Trey Gowdy

Economy – We must have an economic environment that nurtures and encourages entrepreneurship. Small business is the engine that drives our economy. Government places too many demands, dictates too many directives, and imposes too many regulations on small business. The tax code should be changed. Capital gains taxes should be reduced to provide an incentive to save and invest. Payroll taxes should be reduced to stem the tide of government using business to collect and implement its costly programs.

Taxes and Spending – Government spending is reckless, out of control and threatens to undermine the fundamentals that undergird our democracy. From bailouts to takeovers to the threatened nationalization of our healthcare system, Government creates the problem then contends we need more money to fix the problem. Congress must be forced to observe the same fiscal restraint we show in our own lives. Congress has mortgaged the future of this country and spending must be brought under control. Now!

Job Creation – I will aggressively market our district and actively recruit industries and companies to our area to create jobs. We have a wonderful product to sell with the quality of our workers and the quality of life in the Upstate. I will take every opportunity to promote our region, recruit new industry and retain the industry we have. The best way a congressman can do that is to oppose excessive government regulations, oppose reckless spending and oppose the constant burdens and directives placed on business by an ever creeping government. In short the message should be clear that small business drives the economic engine of our country and we will support measures that foster the spirit of entrepreneurship.

National Defense – National defense is the preeminent function of Government. We must be prepared to defend ourselves, our allies, and our interests. And we must remember that among the grand resources and treasures of our country, the most precious resource we have is the blood of our sons and daughters in uniform.

Education – My grandfather had a 6th grade education but he valued education for his children and insisted on it for my mother. My father started working when he was 12 so he could afford to go to college. Education allowed our family to go from a 6th grade education to a medical doctor and a prosecutor. This is the American dream, and it is worth celebrating and fighting for. I believe education is a state and local matter and while the federal government is free to share resources, share success stories of innovation from other states, and free to encourage research and creative experimentation, the decision on how to educate our children is a state and local one.

Healthcare – First the good news: Our doctors are the best in the world. Our survival rates for major illnesses and diseases are better than countries that have nationalized healthcare. And we value the ability to see the doctor of our choice when we want to see that doctor. But healthcare costs are growing and the threat of a national takeover is looming. Excessive government regulation and dictates have added to the cost of private insurance. A lack of transparency within our healthcare system makes it easier to make an informed decision about a hotel room or the purchase of an automobile, than it does to make informed decisions about our health. Health insurance should be reasonable and affordable and our tax and regulatory structures must be changed to insure this.

Public Safety – Law and Order, Respect for the Rule of Law, and Public Safety are essential to an ordered society and among the preeminent functions of government. I have had the privilege of working in the criminal justice system for 15 years as a prosecutor in state and federal court. We must support and honor the men and women of law enforcement and insist on a criminal justice system that is fair, effective, and efficient.

Sanctity of Life –I am pro-life plus. I believe in the sanctity of life. I also believe the strategy should be broader than waiting for the Supreme Court to revisit Roe v. Wade. We must support crisis pregnancy centers, incentivize adoption, and educate women on preventing pregnancies. We can put our pro-life beliefs into real, tangible action and demonstrate a consistent, unwavering support for the sanctity of life.

2nd Amendment – The 2nd Amendment was written and ratified by the same people who wrote and ratified the other constitutional amendments liberals find sacrosanct. As a former federal prosecutor who worked on firearms cases, I can assure you there are sufficient federal laws existing in place to provide for community safety and security. The rights of law abiding citizens to bear arms should always be protected.