Endorsed, Our Values
Call Dennis Austin and ask him why the Hardin County Democratic Party endorsed our campaign. We’re similar in how we answer questions. Directly.
Oil & Gas, Coronavirus and the Joker’s Oval
The Joker’s Oval, I think the laughing is about to end. It’s about time we started taking care of this and taking care of us.
Unemployment is at a 50-year low and economic growth is steady. Assess the state of the economy and tell us how you would improve economic prospects for Americans.
We have to connect any tax cuts to gains for the American economy. Watching stockholders take home all the tax cuts year after year while American workers have to work longer hours and more jobs is unacceptable and has drained the American Dream of hope and joy. #Gaither15IL
What security role should the U.S. play in world affairs?
American leadership, both from the Oval Office and Congress, has lurched from too much involvement with no strategy to win, to too much caution to a confused amalgamation of the two under President Trump.
Why should voters nominate you and not your opponents?
Consistently, I have shown up, stood up and spoken out on our rural issues. When I hear a problem, I don’t just give it lip service, I do something about it. #Gaither15IL
A Pro-Growth Investment in the Future of Sullivan
Let’s think about what Sullivan needs to make life better for those who are here and for those who are growing up here as well. We need to make it even better for those who are children so that we give them reasons to plant root and seed here. That is how communities grow again.
Farm Bailouts and Trade Strategy
Of course, President Trump has been playing musical chairs with farmers, trade and China for over two years, and the only one with any trade deals in America seems to be Ivanka Trump.
I Will Never Forget
On this World AIDS Day, as I do every day, I remember so many friends, loved ones and people around the world that have died after being infected with HIV […]
Rep. Shimkus is Retiring
Ask most farmers, they're over President Trump's Trade and Tariff War. Ask businesses, both small and large, the growing uncertainty in the Trump economy is making life more difficult. Ask working families, they've not received much if any of the benefits of the Trump-Republican massive tax cuts that have created historic Trillion Dollar Deficits. It would be difficult for anyone to defend let alone to fight to prolong these failing economic policies for our rural communities.
Discussing Politics and Religion
There should be no reason we cannot discuss issues without it descending into a disrespectful shouting match. #GaitherForIL
Being Grateful, Giving Thanks
On this Thanksgiving Day, I find myself feeling amazingly grateful for all of the wonderful people I've met over the last few years. Your strength, stories and experiences remain with me every day. Our country has been through many periods of prosperity and challenges. We have much to be grateful for and much to give thanks for in these more divisive times. We've faced far greater challenges. We will make it through these as well.
Sensitive President, Party Flails in Europe
Considering the unfortunate state of our international relations with our longterm allies, the frayed nature of the alliances that have helped prevent a third World War continue to be stretched under the Republican Trump Administration. On one hand, you have the President demanding our NATO allies to step up to the plate with more money and forces. On the other hand you have both the President and Sen. Graham complaining about these same allies discussing setting up such an army while they increase funding to the alliance. It’s not easy to see through the hyperbole and double standards. Subservience to a party over the people is a road paved in good intentions without checking in on the results. When our national security is at stake, it’s crucial we get it right.
U.S. Constitution Under Attack
I would never stand for any President repealing the 2nd Amendment, so why would any Republican or Democratic voter stand for President Trump doing the same to the 14th Amendment? We can protect our borders and honor our American Constitution and values without dividing the country along cultural and racial lines. It’s called working together to solve our problems. We work best as a country and a community when we work together. Our best days are ahead of us.
Solidarity After Anti-Semitic Attack
The fear of being attacked and killed for who you are and for your faith is something no one should have to experience. It is the experience of many Americans. We can do better. We do that by working together, standing up to hatred and bigotry in all of its forms, and not turning away when those in our own families and communities use divisive and hostile rhetoric that we know is against our American values.
The Saudis, Arms and American Values
As your representative, I will fight to end the abdication of the Legislative Branch. We need stronger and more independent oversight of the Executive Branch that challenges and holds the President and his administration accountable, regardless of party.
Social Security Fairness Act
I would support the Social Security Fairness Act of 2017, which has broad bipartisan support. It’s one of the areas where my opponent and I are in agreement. Unfortunately for our teachers and spouses, this bill has been sitting in the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security since March of 2017. It is not even listed on the Subcommittee’s website as a bill introduced in the 115th Congress, so the GOP is not serious about solving this problem.