Ken Buck Interview

Ken Buck recently answered our questions about the campaign and the issues. Here's his responses.

1) Why do you think you can win this race and how?
The political environment in Colorado is changing, people are becoming more and more dissatisfied with the expansion of government in their lives and Republicans are starting to regain their brand. This leads me to believe that by the time 2010 rolls around that Colorado may be in a position to turn red once again, but it will take more then that to retake this Senate seat. It takes a strong personal commitment for anybody to run for office, much less a state wide office such as this. I have the passion to get the job done on the campaign trail and am the only candidate in this race, Republican or Democrat, to travel to all 64 counties. When I traveled across the state visiting these counties one thing became apparent to me and that is campaigns in large part have forgotten about the grassroots activists who make this party run in the first place! I will do whatever it takes to integrate the grassroots activists into my campaign and utilize them to their full effect.

I plan on communicating my message to the people in as many ways as possible. Traditional modes of communication such as television, radio and mail will all be utilized, but newer forms of communication such as social networking, blogging, twittering, text messaging and emails will also be used. Republicans have been behind the curve for years now when it comes to these types of communication and if we do not correct our mistakes we should prepare for more losses. Not only are these newer forms of communications proving to be just as effective at relaying a message as older forms of communication but they can be used at a fraction of the cost.

2) Do you plan to get on the ballot via assembly or petition?
Assembly.

3) How are you going to deliver your message to the entire state?
Colorado’s next senator must work to earn the confidence of the state’s voters. From the start of this campaign, I have made it my number one priority to reach out to the people of Colorado. Currently, I am the only candidate in the race for U.S. Senate to have visited all 64 counties in Colorado, and I will continue to personally reach out to as many voters as possible.

4) Do you have any fundraising goals set yet?
We hope to raise as much money as possible, in order to wage a successful campaign against Sen. Michael Bennet, and the special interests in Washington who are supporting his campaign.

5) How are you different from the other candidates?
As district attorney, I understand the value of government and the roll that it can play in protecting the lives and rights of the American people. Because of this understanding, I have been able to successfully curb the number of gangs in Weld County, and fought for measures to protect the people and families of my district. In fact, since being elected district attorney, crime in Weld County has decreased greatly. I worked with law enforcement and community leaders to fight for programs that work while staying well within my budget, such as programs to keep kids in school, rather than turning to the streets, and cutting gang activity in my district.

Being district attorney has also allowed me to stand up for the people of Weld County from a sometimes overbearing government. As senator, I will continue my fight to ensure that the federal government does not overstep its bounds.

6) Why are you qualified to serve as our Senator?
As a prosecutor, I have dedicated 100% of my efforts to following the law and protecting the people of the United States. As district attorney, I am required to make the tough choices necessary to protect the people of Weld County, regardless of the political consequences.

As senator, I will serve the people of Colorado with this same dedication.

7) What is your plan to get us out of this economic recession?
Driving the United States further into debt is not the way to get out of the current economic recession. In fact, this merely extends our country’s economic problems to our children and grandchildren. Instead of voting on spending package after spending package, I will work on creating jobs through the private sector. Small business has historically been the driving force in our economy, and that continues to this day. In order to create more jobs, we must have policies in place to help America’s small businesses and families, such as tax reform, and providing for responsible, market-based health care reform—not reform imposed on the back of our small businesses and the American people.

8) What is your biggest concern of the Obama administration?
My primary concern with President Obama is that regardless of the problem his answer is to increase spending, and to give the federal government more control over businesses, schools and our lives. The United States has several serious challenges that it must deal with, including a weakened economy, growing jobless numbers, a record high deficit, problems in our educational system and skyrocketing healthcare. Democrats and Republicans agree what the problems are, but we do not agree on how best to deal with them. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to limit the role of government in our country’s businesses, schools, doctors’ offices and our personal lives.


9) Why Senate and not Governor?
There is nothing I would like to do more than represent the people of Colorado as we work to tackle our country’s many challenges, such as creating jobs, and defending our nation.


10) How strong do you think the GOP is right now?
The Republican Party is weak because we have recently lost our way. While in control of Congress, Republicans voted for deficit spending, expanding the federal government, and were more concerned about being reelected than doing what was right for their constituents and the country. Thankfully, Republicans are running back to our core values of fiscal responsibility and limited government. Having a leader who has never strayed from these principals is vital to get the GOP on the right track. As senator, I will continue my record of supporting limited government, lower taxes and having a fiscally sound government.

11) If there is just one thing you could accomplish or pass in the Senate, what would it be?
As senator, my first priority will be to fight for a balanced budget and curb wasteful spending.

12) What do you think the biggest issue facing the next generation is and what would you do about it in the Senate?
The biggest issue facing the next generation of Americans is the massive federal deficit and its effect on the economy. As a U.S. Senator, I will work for policies that will create jobs and fix our economy. These policies include balancing the budget, harnessing America’s sources of energy, creating a pro-business and pro-growth tax measures, and providing for meaningful healthcare reform that leaves our medical decisions to the American people and their doctors—not the U.S. Congress.

13) Anything else you would like to add?
My wife Perry and I have had a great time travelling Colorado’s 64 counties, and meeting the people who make this state great. As we continue our campaign for the U.S. Senate, we look forward to continue meeting as many Coloradans as possible and hearing about how they want their government to work for them.

Now what do you guys thinks about Ken?