I believe that if you allow individuals, families and small businesses to keep more of their hard earned money they will create the stimulus that our economy needs without placing a huge burden of debt on our children and grandchildren.

While I believe Government should be limited, it does have a role - it can create an environment (through regulatory and tax policy) where small businesses, which are the engine of American job growth, can thrive.

Fiscal Responsibility

In these difficult times Mississippi families are setting priorities and living within a budget, and government should be no different. We need to put an end to wasteful earmarks. We also need to do a top-to-bottom spending review of all federal agencies. We do not need to just cut spending, we need to change the way we operate government and that is what I have been doing as Chairman of Appropriations in the Mississippi State Senate.

Healthcare

While I agree we do need to adjust our healthcare system, Government-run healthcare is not the answer. We need to make reforms that will reduce costs and ensure personal healthcare decisions are made by patients, their families and their doctors. Here is how we can do it:

1. Individuals and families should be able to keep the same insurance when they change jobs.
2. Insurance should not be restricted by state lines.
3. Self employed individuals and families should be able to join a group plan and enjoy the same tax advantages as corporations.
4. Insurance companies should not be allowed to drop individuals or families because of illness.
5. Small businesses should be able to purchase coverage at similar rates as large corporations and government agencies.
6. Medical bills should be more transparent and easier to understand.
7. We must pass comprehensive tort reform.
8. Elected officials should not have special coverage.

National Security

Our nation faces serious security challenges in the changing global environment. We must ensure our military is the best equipped and the most prepared in the world.

I understand the sacrifices our military families make to protect our freedom and we must always protect their interests. We must also offer our returning veterans the support they deserve.

Energy Independence

We need an energy plan that reduces our dependence on foreign oil. We need a plan that includes conservation, clean coal, natural gas, nuclear, as well as incentives to increase solar, wind and other clean renewable energy sources. And we need a plan that boosts America's domestic production of oil by building more refineries and drilling here and now. Only a comprehensive, all-of-the-above approach can secure America's energy future.

Mississippi Values

Government should be open and transparent and elected officials should live by a higher standard. I want to see an end to business-as-usual in Washington.

I believe in the sanctity of life and the family and believe that every innocent life must be protected, and marriage is the union of one man and one woman.

Education

I am a father of three children who graduated from public school systems and went on to public universities, and my wife works as a school nurse. I understand the important role education plays in our children's futures and in our state's economic development.

Education should be a top priority for any elected official. I believe that the government should place an emphasis on education, but decisions should be left to parents, teachers and local officials.

Second Amendment

I support the Second Amendment right of people to keep and bear arms - that's why I have been endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) each time I have run for office. The right to bear arms is an individual right guaranteed by our Constitution.