U.S. House of Representatives: Ruth McClung

Name: Ruth McClung

Age: 28

Hometown: Tucson

Office running for: US House of Representatives

In district: 7

Political experience: I have helped with many campaigns, but this is my first time running as a candidate.

Family: Husband, Michael

Party: Republican

Please describe your platform: 

My platform is a traditional/conservative platform. I am pro-small business because we need to create new jobs and get our economy rolling again; I am for state and local control as opposed to big federal government because this is more efficient and less costly and preserves more personal freedom; I am for a strong national defense because we still live in a very dangerous world; I am for cutting federal spending and balancing the federal budget because right now federal spending is out of control; I am pro-Constitution - most of our leaders right now are ignoring it; and I am for strong traditional families and I am pro-life.

If elected, what is your first priority?

We need to boost the economy and bring jobs back to this country. In order to accomplish this task, I will first vote to extend the tax cuts that are about to expire. I would support legislation that would help small businesses. This would include reducing bureaucracy and creating incentives for people to invest in small businesses by reducing the capital gains tax and corporate tax rates. I would also support simplifying the current tax system; this system currently favors big business and the very wealthy who can afford to hire a team of attorneys and accountants to look for loopholes in the tax laws. Our complex and costly bureaucracy and tax system also lead many businesses to locate jobs overseas.

Who do you think is your biggest challenger and why?

Congressman Grijalva. He has been a Congressman for four terms and a local politician in Tucson for decades.

What do you think sets you apart from your opponent(s)?

Our country needs Representatives with scientific backgrounds to understand technical issues - securing our border, energy, the environment, defense, and national security. As a physicist I will have the knowledge and expertise to be able to fight against political pseudo-science in legislation which has cost our country dearly. Congress also needs people like me who have worked in the defense industry, so common sense technology and solutions can be found and waste in that area can be minimized. I also believe it is crucial that our politicians incorporate the best ideas and solutions into all legislation. My career as an engineer has taught me to listen and learn and assimilate ideas, as well as recognize those that won't work, so real solutions can be found, not new problems invented. I am also the only traditional/conservative candidate in this race, who emphasizes both fiscal conservatism and personal liberty instead of big government control, and social conservatism who believes that life and family are God's gifts, not endowments from Big Brother.

What would you do to achieve more transparency in government, and should government officials be in charge of managing those efforts?

New bills and any changes should be posted on the Internet for an ample amount of time before being voted on so the public can understand and comment. This would add to transparency in the government. Pork and special favors would be harder to hide because the people would know what the politicians are trying to do.

Public notices are regarded as one important way for the public to find out what is really happening in government. Newspapers currently not only print public notices but also operate a free, consolidated, online, searchable database. Some people advocate that public notices should be available only on government websites. Do you agree that the Legislature should change the current law to mandate that public notices be available only on government websites?

No, it seems that public notices should be open to the public. The more venues that carry them, the more the information will get to the public.

What do you think is the biggest challenge right now facing Yumans, and Arizonans?

The biggest challenge facing Yumans and Arizonans is the economy. We need to boost the economy and bring jobs back to Yuma and Arizona.

What would you do, if elected, to help change that? I would do as answered in question “If elected, what is your first priority?”

I would work with local government to develop strategies that would help this district's economy. I believe our close proximity to Mexico could give Arizona economic advantages if we could open up good trade with Mexico. I would work toward expanding the nuclear energy that this district already produces. I would seek out any other advantages that District 7 has to offer and capitalize on them.

What is one of your strength? Weaknesses (something you'd like to improve upon)?

My strengths are my technical background, my conservative values, and the fact that I am solidly middle class like the majority of my constituents. My weakness (if you want to call it a weakness) is that I am not a lawyer and I will need to hire good trustworthy legal staff.

What is one thing that you want voters to know?

I want to represent all of District 7, regardless of where my constituents live, their heritage, or their background.