Candidate for
United States Representative; District 53; Republican Party

The main reason I am willing to stand for office is my desire to make the world a better place for my children, my family, and the many good people I have met in my life. I firmly believe that the U.S. Congress wields tremendous power in shaping our lives and shaping the future. As traditionally defined, the "issues" we care about are an important facet of why we support or oppose a candidate, but I would like to emphasize the guiding principles and values I use in determining a policy position on any one issue.

First, philosophically, I strongly support the traditions of the West - especially the strong system of human rights and freedoms in the U.S. I believe our government policy must be shaped with the concept of human liberty and individual responsibility first in mind, which by modern definitions makes me a "conservative." At the same time, I reject knee-jerk ideology, and will approach each issue with an open mind towards finding the optimal solution that enhances liberty, federalism, justice, and prosperity.

Second, pragmatically, I am always seeking solutions. Period. The increasing partisan rhetoric of the last decade makes me angry and disappointed. Our republic is cheapened by the theatrics of the last few years, and I frankly do place much of the blame on the Democratic win-at-all costs mentality. However, I recognize my own party bears responsibility as well. I pledge to rebuild a spirit of constructive optimism in our Congress.

The Kane campaign emphasizes three specific issues:

National security & winning the war against terrorism Economic growth & lower taxes Education reform & better schools for all children My emphasis on security, growth, and education stem directly from who I am. When voters go to the ballot box, this what I hope they remember:

Tim Kane is a veteran intelligence officer and Air Force Academy graduate.

Tim Kane is an entrepreneur who has created jobs & also a Ph.D. economist

Tim Kane is an educator, and the only candidate with young children in our schools.

My views on specific issues about which I care deeply are detailed in the following pages. There are no doubt other issues of import to you, and I look forward to answering your questions on any topic, so please e-mail me (tim@timkane.com).

- Tim

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JOBS.

More and better jobs in a stable, growing economy is the #1 economic priority of Congress. I am an economist by training. On domestic issues, my focus is and will always be to promote economic growth for all Americans. Prosperity at all levels in an important part of justice, and affects everything from crime levels to drug use.

The Kane approach is to emphasize less wasteful spending, a simpler tax code, and better economic incentives. But most important of all: free trade. Free trade helps other countries develop while keeping our companies profitable and healthy. NAFTA, for example, is great for the San Diego economy economically, but also because a growing Mexico lowers immigration pressure. This is the finest kind of international win-win policy.

SUPPORT AMERICAN TROOPS.

On foreign policy, I come from a Cold War Air Force. My dad was a career enlisted man, and I served as a Captain in intelligence. We learned to always err on the side of caution in a dangerous world. America's military must be agile, powerful, and humble in promoting the national interest. As Roosevelt said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." But what I'll be fighting for in Congress is a renewed emphasis on the human side of our military: getting much better pay, treatment, and training for the active duty troops.

VALUES.

There can be little doubt that mutual respect and values have declined in America in the last few decades - the decades that in fact shaped me as a youth. A sober analysis of the facts suggest our society has become more permissive. In every way, I pledge to push our federal system to encourage personal responsibility and respect for human dignity. The first step is for me as a public official to act as a role model, with honor and civility in all things. You can count on that. Second, I will continue to fight racism, a fight which I believe is not over in this country, but has made great strides in my lifetime. Third, I will reform any government program that gives something for nothing. Our social welfare programs are getting better, and can get better still by making a partnership for self-improvement - not just doling out money. Fourth, I believe the greatest frustration of many older Americans is not financial insecurity, but the level of crime and disrespect among some young citizens. We need a more respectful society. No silver bullet here, but the image of an angry, spoiled, violent youth culture is something that is on my mind and I will work to change.

FREEDOM.

Like it or not, the United States Constitution comes with a Bill of Rights. It is a living document that has served the nation well. I will uphold each and every one of the original ten amendments and all those that have been added. Does that mean liberty with respect to Arms? Does it mean a woman's right to privacy? Does it mean the government guarantees everyone a right to vote? Yes.

I will stand for the Constitution, as written, which lays out a federal system in clear language. The Union is strong when the states and communities are free to experiment and improve, when fundamental individual rights are protected from federal intrusion, and when the nation is secure from foreign threats. Understanding the proper sovereign jurisdiction of our Constitutional system is the foundation of all the other issues and dreams we might pursue. And that mindset is what keeps us free.