Representative, United States House of Representatives, 2014-2019

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Iowa, District 1, 2012, 2018

Former Member, Budget Committee, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Oversight and Government Reform Committee, United States House of Representatitves

Former Member, Small Business Committee, United States House of Representatives

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Government Operations, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Information Technology, United States House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations, United States House of Representatives

Owner, Digital Canal Software, 2000-present

Political Columnist, The Telegraph Herald, 2000-2012

Chief Executive Officer, Eagle Point Software, 1990-2000

Basketball Coach, Dubuque Senior High School, 2003-2008

Chair, Dubuque County Grand Old Party (GOP), 1995-1997

Awards:

Iowa Entrepreneur of the Year

Priority Issues:

As I mentioned above, I think reigniting our economy will be one of the biggest issues facing us. Our economy is growing at less than 50% of the 70 year average, and I believe we can do so much better. Specifically, we need to reduce and simplify both personal and corporate taxes which are the third highest in the world?while at the same time eliminating all corporate welfare and crony capitalism. Reduce job-killing government red tape, balance our budget, reform welfare, and implement lawsuit abuse reform.
One of my top priorities will be to continue to work to reform Congress itself, because I don?t believe that politicians should be allowed to cash in on public service. The first bill I introduced was a lifetime ban on lobbying if you've served in Congress. I also introduced - along with Democrat Gwen Graham - a bill to ban taxpayer funded first class flights and luxury car leases for members of Congress, and founded the bipartisan Term Limits Caucus with Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke. I've co-sponsored legislation to end the Congressional pension program -- while declining my own pension -- and co-sponsored legislation to tie the pay of politicians and bureaucrats to the pay of average Americans.

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

I ran for Congress because recent polls have shown that most Americans do not believe their children will be better off than their parents. One of the things that has separated our great country from the rest of the world is our citizens have always had hope and belief for a better tomorrow ? belief that our children will live better than us. Every generation in this country has lived better than the previous ? I am fighting in Congress to keep that dream alive for our children. (candidate submitted)

I'm running for Congress because recent polls have shown that 80% of Americans do not believe their children will be better off than their parents. One of the things that has separated our great country from the rest of the world is our citizens have always had hope and belief for a better tomorrow -- belief that our children will live better than us. Every generation in this country has lived better than the previous -- I am fighting to keep that dream alive for our children.