District 3 House candidates debate issuesw
MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR ~ 6/16/2010

With just under 200 members of the public in attendance the 10 Republican candidates vying to represent District 3 in the U.S. House of Representatives gathered for a June 9 debate at Daisy Mountain Post Headquarters in Anthem.
In looking to succeed nine-term Congressman John Shadegg, who is retiring, a contingent of candidates including Bob Branch, Sam Crump, Pamela Gorman, LeAnn Hull, Steve Moak, Paulina Morris, Vernon Parker, Ben Quayle, Jim Waring and Ed Winkler stated their case for why they have what it takes to represent members of the North Valley that make up District 3.
With the Aug. 24 primary looming, the group focused on how to stimulate the economy by helping businesses as well as how to tackle the country’s mounting debt. They also discussed their views on the controversy regarding Senate Bill 1070, dealing with
illegal immigration.
Some candidates touted their political experience and record while others offered a ‘fresh’ perspective and success in the business world as their
calling card.
A moderator presented questions supplied by audience members on a wide range of issues. One of those questions reflected a skepticism regarding the political process, asking why voters should believe the candidates will represent their constituents rather than be influenced by Washington lobbyists.
Listed below are some of the highlights:

Bob Branch – College professor, Tea Party Activist and U.S. Air Force Veteran

On the current political landscape: “I think we need a complete reform of the system. You shouldn’t have to be a millionaire to run for office. This is supposed to be an opportunity for normal regular people to represent their neighbors. If John Shadegg were running again you wouldn’t see any of us up here because he has so much political capital built up that financially none of us would be able to compete financially in a campaign against him.” For information on Branch’s candidacy go to www.branch2010.com.

Sam Crump: Ex-State Representative, Attorney and Army Veteran

On encouraging the growth of business: “We need the private sector to help create jobs and in order for that to happen business owners need stability. What’s happening through President Obama is the equivalent of Lucy pulling the football out from under Charlie Brown. Business owners are hesitant to do anything, because they just don’t know what this administration is going to do next.” For information on Crump’s candidacy go to www.samcrump.com.

	Pamela Gorman: Ex-State Senator, Ex-State Representative and Public Relations Consultant
	On a willingness to stand up for beliefs, regardless of pressures from party: “I work for the people I represent, not for a party. I went from the Majority Whip to a Republican outsider because I was firm in my beliefs of being fiscally conservative, being responsible.” For information on Gorman’s candidacy go to www.gorman2010.com.

	LeAnn Hull: Construction Company Owner
	On bringing a new set of eyes to the political arena and a voice for small business to Washington: “I visited Washington to talk about what government regulations are doing to small businesses. I found that our voice isn’t being heard, that we aren’t represented. We want our government back and I can be that messenger.” For information on Hull’s candidacy go to www.leannhullforcongress.com.

	Steve Moak: Businessman, Non-Profit Group Founder and Ex-White House staf
	On being more fiscally sound on the national level: “It’s not in my nature not to have a balanced budget. We’ve got to cut back on spending. The more money the people have in their pockets the better a government operates.” For information on Moak’s candidacy go to www.moakforcongress.com.

	Paulina Morris: Ex-Maricopa County Special Health District Chair, Attorney and Ex-Congressional Intern
	On making an impact: “I’m not a career politician. I fix broken government with leadership, experience, courage and the common sense of a mom. I’m a traditional Goldwater Republican who is the right candidate running for the right reasons.” For information on Morris’ candidacy go to paulinaforcongress.com.

	Vernon Parker- Paradise Valley Mayor, GW Bush White House Aide and Attorney
	On a life’s worth of challenges setting him up for success: “I’m running as one of you. I’ve never been given anything in my life so I know all about hard work. I’ll work for you, not for special interests. I don’t represent a donkey or an elephant. I represent you.” For information on Parker’s candidacy go to www.parker2010.com.

	Ben Quayle- Attorney, Venture Capitalist and son of Ex-Vice President Dan Quayle
	On the illegal immigration issue: “People are playing politics on the issue of immigration. We need a military presence on the border. That is a real deterrent. We’ve got to go right down there to the source of the problem.” For information on Quayle’s candidacy go to www.quayleforcongress.com.

	Jim Waring – Ex-State Senator and Ex-Congressional Aide
	On who he will represent: “I’m a champion of the tax payer. We desperately need to bring business to Arizona. The things Washington is doing are so far out of touch with what should be done. We need to repeal Obamacare.” For information on Waring’s candidacy go to www.jimwaring.com.

	Ed Winkler – Ex-Paradise Valley Mayor and Businessman
	On what voters should look for: “You have to look for what the motivation of the people in front of you is. I have two daughters and four grand kids. My focus is the next generation. Our job is to make sure they have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream like the previous generations have enjoyed.” For information on Winkler’s candidacy go to www.winklerforcongress.com.