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Why are you running for the U.S. Congress?
My concern with where the current administration is heading and the future of my children’s well being have influenced my decision. I believe we as citizens must stand up for the principals that have made our country great. I will represent Colorado’s Second Congressional District by listening to what my constituents say and act accordingly. We have started to see history in the making, first hand. A negative forecast looms over our great country heading for a socialist government. An administration informing us of what health care we can and cannot select, reduction in benefits to our seniors, higher taxes for citizens and small businesses all are leading to larger intrusive government.
What are the most pressing problems facing our country that you hope to address as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives?
The most pressing top two issues are Economy and Unemployment. Looking forward, long-term unemployment is expected to remain exceptionally high. Unemployment benefits typically run out after 26 weeks, but as of last month (January) more than 40% of unemployed workers had been looking for work for 27 weeks or more.
IRS regulations discourage sole-proprietors from embracing micro-business growth. As a member of the House, I will push for across-the-board tax cuts that help businesses retain the capitol needed to hire employees. Employees will retain more wages for family purchases, thus “jump starting” the economy. The mammoth IRS tax code must be replaced with a system that is simple, transparent, and fair while maximizing economic growth and job creation.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives what specifically would you do to help the country recover from the recession?
Brandishing a red pen, I will join other members of my party who are already reviewing unnecessary spending in all levels of the budget. As a Congressman who has personally experienced poverty, adversity and trauma—I will bring authenticity to the conversation about fiscal responsibility. We as members of Congress must stand up and salute those who came before us and learn from their ideals as well as mistakes. We must blaze the trail for the future leaders and set examples of conservancy in action.
What do you think is the most egregious thing your Democratic opponent has done that you plan to oppose if elected in 2010?
Jarod Polis (D) has made his position of elected official a personal advocacy platform. He has not stayed in touch with the base of CD 2, nor pressed for bills that would offer relief to small businesses and taxpayers.
Has the Republican Party failed to live up to its stated ideals in the past several years? If so, how?
As a lifelong Republican, I have seen some in our party leave undone pro-freedom initiatives for hard working Americans. Some failed to mobilize conservatives while leftist hate for self-sufficiency grew. Many leaders started to become beltway politicians — neglecting their creative and persuasive flair. The Republican Party IS the greatest party in America! New generation Republicans like myself are taking inspiration from past maverick leaders and current visionaries like Ronald Reagan, John Thune and Tim Palenty. I will lead my congressional freshman class out of writer’s block and into a cutting-edge conservative era.
What do you bring to the job of a Representative that your primary opponents do not?
Unlike my primary opponent, I have consistently registered as a Republican since Iturned 18. My support of the party platform does not waver, and I will mobilize Republican Rebels that champion our values. By celebrating our conservative, populace and inclusive stance—I will convince Independents and even Democrats to vote Bob Brancato in November. My primary opponent has already secured votes for Jared Polis with ‘hater’ rhetoric and ‘objectivist’ ideals! I offer real Republican solutions and superior negotiating tactics. My primary opponent is a political novice. I am the crackerjack that can lunch with Generals, debate progressives and inspire our underprivileged. I will look out for my home base in CD 2 by upholding the values of the Constitution and the diverse people within the district.
What should the federal government’s role be in reducing the cost of healthcare? What specific things would you propose or support? What kind of laws would you oppose?
The role in Health Care needs to be an open market system. Period! I agree with allowing consumers and businesses to purchase policies as they see fit in a competitive marketplace. I will support such measures that benefit both the taxpayers and businesses through issuance of tax credits by allowing policies to be purchased across state lines. I am opposed to the system being touted by the Obama Administration that all health care is to be supported and delivered at the federal level.
How are you going to deal with the federal government’s deficit spending? What specifically would you cut to balance the budget? Would you raise taxes?
I will not raise taxes. Cuts to unnecessary programs in Health and Human Services would be the first priority. We as a party must take up the fight to cut the budget. With a large government in place, the people of this great country lose their voice. Government spending grew by $705 billion in fiscal year 2009, an increase of 24 percent, and appropriations legislation enacted this year will increase spending by 8 percent in 2010. The federal deficit exceeded $1.4 trillion last fiscal year, the highest amount in history and more than three times the next highest annual deficit. Further, the budget submitted to Congress by President Obama included significant spending increases that would double the deficit in five years and triple it in ten years.
What type of energy policies would you promote or oppose as a member of Congress?
I will oppose policies that are not proven. Small businesses must not be forced into spending hard earned capitol to reduce energy in a manner that hurts their livelihood.
I fully support nuclear and natural gas energy at the home front, giving incentives to companies that employ exploration in areas not tapped as such. As we enter a great age of technology, we need to research new ways to produce safe and efficient energy.
While in their own way, windmills are an alternative. They are not the only way. We must look at all options made available studied by the world’s greatest engineers and scientists, proud Americans. Solar panels that are slim and functional in design should be researched further. All additional power generated by these units (not used by the consumer) can be rerouted to the power grid, thus supplying additional residents and businesses with clean power generation.
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are all headed for bankruptcy. What solutions do you support to fix this situation?
Social security has been robbed for years. This must stop now! Social Security, Medicare-Medicaid, defense spending and interest on the national debt now account for 75 percent of all federal spending. They’re on track to one day gobble up the entire budget.
With baby boomers working, Social Security (the biggest social spending program) has produced a surplus that has helped finance the rest of the government for the past quarter century. That will change within a decade. Trustees of the system recently said that in 2016 – a year earlier than previously forecast – money paid out in benefits will start exceeding the tax dollars flowing in. With no changes, Social Security will be completely depleted in 2037. Medicare and Medicaid need to be private coverage, not touchable by the Federal Government.
Do you think there is a Constitutional right to abortion? Explain your answer? Would you vote to make abortion illegal? Would you have exceptions?
I believe in the sanctity of life. I think too many forces in society are teaching kids that family is bad, babies are bad and pregnancy is bad. I believe that is what causes young moms-to-be to run to the abortion clinic. Our society is heavy-handed … pushing the idea to wait until late 20s or early 30s to have babies. Yes, studies show that older parents are more patient. What if a young lady dreams of being a great-great-grandma?
What about the young couple that wants to make a go of it? Nope – they feel the pressure at school, work, friends and media to abort and wait until everything is perfect.
I will work other leaders to make sure government isn’t teaching our kids that ‘babies are bad’ in schools and other venues. I will also ensure parents never have to seek court approval in emergency situations.
Do you think government has an obligation to legally recognize same-sex relationships with a marriage license or some other form of official recognition? Explain your reasoning.
I really don’t want to get into your bedroom, but this campaign will force us to at least talk about your bedroom. I’ll be honest, there is a major missing item in the GOP’s 2008 Platform on “Preserving Traditional Marriage”. What the heck is government doing in the marriage business … period?
In Congress, you will see me support a withdrawal from government-run families. I will not support laws that put government between spouses and government between parents and children.
What do you think is the most pressing foreign policy problem facing this country and what do you think the federal government should do about it?
Nuclear Arms Development in Iran:
Iran’s nuclear program began in the Shah’s era, including a plan to build 20 nuclear power reactors. Two power reactors in Bushehr, on the coast of the Persian Gulf, were started but remained unfinished when they were bombed and damaged by the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq war. Following the revolution in 1979, all nuclear activity was suspended, though subsequently work was resumed on a somewhat more modest scale.
Iran’s current plans call for the construction of 15 power reactors and two research reactors. Hard sanctions must be placed on Iran immediately. This is an issue not resolved since the Carter administration. We as a country must be the leader in placing tight resolutions in place. We must insist other countries do the same without waiver. The protection of the free world is at stake once again.
How would you deal with illegal immigration? What do you think the government should do with all the illegal immigrants living in this country?
As a grandson of an Italian immigrant, Petro Brancato; I have an understanding of how the American dream can be so enticing. My Grandfather came to this great country through Ellis Island on a cargo ship. Once here, he lost his family name. He was informed by officials that if he wanted any employment in this country, he would have to change it to Brangard. A name selected by the Italian translator. He did not profess.
We can further strengthen our border security if we pursue policies that recognize the importance of building strong allies in Mexico and Latin America who support freedom and democracy and seek strong domestic economies with abundant economic opportunities for their citizens.
Do you think gun ownership in this country is over regulated or under regulated? Explain your answer.
I believe in the Second Amendment. States should be in direction of control of ownership to the fullest extent by rights given by their voters, not mandates.
I recently experienced what many fathers dream of taking their son or daughter on their first hunt. My son and I hunted chuker this winter. He was given intense safety training and proper use, cleaning and storage of his firearm and ammunition. Only after he proved himself a safe and respectful marksman, we then harvested the birds.
I resent that certain factions of government would threaten or make it difficult for my son to learn respect and circle of life through hunting. He was the proudest boy I had ever seen the night we grilled his chuker and fed the family. Those experiences are mandatory training to make him a good future husband and father.
5 Responses to “2nd Congressional District Candidate Bob Brancato answers questionnaire”
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I applaud your views, Bob. You have more faith in the efficacy of laws to solve problems than I do, but you’ve certainly thought about the trails the bad ones have carved. You might be more specific in your views on immigration and government’s role in the energy industry.
Your thoughts on abortion are humbling and deserve wide attention.
Thank you for standing up for your country.
Your answer to the question on abortion clearly indicates you are a “politician as usual” — rather than answering the question with an honest, direct, clear answer you talk around it and never give a straight answer. No one is interested in your views on babies or teenage girls who dream of being a grandmother. Will women continue to have the right to their own bodies or do you plan to nationalize the wombs of American women? Give us a straight answer please.
Your slap at your opponent was uncalled for. “hate”??? what “hate”??? And if you want to refer to his ideals, the term is Objectivist, not “objectivist” — how would you like to be referred to as “christian” instead of Christian? Why don’t you stick to ideas and drop the ad hominem. Thank you.
Your answer to illegal immigration leaves barn open to anything. Strenghtening ties???
As a (legal) immigrant, I can tell you that for every criminal entering US without permit, there is at least one honest, law-obiding person wanting to immigrate – but because he/she is a law-obiding person, he/she can not.
The current system (one you do not denounce) only rewards criminals, be it the ‘illigal’, the person giving him a job, or a politician hoping for his vote.
In fact, it acts as a natural filter: criminals are preferred.
Illegal entry to this country should have two clear consequences:
- immediate deportation
- forever loosing ANY opportunity for ‘legal’ immigration
Martin is CORRECT!! Your response to the question of illegal immigration is weak. I won’t vote for someone who doesn’t take this issue very seriously. Have you been to Arizona to view the problems they are facing? Are you aware that Colorado will also be dealing with this if it hasn’t already happened? Are you afraid that if you support the Arizona law and work to stop illegal immagration you will lose the Latino vote? All American citizens have a right to expect your support on this issue!!!If you won’t go to bat for us, then get out of the kitchen!!
Bob, sorry mate, your lack of a strong position on “illegal aliens” is not going to cut it for me. Most of our forefathers came to this country as immigrants, not “illegal aliens”. So, most of us are not against “immigration”, however, “illegal aliens” are law breakers – just like the people you caught stealing from Sears. They should not be given free rides and preferences over people trying to get into this country legally. So, I do hope you do not get a chance to run against Bennett. If you do and win, I do so very much hope you will do what you promise – listen to your constituents. Here is my thoughts on clearing out the illegals:
1. Stop the anchor baby policies
2. protect the borders
3. prosecute employers that hire illegals
4. stop all federal funding to local goverments that have sanctuary polices.
Four simple steps will clear out the mess.