Eric Martin on the Issues

By Eric Robert Martin

Where Eric Stands on Various issues

Abortion: I believe life starts at conception. The federal government needs to get out of the role of mandating that abortion be legal in the States. As Congressman, I will work to protect life by getting the federal government out of abortion matters entirely.

Right to Bear Arms: The second amendment states, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed". Based on history and my experience, I believe this Amendment is a restriction on the Federal Government and solely the Federal Government. Some may argue that guns should not be allowed in schools or courthouses, but let us leave this up to the state to decide which restrictions to place on the bearing of arms. Gun Control is a State's Rights issue. As Congressman, I will work to take the Federal Government out of Gun Control and keep it out.

Taxes: One of the ways I live my life, and one of the concepts I firmly believe in, is "simpler is better". Our personal income tax code is too complex, convoluted, and serves too many special interests. Ideally, the income tax will be abolished. In the short term, I will work to cut the budget so that the income tax burden can be cut as much as possible.

Education: This is a Tenth Amendment issue. The Tenth Amendment states "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." The Federal Government is delegated no power regarding education in the U.S. Constitution. And so, the Federal Government should have no say or laws regarding education. As Congressman, I will work to keep education in the hands of the individual, the family, the community, the state, and out of the hands of the Federal Government. "No Child Left Behind" was and is a disaster and I will work to repeal this law and others which infringe on the individual and state liberties in education.

Health Care: This is another Tenth Amendment issue. Since health care is not delegated to the United States Federal Government the power is reserved to the people or to the states.

Citizens are ultimately responsible for their health care, and they may empower the state to regulate that health care. However, the Federal government should have no part in the well-being of the individual. As Congressman, I will work to repeal Obamacare and will work to bring the federal government out of health care entirely.

National Defense: Thomas Jefferson said, "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations -- entangling alliances with none." I believe in this, and I believe that the United States' armies are spread too thin in many countries across the world. We need to bring our troops home, and they can then do their job of defending Our Borders, Our People, and Our Nation.

Immigration: I want our country to work towards securing our borders. It is not fair for illegal immigrants to get the benefits of living in this nation, when there are legitimate immigrants-in-waiting on lists who do not get those benefits, but are trying to go the legal route. Even more importantly, it is not fair to citizens of the United States when they are paying for services to illegal immigrants. I will support laws which expand legal immigration in areas which I believe will help the economy but not hurt citizens who are already here. For example, if there are not enough information technology workers in our country, and there are many open positions for people in this field, I would support an expansion of legal immigration for people from other countries who have a specialized education in that area. Ultimately, I will put the interests of our people and economy first when it comes to immigration.

Faith: I am a believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. I have accepted God's grace through Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins, and I believe that God is the supreme power in this world and beyond.

I have respect for atheists, agnostics, and people of all faiths. I believe my faith, prayer, and reliance on God helps me to live with integrity, and the foundation of a higher moral authority helps me to see more clearly the problems of our time.