Serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis. © James Conner.

 

24 January 2014

The platforms upon which Steve Daines stands

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Like Democratic Senate hopeful John Walsh, Republican Rep. Steve Daines, now running for the U.S. Senate, has a campaign website that asks for cash and contact information, but little else.

But unlike Walsh, Daines has an online history, so we know where he stood in the past. Given his decision not to uncover his 2014 platform yet, voters should assume he stands on these three platforms and endorses all planks that he does not explicitly repudiate:

  1. The 2012 national Republican Party platform.
  2. The current Montana Republican Party platform.
  3. His 2010 platform as presented on his 2010 website.

Below, his 2010 platform, which I saved from his old website.

 

Where I [Steve Daines] Stand

Posted: October 22, 2010

As Montana’s Congressman [no, he was not], I am committed to changing the direction that Washington is taking our country, so that my four children can be a part of a generation that is left better off than what we received from our parents. I am fighting to rein in Washington’s reckless spending and bring accountability to Washington. I’m working for common sense solutions that will get the Keystone XL pipeline approved and help us move toward North American energy independence. And I will always fight to protect Montanans’ Second Amendment rights. I believe the Declaration of Independence has it right when it says our government derives its just power from the consent of the governed. Free people, acting in a free market, are what this country stands for — it is the American Dream. As I serve the people of Montana, these are the things I’ll be fighting for.

Creating Jobs & Growing the Economy

Montanans understand that government does not create jobs– individuals, entrepreneurs, business men and Where I Stand | Steve Daines For US Congress 2012 11/5/2013 00:21 http://www.stevedaines.com/where-we-stand/ Page 2 of 4 women create jobs. I’ve not only talked about creating jobs, I’ve actually done it — creating hundreds of high paying jobs right here in Montana. In Montana, we know that the best way to create jobs is to give small businesses the right incentives to invest and grow, instead of creating doubt and uncertainty as Washington politicians are doing today. The path forward to create more jobs begins with less government.

Balancing the Budget & Bringing Accountability to Washington

Montanans understand that you can’t spend more than you take in– why doesn’t Washington? For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must stop Washington’s out-of-control spending and balance our nation’s budget. Over the past 28 years in my business experience, I’ve had to manage budgets, solve difficult problems, and deliver measureable results. I’ve had to reduce expenses, while at the same time improving quality and performance. The best way to move our economy forward is by bringing fiscal responsibility and accountability to Washington. That’s why my first piece of legislation, the “Balanced Budget Accountability Act,” requires members of Congress to pass a budget that achieves balance– or they won’t get paid.

Working Toward Energy Independence

Montanans understand that “Made in America” energy helps keep prices lower and reduces our dependence on foreign sources. Over the past year, I’ve put tens of thousands of miles on my pick-up while visiting all 56 counties in Montana. During that time, gas prices have risen significantly and our federal government has blocked projects that are part of the solution, like the Keystone XL pipeline. Montana is called the Treasure State for a reason, and has an abundance of natural energy resources including coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, and wind. I am fighting for an all-of-the-above, market based energy plan that removes senseless barriers to developing our natural resources in Montana and across America. I’m also leading efforts to get the Keystone XL pipeline approved.

Improving our Health Care System

Montanans understand that Obamacare does not move the country forward, but sets us back. Every American wants access to quality health care at a reasonable cost. No American wants a complicated plan full of false promises and special political favors that only leads to higher health care costs and more bureaucracy. I will work to repeal ObamaCare and replace this failed law with solutions that actually improve the quality of our health care system and help Americans have access to affordable care.

Protecting Montana Values

Montanans understand why America is great. Our nation was founded upon the principles of protecting freedom, life, and liberty– principles that are embedded in our Constitution and have helped America become the exceptional nation that it is today. As Montana’s Congressman, I will always uphold my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I will fight to protect our 2nd Amendment rights and the rights of those who are most vulnerable in our society, including the preborn, the disabled, and the elderly.