it. Except to say that if he expects the voters of Collin County to
send him to the U.S. Congress then he needs to come clean. It is most unusual for a man to grow up
in Midland, be educated on the East Coast, move to Waco to run for U.S. Congress, and then move
to the district of an elderly statesmen. The notion that his family had a farm in Plano several
generations ago does not justify his choice. Had he not moved to Waco just to run for U.S. Congress
in 2006, then perhaps our neighbors would be less suspicious of his motives in moving yet again,
into a second district, where he is now running for U.S. Congress for a second time.
My family rst came to Texas in 1826. In 1835, my ancestor A.B. Hardin received a letter from
Steven F. Austin, enjoining, “The country has a cause, and a just and glorious one to defend... Now is
the time. We must be free." He joined the ght for freedom and ultimately became a signer of the
Texas Declaration of Independence.
My wife Anne and I have been raising our daughters in Plano for about a decade and live about a
mile from the land my great-grandfather farmed during the Great Depression.
What political leader do you most admire and why?
Harry S. Truman in my opinion faced the hardest decisions of any world leader, and right or wrong,
made a tough decisions to use nuclear weapons with the best interest of our country in mind. He
also signed the Marshall Plan to help rebuild Europe while reducing barriers to increase trade and
signed the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) which stressed the importance of alliances and an
international community.
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
15. I’m not easily impressed—especially by politicians. I’ve learned from statesmen—some that I’ve
known and some through studying their lives and their thoughts, but sadly there aren’t many
statesmen around anymore. A few do impress me though. First, I’ve gotten to know Allen West as a
friend and occasional mentor over the past several years. Col. West is a brilliant and fun man. I’m
fortunate to know him. Second, one of our most impressive politicians is Nikki Haley. She grew up
tough like me, so I admire that. I’m very impressed with her consistency and great skill at the United
Nations. Third, while I’m of course not endorsing everything he’s ever said or done, I greatly admire
Rand Paul because he understands the U.S. Constitution better than almost anyone, and because
he works hard to apply the philosophy and principles of the American Founders to his own politics.
My real hero is Dave Brat. He’s an economist who actually understands some political philosophy.
We need more like him. Brat is the U.S. Congressman from Virginia who defeated Eric Cantor in
2014. Brat was a college professor, who holds a Ph.D., and who never held political of ce prior to
becoming a member of the U.S. House. We potentially have much in common. In his Republican
primary upset, Brat spent $200,000—while Cantor spent $5 million. Brat proves that so long as
money can’t literally buy votes, principles and ideas still win the day in American politics.
Congressman Sam Johnson has my eternal gratitude and admiration for his superhuman service in
the most trying of circumstances. Congressman Johnson dedicated his life to serving America: in
the military, the Legislature, and Congress. The price he paid with almost seven years of his life as
prisoner of war is a debt we can never repay to him. He is a hero, an American treasure, and our
nation owes him so much.
I can honestly report the single best day of the last legislative session was my chance to honor my
Congressman on the oor of the Texas Senate. His story so thoroughly captivates all who hear it.
When I was knocking on doors running for state representative people would ask what seat are you
running for and I would reply simply: I am running to replace Representative Brian McCall. Later in
running for the State Senate I would reply: I am running to replace Senator Ken Paxton. I cannot say
that today with Congressman Johnson. There is no replacing him. I can only promise to work hard
everyday serving the people of Collin County and honor the awe-inspiring legacy Congressman
Johnson leaves after his lifetime of service.
What do you make of President Donald Trump's style and
agenda? Do you view him as an ally, a breath of fresh air in
a capital that needs to be shaken up? Or as volatile,
dangerous and out of his depth? Or something in
between? What would your role be in working with or
against him?
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
16. I view President Trump as something in between. I agree with the agenda items that he wants to
address (immigration, taxes, healthcare, Social Security, etc…) but his lack of detail about his plans
and the broad statements, make it impossible for me to decide if I agree or disagree with his
positions because there just isn’t enough real information available. Presidential Candidate Trump
promised to shake up Washington, and he de nitely has, but in the wrong way. I had high hopes that
President Trump would shake up Washington by calling out both Republicans and Democrats for
their inability to work together and the ridiculous political games that have turned most current
elected of cials into late night TV comedy. I disagree with President Trump’s use of Twitter to
launch personal attacks on Americans and other world leaders. Also, the indisputably false
statements he makes can cause harm and confusion to the American people when coming from the
US President. I feel the leader of our nation should be held to a higher standard and act as the role
model his position requires. The more President Trump ostracizes groups and individuals the more
likely their main goal will to be ght against Trump and undo his legacy, rather than work with him
to bene t America. I would work with President Trump to enact sound policies in which both
parties can get behind but as an individual representing Texas district 3 I would only vote for a bill I
believe is bene cial to Texas and America and not solely because of party af liations.
Mr. Trump’s style—as reckless as it often is—has no bearing on the legitimacy of his agenda. Mr.
Trump clearly lives in his own world. Mr. Trump just as clearly loves his own country. Because he is
such a strong personality—and so active on Twitter, we must put aside his style to fairly consider his
agenda. The reasons for his election vary from Ms. Clinton’s poorly run campaign to his promise to
return America closer to its roots. After eight years under Mr. Obama, many Americans clearly
were begging for change. Most Americans seem to agree with the Trump agenda when it is isolated
from his style. Mr. Trump came into of ce seeking legislation to x health insurance, infrastructure,
immigration, the military, the economy, the federal tax system, and more. Surely only a few
Americans thought any of these were functioning properly when they went to the election polls in
November.
I voted for Mr. Trump, and I had no problem doing so. Others, like our current Congressman Sam
Johnson, voiced their willingness to vote for Mr. Trump while not of cially endorsing him. Others
still, like my opponent Mr. Taylor, seem to have joined the Never Trump movement by remaining
silent. Since his vote is private, we do not know whether he joined me in endorsing the Republican
Party platform by voting for Mr. Trump, or whether he joined many Never Trumpers in voting for
Ms. Clinton.
We will best move forward over the next three years by ending our incessant obsession with the
president. The relentless and unprecedented attacks against Mr. Trump do not re ect his many
enormous successes. Two obvious examples, one from each side of the aisle, will demonstrate this.
First, many Republicans—mostly Never Trumpers—insisted that Mr. Trump is not pro-life and that
his administration will betray the expectations of Conservatives. In his rst year, however, Mr.
Trump has appointed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, ended the Mexico City Policy, restricted
federal funding of abortions, and more. A too typical response from the Never Trumper
Republicans is to half-heartedly acknowledge these Conservative wins, only to turn to the next
issue that surely will soon disappoint. Second, too few are reporting our successes in the Middle
East. ISIS is almost non-existent and the refugee crisis has settled. How has this not been front-
page news? To be sure, we have now been in Afghanistan for 17 years, but under this president—
and his combat policy that our eld commanders full-throatily endorse—there is again hope that
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
17. these wars of little return will soon end. A prevailing reason Mr. Trump was elected was his
commitment to put America rst, instead of trying to engage nation-building around the world.
I will go on record here, after separating his style from his agenda, to say that, with limited
exception, I will support the Trump agenda in Congress as I understand it. I gave a list above of
things Americans knew were wrong with America when they voted Mr. Trump into of ce. He is
there because he has good ideas, and I want to work with him while advancing my own ideas such
as saving Social Security, truly reforming our tax policy, and rehabilitating our failed Department of
Veterans Affairs. I also am committed to citizen education and to citizen participation. I will meet
with anyone who wants to exchange ideas. I expect to be held accountable for every vote, whether
it promotes the Trump agenda or does not.
I was hit by the immediate impact of Trump’s Presidency in a meeting of Republican Senators
before the start of the 2017 Legislative Session. We were all going around the room discussing
goals for the upcoming session and one by one Chairmen started sharing how we could do the
people’s work instead of constantly ghting back oppressive and costly (and often unconstitutional)
executive orders from the Obama Administration. As a member of Health and Human Services,
rather than ghting back against ill-conceived budget-busting edicts that placed bureaucrats in
Washington, D.C. in control of personal healthcare decisions, we started exploring ways to reduce
healthcare costs at the state level while increasing access to Texans. As a member of the Natural
Resources Committee we saw the eight-year EPA war against Texas energy come to a screeching
halt. At one point President Obama’s EPA assault literally tried to revoke the permit of every power
and chemical plant in the state threatening untold numbers of jobs for working Texas families. In
just his rst year, President Trump has rolled back, cancelled, or delayed over 1,500 regulations.
After one year our nation has created nearly 1.7 million jobs and the unemployment rate is at 4.1
percent, a seventeen year low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 24,000 points and set 70
record highs. There is still a lot of damage to x but I look forward to working with President Trump
to continue this momentum, and every member of Congress, regardless of party, willing to work
together in the best interest the people rather serving the destructive Washington-style political
gamesmanship of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer that for years have had people so frustrated
with Washington, D.C.
The gap between the rich and the poor in America is
widening. Is this a problem for the country, and if so what
should Congress do about it? What action should
Congress take, if any?
It is a huge problem and will impact our social and political landscape if this is not addressed. I have
no issue with the rich being rich but the rest of the country needs wages that allow them to save for
the future while adequately providing for their family’s needs today. If the private market fails to
provide enough wages to be nancially supportive, the government must become a necessary evil
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet
18. and be the last resort to supply necessities. This would send our country in the wrong direction,
towards socialism. I do not believe nancial irresponsibility, lack of motivation, or wanting
handouts is just cause for social programs. The government should be there to help those truly in
need as I believe our morals as a country should be to help those in need. Congress needs to a) tax
the rich at an appropriate rate “as Warren Buffet says he is taxed at a lower rate than his secretary”
b) Do not increase minimum wage as that has an negative unemployment effect but instead,
increase the Earned Income Tax Credit c) Focus on education and preparing for the knowledge
economy the US is transitioning to d) A mechanism is needed to provide equal representation as
the rich are inadequately represented in congress by the in uence of money on our political
decisions explained by the research paper on the in uence of elites, interest groups, and average
voters on American politics.
The way out of poverty, now and always, is education. The best paying jobs go to those who have
the necessary skills. The immediate question for Congress concerning our multitude of federal
programs, then, is not, “Should we do more?” Rather, the question to ask rst is, “Are our current
efforts successful?” Programs that keep people from starving seem necessary, but only programs
that educate will eradicate anyone’s poverty. I will discuss education in my response below
regarding budget priorities, because, as a college professor, I know rst-hand that our education
priorities in this country are inept, outdated, and ineffective—especially for those who need a hand
up.
Our emphasis on the wealth gap, as an alternative to an emphasis on overall poverty, reveals the
potential for more Americans to leave poverty behind. We are experiencing a wealth gap because
the rich are getting richer and many middle-class people are joining the rich in the upper class.
Meanwhile, the poor remain more or less stagnant. The solution is not to condemn those who are
succeeding in a growing American economy. The solution is to educate the poor. Rather than
condemning the nancially successful, we should be condemning the breakdown of the American
education system that fails to prepare the children of the poor, and the failure of our federal aid
programs to educate the unemployed and the underemployed.
As a local businessman, I know rsthand that sustained jobs growth comes from the private sector
– not big government. Texas leads the nation in jobs and opportunity and Collin County is certainly
at the heart of that growth. I am constantly inspired by the passion and dedication of our job
creators to tackle the risks of starting their own businesses. Texas is the jobs leader not by accident
but because of conservative leadership that removes government barriers in order to incentivize
private innovation and unleash American’s entrepreneurial spirit. Texas has established a blueprint
for success and Washington can learn a lot from how we do things in Texas.
Representing Collin County, I have had the privilege to meet with business leaders across the
district. It is interesting that many of the new businesses moving to our area are coming from the
same place: Democrat controlled “blue states.” Nearly universally they tell me the reason they leave
blue states and come to Collin County is for lower taxes, reasonable and predictable regulations,
and nancially sound good-government stability. They come from states that raise taxes and debt-
while ignoring de cits, transportation, and infrastructure. The conservative leadership of the Texas
model works while liberal leadership from blue states are driving out job creators providing less
opportunity for those seeking to make a better future for their family.
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
19. What is the greatest threat to American security, and how
should America respond? What specifically should
Congress do to help?
When I think of American security I think of economic and physical security. Even though terrorists
and outside forces are a clear and present danger, I feel the greatest threat to our way of life is
internal. This danger is the current divide in our country and the inability to understand one
another and move forward together. We need to address future changes in the landscape to our
economy and job market with the likes of green energy, automation, and arti cial intelligence. We
need to renew our focus on educating our citizens in order to provide the intellectual resources to
continue growing our economy. Most importantly, we need to understand we all are different with
different opinions, thoughts, religions, races, lifestyles… and accepting this is vital to progressing as
a strong uni ed nation.
Admiral Mike Mullen, former Joint Chief of Staff, on his way out in 2015, said that the national debt
is “the single biggest threat to our national security.” Not only does no one seem to have a solution
in mind—no one in Washington seems even to be conscious of the looming crisis. A Republican
Congress just passed the largest planned budget de cit in American history. We Republicans
lament Mr. Obama’s doubling of the debt—all the while ignoring Mr. Bush’s previous doubling of the
debt. I’m all for tax cuts in theory—and clearly some of our taxes were problematic prior to the
recent reform, but someone needs to tell the country that we must cut spending while maintaining
revenues to facilitate payments on our debt. The solution is true tax reform that un-complicates the
system, to eliminate corporate carve-outs written into federal tax code by meddling lobbyists. I
have a lot to say about federal tax code, little of it positive. We must rid ourselves of our onerous
pages of tax code that only a computer can synthesize. Simpli cation, Speaker Ryan, requires much
more than cheap rhetoric about a post card.
The more live threat, from a traditional national security perspective, is our gross ineptitude in the
realm of cybersecurity. The problems here are several. First, recent breaches of both federal and
corporate data bases make it obvious to all that our defenses are inadequate. Second, the nation
that took a week to realize the potential of sending the USNS Comfort to hurricane-ravished
Puerto Rico—and then had little notion of how to use the most advanced medical ship on the planet
upon its arrival, is no better prepared to aid its mainland citizens in the event of an infrastructure
failure caused by cyber terrorists. Third, an act of cyber terrorism will be an act of war, meaning our
response will be an act of war requiring approval by a Congress that is not prepared to respond
quickly and effectively. Even our best security experts have yet to determine what military action
will be considered a just response to a cyber-attack. We are a reactionary people who do not plan
well, but since experts agree that an act of cyber terrorism is inevitable, we should be bettering our
defenses and preparing our responses.
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
20. Having served as a Marine I know the importance of peace through strength and the gravity of
putting our military in harm’s way. America has a unique role as the world’s strongest economic and
military power. We must lead and forge careful alliances to confront the scourge of radical Islam
and rogue regimes. Our military is the greatest force the world has ever known because of the
brave Americans who volunteer to defend us. We ght for freedom and self-determined
government, in contrast to other military forces throughout history that fought for wealth, status,
or on orders from their dictator. Washington must support our armed forces with the resources
and equipment needed to accomplish their missions and keep us safe – and when our heroes return
our nation must honor its promise to our veterans.
What changes should be made to U.S. trade policy?
America is operating at a trade de cit which needs to stop. Consuming more than we produce can
only go on so long and this inequality in trade will need to be addressed one way or another. I
believe Trump was correct in putting a halt to trade deals but bilateral trade negotiations are not
the solution. We need trade deals that retain free-market principles and do not encourage trade
wars or protect speci c industries or countries. America needs to simplify and reduce our non-
tariff impediments while balancing out imports and exports. In order to accomplish this trade
balance we need to credit those who export products and in return give them the ability to import
materials and/or products or sell those credits in a liquid market. Our trade de cit cannot be
balanced overnight but a transition overtime is possible. The major downside is imported products
would become more expensive for US citizens, but the upside would be the continued strength of
the US dollar.
The bene t of global trade is obvious and easily measured. Measuring the cost, however, has
proven more dif cult. America as a whole is wealthier as a result of increased trade—as is the rest
of the world. The crux of Adam Smith’s analysis was to credit the wealth of nations to the division of
labor. America—and every other nation—bene ts in the long run by importing that which can be
manufactured more ef ciently elsewhere. Our failure in the face of increased global trade, then, is
our inability to reeducate those who used to perform tasks now completed abroad.
The best trade policies allow goods to move freely from their most favorable point of production to
their most favorable point of consumption. It follows that the best trade policies are minimal,
thereby allowing trade to be truly free. Our next generation of trade agreements do not need to be
thousands of pages long, thereby allowing corporate lobbyists to secure carve-outs that bene t a
few elites while ignoring the negative rami cations of their crony capitalism.
None of our trade agreements are current. The world’s largest economy is governed by two-
decade-old compromises. NAFTA was rati ed in 1994. Can you imagine driving a car built in 1994?
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Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
21. All our trade policies should be open to audit, and subsequently open to renegotiation. Rati cation
of new and renewed deals should not be fast-tracked, but should be presented to Congress to be
rati ed by the Senate under the constitutional guidelines of an international treaty.
Trade agreements should be fair and made in the best interest of Americans. In Texas especially we
see the bene ts that trade can have for our state and economy. But trade policy only works to our
bene t when the deals are fair with the American economy and American jobs in mind.
How should the next Congress address illegal
immigration? Please be specific about the millions of
people in this country illegally.
Legal immigration strengthens the U.S. economy and does more good than harm. We need to
embrace legal immigration to encourage growth and fuel American businesses. However, illegal
immigrants are an issue and our leniency towards the millions in this country illegally needs to stop.
Laws in place to discourage and penalize hiring of illegal immigrants need to be enforced. This is a
complicated matter though as we must address the industries where illegal immigrants are in high
demand (i.e. farming and construction). Illegal immigrants in these industries are vital to our
economy but have to be able to obtain legal, temporary work visas and have the ability to apply for
citizenship (should they so choose) as long as they continue to be employed by the job the visa was
applied for. Part of the solution for freeing up visas is to change how an individual becomes a US
Citizen by removing the automatic citizenship by birth to non-U.S. Parents. With this change alone,
over 300,000 a year more people could be legally allowed in the U.S. On top of that, I would
recommend increasing the number of naturalized citizens allowed in the U.S.
The purpose of an immigration system is to enable aliens to become citizens. We need to consider
how immigration can strengthen our nation, while also considering the value of each life affected
by our policies. People who want to make America their home should be able to know how to do so,
and what to expect from the process. In today’s world of global terrorism, however, we cannot
guarantee legal immigration to all who seek it. Of the three nations in North America, it is easier to
immigrate to the U.S.—either legally or illegally—than it is to immigrate either to Canada or to
Mexico. Our immigration problem is not our openness to those who wish to become Americans.
Rather, our immigration problem is our inability to modernize the process by which one becomes a
citizen.
Immigration has been overly politicized by the extremes of both sides. On one side, George Soros
wants an open-border world in which national identities disappear—as nations are abolished in a
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22. truly Marxian fashion. On the other side, the Neocons wants a New World Order in which
corporations seem to be our masters. Fortunately, we are not limited to these extremes. We can
live in a secure America that welcomes immigrants. We must continue to secure our borders while
creating a new immigration system that welcomes those who want to come here legally, prohibits
those who want to come here illegally, and is reasonably compassionate to those who are caught in
between.
As a United States Marine, I served on the U.S. / Mexico border as part of Joint Task Force 6 and
know it is not secure. In the Texas Senate, I used this background to pass important legislation
granting Texas military personnel legal safeguards to protect themselves while being called upon to
serve our state. I doggedly supported increasing border security funding at the state level and have
also consistently fought to turn off the magnets that further entice illegal immigration. In Congress,
I will continue to ght for meaningful safeguards on our borders and reject amnesty. I proudly
voted repeatedly to end sanctuary cities in our state and we must deport criminals who entered
this country illegally.
Would you support or oppose the full repeal of all
provisions of the Affordable Care Act?
The ACA has some good legislation (i.e. pre-existing conditions) and therefore I do not care if
congress repeals all of it or just makes changes to the ACA as long as it is xed with sound,
bipartisan solutions. As time goes on we can then ne tune the bill in response to issues that arise.
As an actuary, I believe there are a few key items that will lead to affordable and competitive
healthcare prices. First is legislation that will end employee provided healthcare & replace it with
individual healthcare purchased through open markets (like auto insurance). Everyone will have
access to the same plans and coverage will not change when switching employment. Price
transparency for all procedures and visits will allow patients to be aware of the cost upfront.
Everyone will have healthcare if they want it and cost assistance is available if people are unable to
afford care. Individuals are not required to have healthcare but will be responsible for all costs if
medical attention is needed. Candidates or current politicians should not continue to say the x for
our current solution is “we need a single-payer plan” or “we need to repeal and replace ACA and
replace it with something affordable with great coverage.” We need real ideas and solutions like I
am proposing above.
The problem with the ACA—that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Libertarians—should
be able to agree upon, is its extreme length and complexity. The bill was written by lobbyists,
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David Niederkorn
23. bureaucrats, and the staffers of a few leaders—with little input from members of Congress. It is so
large that no one person can read the entire thing—let alone understand it. It is so encompassing
that it is impossible for it to be coherent. It is full of generalities that must be worked out by
unelected bureaucrats. The ACA, like most omnibus legislation, would be unworkable—except for
the fact that Congress has acquiesced such extreme power to the bureaucracies to do whatever is
necessary to make their ambiguous laws workable. It is unreasonable, therefore, to pile on further
legislation in a futile effort to save this disastrous bill from its inevitable fate.
We also must realize that over 300 million people are not going to agree on what health insurance
is best for each one of them. Americans—like most people—want options. The health insurance
industry also should be recognized for what it is—a relatively new enterprise that was forced upon
us in the 1970s as the direct result of federal wage freezes. In an era when—for economic reasons
that made little sense then or now—large employers were prohibited from increasing salaries, they
instead began to offer bene ts. Today, our tax policy incentivizes businesses to continue these
bene ts. A simple adjustment of the tax code would begin to make health insurance look a lot like
home, auto, life, and all other kinds of insurance that the free market makes available at
competitive rates.
The debate over health insurance will only be successful when extreme positions are abandoned.
We have lost the ability to distinguish health insurance from health care. The bill for a service is not
the same thing as the service itself. The Hippocratic oath is alive and well in America—it always has
been, and it always will be. No one, therefore, is going to die because they do not have health
insurance. At the same time—and on the other extreme, we need to recognize that a health crisis
easily leads to personal bankruptcy. A big step forward would be to separate routine situations
from emergencies. Most families can budget for the occasional, expected medical need—especially
if consumers were offered upfront pricing that is not subject to the administrative costs of a third-
party payer. No health insurance policy will please everyone, but, if we abandon the extremes in
favor of an honest discussion, then we can establish some necessary basics to protect the
vulnerable while liberating both the patient and his or her medical provider.
Contrived in backroom deals and riddled with broken promises and false hope, former President
Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and their allies in Washington forced on the American people a $1.7
trillion dollar takeover of our healthcare system. While plunging our nation further into debt,
Obamacare has most harmed those whom the law was supposed to help. Healthcare premiums
have skyrocketed, deductibles have grown so large that insured dollars have become unreachable
for many families, jobs have been killed, hours available for workers restricted, and the promise of
the American dream pushed beyond the grasp of many striving to make a better life for their family.
The damage created by Obamacare is extensive and marks one of the largest policy failures in our
nation’s history. Leaders in Washington must repeal Obamacare and empower the states to create
free market based solutions that provide Americans access to healthcare they can afford from a
doctor they trust.
Congress writes the budget for the United States. What is
one area that Congress should invest much more heavily
in, and why? What should we be spending much less on?
Van Taylor
24. We need to invest in the future instead of the past. What I mean by that is industries, such as the
coal industry, should not be kept alive by government assistance. Instead, those funds should be
allocated towards growing sectors of the economy (i.e. green energy) in order to lead as an
innovator instead of nding ourselves in a situation of playing catch up with the rest of the world.
We need to improve our infrastructure including telecommunications to prepare for the economy
of the future and focus on our intellectual capital. This can be accomplished with an increase in
funding towards education and NASA, both of which pay back the country many times over. It is
imperative on many levels that we address Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid now as those
expenses will continue to grow and directly impact millions of Americans. Directly cutting spending
in these areas should be a last resort and instead we should look for solid adjustments, private
partnerships, and passing a strong and sound healthcare policy. I also believe we can build stronger
partnerships with international allies to help reduce our military expenses.
I make no apologies that I am about to go extra-long in this response. The federal budget is out of
control, both in our amount of spending and in the budget writing process. I need to address these
matters, while brie y introducing my own philosophy of federal spending. I also need to go to great
length to discuss what I believe to be the most important investment for Congress to make: The
rehabilitation of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
First, let’s talk spending philosophy. I subscribe to the principle of subsidiarity, so, when I say we
need more of something, I may or may not be calling for a congressional response. Subsidiarity says
solutions should be sought as close to the problem as can be effective. This may indicate individual
responsibility in one regard and federal responsibility in another. I promised in a previous response
to return to education. My point there was that education is the solution to poverty, and that our
many federal programs must be evaluated for effectiveness. We will nd few exclusively federal
success stories. Where federal dollars fund effective educational solutions, the programs are
managed by local entities. Again, the solution should be found as close to the problem as can be
effective. It does not make sense, then, for individuals to pay federal taxes, only to have that same
money come back, either to the state or to a local municipality, with federal mandates attached. Get
the federal government out of it, and watch local people nd local solutions. We have multiple
failures in education, from our youngest children to our poorest adults in need of vocational
training. But I am not convinced that Washington can provide universal solutions that will be
effective in every corner of the country.
Second, let’s discuss Congress’ budget writing process. I proposed two speci c things in an earlier
response that will make Congress work again. A key aspect of one of these—that Congress does not
ful ll all of its constitutional responsibilities—is the colossal failure that is the budget process. Since
major reforms were introduced in 1974, Congress has only passed an on-time budget four times.
Two additional problems are that mandatory spending—which accounts for half of all federal
spending—is on auto-pilot, meaning that Congress does not vote on it. The other half of the budget
that is considered discretionary is also on auto-pilot in that annual increases are cooked into the
books via a process called baseline budgeting. This nonsense allows Congress to claim a spending
cut, when in fact spending increases. No business operates this way—for obvious reasons. Only the
government, unconcerned about expenditures, can create such an accounting system.
Third, our $20 trillion debt makes it dif cult to consider further investment in anything beyond
absolute necessities. Budget cuts should be Congress’ immediate priority. Entire departments need
to be eliminated because they are unneeded, some programs need to be combined because they
are redundant, and many projects need to be abandoned because they are unproductive.
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
25. Fourth, the areas of federal spending most often discussed today are infrastructure and defense.
Some infrastructure problems require immediate responses that need to be managed by the
federal government and therefore funded by Congress. Many others are state and local problems
to be solved at those levels. National defense is of course the most obvious area that Congress
must always consider. Our military must be retooled and refocused for the future. We need to
move away from an occupation force capacity, toward a rapid-strike capacity. This will cost money.
There is no more necessary investment America makes in itself than the maintenance of a strong
and ready military, yet we also must hold the Department of Defense accountable for its current
spending before increasing its already enormous budget.
Fifth and nally, the area of federal spending I will most advocate is the rehabilitation of the
Department of Veterans Affairs. This is the most important investment for Congress to make. The
V.A. is an egregious moral failure. It is a sin on par with any this country has yet to commit. Besides a
debt we can never repay, we owe our veterans at least two things. First, every veteran deserves
world-class healthcare. Instead, they are too often ignored, misdiagnosed, disrespected, and denied
the services we promised them. Second, every veteran deserves our support when acclimating to
civilian life. Congress must restructure the V.A. under a new dual mandate with these two
priorities.
I already lamented in an earlier response that 102 veterans currently serve in Congress—yet, none
of these otherwise brave men and women have committed themselves to the success of the V.A. If I
am wrong, and they have made this commitment, then they have failed, and they need to explain
themselves. If I am correct, and they have not made this commitment, then they need to explain
themselves. The blame for the failure of the V.A. rests entirely with Congress.
Our next Congress must make the V.A. the envy of scientists and healthcare providers across the
globe. The V.A. should be a world-wide leader in research and innovation. It should partner with
universities to develop solutions such as better prosthetics for amputees, robotics to assist the
immobile, and effective psychological solutions for victims of PTSD. The V.A. needs a canine
division to specialize in breeding and training dogs to be companions for victims of PTSD and helps
for the severely handicapped. These are just a few obvious examples of the V.A.’s potential.
We can and must rebuild the V.A. from the ground up. Congress must begin with a strict narrowing
of the agency’s mission. The current mandate is too broad. Instead of providing head-to-toe
healthcare, the V.A. needs to focus on warrior-speci c injuries and health issues both physical and
mental. Healthcare needs that are common to all people can be treated by private providers and
hospitals. The V.A. does not need to treat the u. A division within the V.A. can specialize in helping
veterans to nd providers near them, and to fund their healthcare with public money as promised.
Our veterans will receive better treatment sooner, and the V.A. will be free to do what it should be
doing best.
The V.A.’s second mandate should be to help our veterans acclimate to civilian life. This of course
includes psychological care, physical therapy, and everything needed to recoup from the ravages of
war. This should also include extensive career services that put the best universities to shame. The
V.A. needs to work with the military to determine how veterans’ skills can be transformed and
adapted to the modern workforce. How can leadership skills be turned into corporate management
skills? How can mechanical skills be turned into needed trade skills?
Strong leadership from a turnaround expert will be needed. The rst step for the new Secretary will
be to clean house. Expert staff who demonstrate excellence in their current work should be
retained and retrained as needed to t the new mandates. Surely many of the current
administrators need to be dismissed.
We can no longer excuse our nation’s treatment of our veterans. The V.A. is a national crisis ripe for
a solution. Congress must restructure the V.A. to make it the envy of the world in those few things
that it does better than anyone else.
26. We must stop the growth of government both in size and scope. The more government takes the
less free we are. In Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations he described four core functions of
government: national defense, public safety, infrastructure, and education. I believe these core
functions should be properly prioritized.
Taxes and debt are the symptoms, but spending is the disease. In order to get our country back on
track Congress must limit the size and scope of government. Washington style talking points that
brag about cutting future growth are tone deaf and unacceptable. I believe Congress must look to
Texas for meaningful examples such as our Constitutional mandate requiring a balanced budget,
spending caps, zero-based budgeting, and the Sunset Commission that regularly reviews
government agencies to reauthorize their existence and ensure they are focusing on their legal
core functions.
In the Texas Legislature the idea that we would go home without passing a budget is unthinkable –
yet that annual failure has become the norm for Washington. In Texas I authored the No Budget, No
Pay Act and would support other reforms that force politicians to do their job and pass a budget.
What action, if any, should Congress take in response to
mass killings involving firearms?
We are given the right to own guns and I believe that right should not be taken away. This is a
perfect example of the old adage of how a bad apple can ruin the barrel. The majority of gun owners
are safe and responsible when it comes to their rearms. They teach their children and those
around them to respect guns and proper gun safety. They understand the gravity and responsibility
that comes with gun ownership so these people are not the problem and neither are their rearms.
It’s when rearms end up in the possession of those “bad apples,” the people who do not have the
mental competency to own and operate a rearm that we end up with such atrocities as mass
killings. So herin lies the problem, how do you keep rearms out of the hands of those incompetent
people while retaining the rights and freedoms of responsible rearm owners? I wish I had a fool
proof solution but as I see it, there is not a way to get rid of the “bad apples.” However, we can work
to reduce the chances of rearms ending up in the possession of those people by putting laws in
place that allow a more in depth background check and stiffer penalties for gun sales that do not go
through the legal channels. We also need to make gun owners liable with harsher penalties in the
instance of, traf cking, reckless ownership, and straw purchases.
All thinking, compassionate people understand the desire for Congress to respond to the
phenomenon of mass killings. The arguments in favor of saving lives are strong. Rather than arguing
about statistics, to prove the current quality of our civilization, however, those who want Congress
to act must face one simple obstacle. The Second Amendment makes clear the people’s intention
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27. never to allow the federal government to interfere with their right to bear arms. For Congress to
respond effectively, then, the Second Amendment must itself be amended. Short of this
insurmountable obstacle, Congress does not possess the requisite power to address these tragic
events via the disarmament of the American people. Nor should it. I full-heartedly support the
Second Amendment—and the entire Bill of Rights—because I don’t want Washington more involved
in our everyday lives. Rather, whatever solutions are available must be found within the individual
states. Each state can, as has been demonstrated repeatedly—more often in certain states than in
others, place various limits and restrictions on rearms and related products. Federalism means
that I might not like what a state does or does not do, but I must respect each state’s right to self-
government. I am glad to live in Texas, where individual liberty remains a priority.
In the Texas Legislature I authored and passed bills allowing for community colleges and private
schools to have trained School Marshals. These commonsense safety measures passed the
Legislature with wide bipartisan support.
I believe we must ensure that Washington does not infringe on the Second Amendment freedoms
of law abiding citizens. I am a proud lifelong gun owner, avid hunter, and license to carry holder – I
will always defend our Second Amendment rights.
The Social Security fund that pays most retiree benefits
will be insolvent within a generation. What steps should
Congress take to keep it in the black? Please be specific
about who would be affected and how soon.
There is no perfect solution but the best and rst option should be to keep all existing funding to all
individuals at current levels. Changes are needed to address the solvency. Some steps I am in favor
of are as follows; 1) The U.S. Social Security Administration does not get the highest return on the
current surplus and therefore a partnership with corporations or a change in investment strategy is
needed. A joint partnership could provide adequate returns while still providing the security
needed to continue to provide bene ts. 2) As people continue to live longer, the full retirement age
needs to slightly increase which will impact younger Americans. 3) Payroll tax cap needs to be
increased from the current cap of $128,400. 4) Reduced bene ts for high net worth individuals.
Social Security will begin to fail in 2034. This is a non-debatable fact. If you retire this year at age
65, you will be 82 when the system begins to collapse. Does that sound old? My 83-year-old father-
in-law doesn’t think so. Current law increases the retirement age to 67 for those born in 1960.
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28. Thus, if you are age 57 today, you will be eligible for full bene ts in 10 years. Social Security will
begin its collapse just 7 years later. If you are age 50, the system will be collapsing as you are
enrolling.
Two obstacles prohibit Social Security reform: people in and near retirement, and a Congress that
fears them. By blocking reform, though, seniors only guarantee that their children and
grandchildren will not enjoy tomorrow what seniors enjoy today. As a candidate, Mr. Trump said we
can grow our way out of the inevitable crisis. Wrong. There are no options. Congress must reform
Social Security. And seniors need to support their efforts.
Sensible reform begins with an absolute commitment to Social Security law as written for those in
and near retirement. The good news is that, since the system is stable until 2034, Congress only
needs to consider changes for those ages 50 and younger. In fact, today’s 50-year-old is the rst to
face the coming crisis head on, since, under current law, they will be eligible for full bene ts in
2034.
I am looking at a plan to save Social Security that only affects those under age 50. And does not
raise payroll taxes. It has two primary features. First, it gradually increases the retirement age by
two years. Second, it provides full initial bene ts for the super wealthy, but limits their COLA.
Those born before 1960 will continue to retire at age 65. Those born between 1960 and 1968 will
continue to retire at age 67. This is current law, and it remains unchanged.
Beginning with those currently age 49, the retirement age will increase 3 months per year. Thus, a
49-year-old can retire at 67 years and 3 months, a 48-year-old can retire at 67 years and 6 months,
a 47-year-old can retire at 67 years and 9 months, and a 46-year-old can retire at 68. Follow the
same progression for 4 more years, adding 3 months at a time, to arrive at the nal changes. If
today you are age 42 or younger, you can retire at 69. If you live to be 83 like my father-in-law,
that’s 15 years of fully funded retirement—with the hope of more.
Also beginning with those currently age 49, the COLA will be means-tested. COLA stands for “cost
of living adjustment.” It follows in ation so retirees can maintain a consistent lifestyle. As costs rise,
Social Security bene ts rise. We only need to means-test the extremely wealthy. They will receive
their much higher initial bene ts that they have earned, they just won’t see a COLA increase. High-
wage earners receive nearly double the bene ts of their low-wage earning peers. Even so, most
high-wage earners will still receive their COLA. Only the absolute wealthiest will be effected.
Social Security reform should not be dif cult. The plan I am looking at is simple and effective. Under
current law, the Social Security fund will be $20 trillion in the black in 2090. Under this reform plan,
it will be $500 billion in the red in 2090. If Mr. Trump is even a little correct, then it will be even
more secure. Without reform, though, regardless of economic expansion, Social Security will not be
there for most Americans living today. Everyone knows it. We know how to x it. The questions are:
“Will Congress propose it?” and, “Will current seniors allow them to do it?”
When my oldest daughter was born twelve years ago the national debt was just over $7 trillion
dollars. Today the national debt is about $20 trillion. That means in Laura’s twelve years politicians
in Washington nearly tripled our national debt. It is unacceptable to push this burden to our
children and force them to climb out from beneath a seemingly insurmountable mountain of debt.
It is irresponsible for politicians in Washington to continue to kick the can on generational
challenges like Social Security and Medicare. In the Texas Legislature, we handled challenging
funding problems in a serious manner with both parties recognizing the same fact set and working
together to address a solution. There seems to be ongoing dishonesty in Washington around the
facts so both sides can point ngers, complain on the nightly news, and then go home and run for
reelection. I would seek to address these challenges the same way as the Texas Legislature – but in
Van Taylor
29. order to x the problem, members of Congress rst need to recognize the problem then show the
political courage to craft a solution instead of a bumper sticker.
The Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015. Has
that had a positive or negative impact on America since
then, and is there anything that Congress should do either
in response or to further support gay rights?
Roughly 4% of Americans consider themselves LGBTQ and now have the right to legally wed, which
is a right they should have. I feel we are all allowed to have our own beliefs but putting laws in place
to block someone’s right to live and have equal protection under the law based on another’s opinion
is against everything American represents and stands for. America is the land of opportunity and
freedom because of being founded by people escaping persecution for their beliefs. America should
be inclusive of all people and that means allowing the same rights to any gay person that a straight
person is afforded. Congress should pass an anti-discriminatory LGBTQ law.
I agree with my fellow Constitutionalist Rand Paul, who often quips that he does not want the
federal government in his bedroom. Congress has not been empowered to limit anyone’s sexual
expression. Private acts that individuals might perform in public can be restricted by states and
municipalities. Just as important is the fact that the federal government has not been empowered
to provide de nitions to our language. Marriage has had a strict de nition for millennia. It has long
been understood that to become legally binding, a marriage must be consummated. The
consummation of a marriage also has had a strict de nition for millennia. It is therefore physically
possible for one male and one female to enter into the act of marriage. Outside of this, marriage
simply is not obtained. The right to be gay belongs to everyone. The possibility to be married,
however, is logically limited. These are matters that no one should want Congress debating.
The rst liberty guaranteed in the rst amendment to our Constitution protects religious freedom.
Increasingly over recent years, we have seen people of faith and their religious freedoms come
under aggressive attack by the radical left, sometimes under the guise of political correctness and
other times by direct assault. As a coauthor of the Pastor Protection Act, Sermon Protection Act,
and American Laws for American Courts Act, I have been an outspoken advocate for religious
freedom in the Texas Legislature and will continue that ght in Washington, D.C.
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
Van Taylor
30. What is your view on the science of man-made climate
change? Do you support action to reduce the output of
greenhouse gases? If so, what steps do you favor?
With 97% of climate scientists agreeing that humans are the cause of global warming, I have to
believe that we are the cause and believe those who doubt the veracity of this issue are causing
more harm than good. Let’s for a moment take the position that we are not causing global warming
and the experts are wrong. If that is the case, then under false pretenses we will leave our children
and future generations as follows; energy independence, with preserved rainforest and natural
environment, livable sustainable cities, clean water and air, all while having a healthier lifestyle. So I
guess what I am saying, is even if experts are wrong, what is the harm in trying to create a more
sustainable and eco-friendly world? I could live with leaving that legacy, regardless of if global
warming is man-made or not. The corporate sector is already transitioning to a greener, 100%
renewable, battery powered vehicle economy and the government needs to embrace and allow
these industries to thrive. Protecting deforestation, allowing growth and new innovations thru
research at NASA and the Department of Energy, and not sustaining industries like coal for the
purpose of jobs is what the government needs to do.
Greenhouse gases are not our friend. I have lived long enough, however, to witness the shift from
global cooling, to global warming, to the most recent descriptive, climate change. It is of course a
scienti c fact that earth’s temperature changes over extended periods of time. It seems, though,
that the movement too quickly revealed its hand in pushing for expropriations from wealthy
countries to poor countries back in the 1980s. The movement clearly suffers when its adherents
maintain the same goal while shifting both the labels and the conclusions that are supposed to
justify that goal. So long as the goal remains the same, progress is inhibited.
A climate change advocate that I could take seriously is one that pursues three things: Better tools
to monitor conditions, better batteries, and more trees and plants. First, we need to continue the
development of the tools necessary to monitor the changes in earth’s temperature without
demanding a crisis-mode response. The predictions of individuals such as Al Gore have not come
true. Therefore, if we are to take seriously our responsibility to maintain the earth, then we need to
continue to gather the needed evidence. Second, the real problem with green energy is battery
storage. Good means of generating energy have been with us for a long time, while good means of
storing that energy remain elusive. And third, as I understand botany—and I am a certi ed
horticulturist—almost all trees and plants need carbon dioxide. The argument that more carbon
dioxide is good for existent plants is of course nonsense, since each has limited capacity. The
argument that an increased quantity of plant life reduces greenhouse gases is however a long-
established fact.
The notion that these three solutions require congressional action is insulting to advocates of
climate change. Tesla Motors is subsidized by federal tax policy, yet in many places electric cars are
truly red by burning coal. T. Boone Pickens’ wind farms are also federally subsidized, yet they are
destroying bird populations. Neither of these offers any noticeable relief, and they have enormous
unforeseen consequences, yet they cost tax payers billions of dollars. This is what congressional
Alex Donkervoet
David Niederkorn
31. action too often looks like. If I were an advocate of climate change, I would petition foundations to
fund needed research, but federal involvement would scare me.
Texas is home to rolling plains, beautiful spring-fed lakes, and other unique treasures like Big Bend
National Park, El Capitan mountain, the Hill Country, the Monahans Sand Dunes, Palo Duro
Canyon, and hundreds of miles of Texas Gulf shoreline. Speci cally, here in Collin County we have
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, numerous parks and green spaces, as well as
Lake Lavon. Texas’ natural beauty is a hallmark of our state, and we must preserve these treasures
for future generations.
I do not believe that energy development and good stewardship of the environment are mutually
exclusive. Yet today, excessive and burdensome regulations are sti ing many sectors of our
economy with energy getting hit especially hard because of the out-of-control EPA. A monumental
piece of legislation that can help reverse this abuse is the REINS Act sponsored by Congressman
Collins (R-GA) and Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) which would review executive rulemaking. I authored a
Texas version of this legislation and believe it will go a long way to reduce the regulatory burden
conceived by unelected bureaucrats without legislation.
As with jobs and economic opportunity, I believe Texas provides an energy blueprint for the rest of
the nation. Texas is a leader in renewable generation with over 12,800 megawatts of installed wind,
solar, and biomass generation capacity, and has built over 3,580 miles of Competitive Renewable
Energy Zone (CREZ) transmission lines associated with 169 individual projects. Incredibly, at
certain times Texas has 100% of its energy demands ful lled by wind energy. That demonstrates
Texas' leadership. Furthermore, Texas boasts a national model for transparency and disclosure as it
relates to traditional oil exploration. Together we must unleash an all of the above energy policy,
determined by private sector and demand – not government picking winners and losers – in order
to reduce costs and set our nation towards energy independence.
When the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of
the Voting Rights Act, many lawmakers on both sides
vowed to update the law. That hasn't happened. Should
Congress strengthen the existing Voting Rights Act, and if
so how?
The Voting Rights act of 1965 was enacted to prohibit racial discrimination but in today’s world
there are more forms of discrimination that could exist. A new law should be enacted to protect all
forms of voter discrimination but should not require preclearance by any states and should be able
to be challenged in court if problems exist. Legislation should also be put in place to remove the
practice known as gerrymandering which involves drawing district lines in such a manner as to give
ones party an advantage over the other.
Van Taylor
Alex Donkervoet