TeamTudor.org

My basic philosophy is that America is great because of the many common factors that bind we Americans together. In a nutshell, we truly are all in this together, and we must take care of each other. Our federal government must proactively take measures that increase those bonds and play a positive role in people's everyday lives.
		National Security: No single issue should be of more concern to our national legislators than the security of our country. I will vote for measures that refocus our troops on destroying terrorist networks and havens. I believe we need to act immediately to redeploy our troops from Iraq in a measured and successful manner. I will also champion our diplomatic corps' ability to interact with foreign governments to ensure that warfare is always America's last choice.
		Education: I understand that there are immediate economic concerns which we must quickly address. Our number one long-term economic concern, though, is public education. Nine out of ten of America’s children attend public schools, and those schools must be greatly improved, fully funded, and treated as the national treasures they are. I will oppose any legislation that tries to starve the public education system through vouchers. I will vote for legislation that makes education America’s number one domestic priority. If we want to be first economically, we must be first educationally.
		Military Readiness: I will tirelessly advocate on behalf of America's Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen to ensure that they always have a clearly defined mission, and the necessary equipment and materials, family support, and medical care to achieve that mission - before, during, and after deployment.
		Border Security: Global terrorism forces us to take immediate and decisive action to secure our borders with Mexico and Canada. We also must take a measured approach to our refining our immigration policy. I will vote for legislation which recognizes the enormous benefit of orderly legal immigration and which treats all immigrants in a humane and dignified manner
		Budget: I fully understand the need for our country to reduce its national debt and reliance on foreign financing. I will vote for legislation that assures America moves forward with its collective goals in a fiscally responsible manner, always with an eye toward a balanced budget.
		Taxes: Taxes are the patriotic payment we make to our country's future success. They must be fairly collected so that no portion of our society is unfairly paying for others. I believe the tax burden must be shifted from the backs of the working and middle class. I will vote to repeal the Bush tax cuts that benefited only the wealthiest 1% of Americans. I will also vote to reinstate the estate tax ensuring that we continue to have a vibrant and enviable democracy, where America remains a meritocracy, not an aristocracy.
		Access to Health Care: I believe it is a basic human right that all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable health care. I will vote for measures that will support this goal, accepting incremental advancements if necessary.
		Living Wages: The ever-increasing income gap between America's workers and its gentry threatens the societal security and mutual investment we have in each other. I will vote for legislation that supports living wages, collective bargaining, and workplace safety. I will oppose measures that reward corporate Benedict Arnolds who move jobs overseas.
		National Infrastructure: We cannot continue to ignore the security and safety issues posed by our aging infrastructure. America's roads, bridges, and dams play an increasingly important role in our ability to protect ourselves, to move our products, and to enhance our quality of life. I will vote to provide the funding needed to ensure that our previous investments are not squandered by lack of maintenance.
		The Environment: Much of America's current and future greatness relies on our ability to embrace conservation. As more and more of our manufacturing base has been depleted by corporations shipping jobs overseas, growing green collar jobs will become more and more important to preserve the Earth, to revive our changing economy, and to strengthen our national security by reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources. I will vote for measures that support these three objectives.
		Constitutional Rights: I am an avid supporter of the rights enshrined in our Constitution. I will always vote for legislation that supports, strengthens, and expands these rights, ensuring all Americans are treated equally under the law.