Jobs. 10th District residents need real jobs with decent salaries and benefits. I will propose legislation to help support small business—the economic engine of this country.

Economy. I believe the economy must work for everyone—not just big corporations. That’s why I will introduce legislation to help the middle class keep their homes and help Main Street businesses that can’t get adequate funding today.

Education. I believe education is the key to our country’s future. I believe we need to invest in every level of education, from preschool to post graduate, including Virginia’s Loudoun and Manassas community colleges and vocational training. I will propose legislation to attract the best and brightest into teaching and ensure them a decent wage.

Environment. I believe we need to provide incentives to encourage green technologies that will bring good jobs to Virginia’s 10th and a healthier planet to all of us. I believe that our national parklands must be protected and appreciated, not exploited for gain. I believe that ensuring clean air, clear water, and a livable planet is our obligation to future generations. That’s why I support legislation linked to the Kyoto Agreement.

Transportation. We need dependable public transportation that is widely accessible. I will fight to find alternatives to more roads and bigger highways; I will pursue technologies that reduce dangerous emissions and eliminate bottlenecks to enhance traffic flow.

Military. Virginia has a huge military presence. I will fight to ensure that our military bases stay open, providing jobs and income for our local economy. I will fight for our veterans to be sure they get the health care, jobs and community reintegration support they need and deserve.

National Security. Protecting our country starts at HOME. We need to protect our borders, develop our intelligence gathering capabilities and engage in the sharing of critical homeland security information with our strategic partners. America cannot police the whole world.

Taxes and spending. I believe we cannot keep spending without having a means to pay for it. We need to halt unnecessary spending, but fund those programs Virginian’s mandate. Unsupported spending is fiscal suicide. I am a fiscal conservative but support social justice.

National Health Care. I support a national health care system that is affordable, does not increase the national debt, and provides choices and access to as many citizens as possible.

I believe government should work for the people, not the other way around.