Business:

Making It Easier To Start A Business:

When starting new businesses, people should not be forced to waste their precious time trying to educate themselves on legal writing, or to spend extra money having someone file business forms that they would file on their own if they just had access to some assistance such as a template providing them with a sample of what they need to file.

I support making it easier to start a business in Iowa by providing the resources necessary to future small business owners so they can pursue their dreams of prosperity for themselves and their communities.

Elections:

Paper Trail:

I support maintaining a paper trail of all votes to make certain every vote is counted correctly.

Photo ID Cards:

One of my opponents wants to force everyone in the state to present a government approved photo identification card in order to vote. I am opposed to unnecessary big government policies that would do little to prevent voter fraud but would pose a serious risk of disenfranchising voters. Additionally, outside the voting booth, forcing people to carry photo identification creates numerous opportunities for abuse and presages a national identification card which should concern anyone who wants to keep America from becoming a “papers please” society.

A photo identification card would do little to stop voter fraud. According to Spencer Overton, an Associate Professor of Law at George Washington University, “An extensive investigation in Washington State uncovered less than one fraudulent vote for every 100,000 ballots cast in the 2004 governor's race.”

Additionally, a government approved photo identification card discriminates against individuals who do not have a drivers license.

Finally, the costs of implementing such an ID would increase taxes on an already over-taxed Iowa.

Treat Independents Fairly:

I support treating third party and Independent candidates and their supporters with respect. I will never subvert the law or use political tricks to keep third party and Independent candidates off the ballot.

Cutting Government:

Cutting His Own Pay:

The current Secretary of State currently is paid approximately $103,000 a year. I find that salary outrageous and I am the only candidate addressing this issue. If elected I will ask the legislature to reduce my pay to $50,000 per year. Until and unless the legislature so acts, I will return half of each paycheck I receive to the state treasury.