Parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children and should be allowed to choose the form of education they feel best suits their family. Whether that means public, private, or homeschool, parents should be in control of what their children are learning. Idaho has implemented Common Core in the public school system, which has diminished local control over curriculum and standards, producing an overall lower quality education. I will continue to work towards a solution that removes Common Core from Idaho and puts the decision making authority back in the hands of parents, local school boards and educators.

For more on education in Idaho, please visit: Idahoans for Local Education

Idaho needs fiscally conservative leadership. Roughly one third of our state budget relies on federal funds. With the national debt at $22 trillion and counting, depending upon an indebted federal government is not the road to a secure and prosperous future for our state. Our budget is bloated with unnecessary spending. Our tax rates are higher than those of our surrounding states, making us less competitive. I will work to restore government to its rightful purpose by resisting increases in spending and promote the principle that Idahoans should keep the money they earn and spend it how they see fit.

Whether you're a native or a new resident to the Treasure Valley, you know our roads are crowded and need attention. The Legislature has been playing catch up for the past 20 years, much in part to playing political football with the transportation issue and all of the red tape associated with creating, expanding, and fixing our roads. I support decreasing budgets, such as the Health and Welfare budget, and using those saving to fund improvements to our infrastructure. By reducing red tape, waste will be drastically reduced and our tax dollars will go further.

I support, defend, and promote the 2nd Amendment through active membership in pro 2nd Amendment groups, receive firearms training in my free time and encourage others to do so, as well. I do not support the idea that a law-abiding citizen should have to ask for permission to exercise a God given right to defend themselves, their family, or their property.

Every citizen that plans on exercising their right to carry a firearm should receive as much training as they feel necessary on their own time and dime, not because it is required by law. I go to Front Sight Firearms Training in Pahrump, Nevada or train locally with highly trained friends of mine.

I am a lifetime member of Gun Owners of America, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, of which I was the Chairman of the Board for a year before resigning to run for the Senate.

62 percent of Idaho is controlled and poorly managed by the federal government. Without proper management and control of our lands, we cannot enjoy the economic benefits and security that should be afforded us. Over the past several summers, we have seen the need for common sense management of our forests and grasslands. The Soda Fire in 2015 alone burned thousands of acres that ranchers were not allowed access to graze with their cattle. I support the efforts being made to return control of Idaho back to Idahoans.

Public land: Land that is unoccupied and open to entry and settlement. (It's not what you think it is or have been told!)

I am the only candidate in the race that knows the real definition of 'public land' and that the way the term is most often used is used in error. I'm certain that I am the only candidate that has actually read FLPMA, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, and spent considerable time researching the land issue.

If you are interested in researching the issue further, I suggest watching this presentation by Dr. Angus McIntosh. Western Land Disposal Law part 1

Entrepreneurial freedom is the key to economic sustainability. New businesses in Idaho must go to at least seven different governmental agencies to get started, while an individual only has to visit a single agency to apply for public assistance. Idaho needs to streamline the process for entrepreneurs to start a business and get rid of unnecessary regulations that burden businesses. By doing so, Idaho will be much more competitive in attracting businesses that offer higher wages and encourage individuals to pursue their own dreams.

A proper role of government is to protect life and our lives begin at conception. I am the father of 6 children and will continue to fight for the right to life for every child, both born and unborn.

The institution of marriage as one man and one woman was created by God before any other institution, including government. We have no authority to redefine it any other way.

The Governor and Legislature must protect Idahoans by exercising their authority to prevent unevaluated refugees from being placed in Idaho. Idahoans are friendly and charitable, but the safety of the people must come first.