Candidate for
United States Representative; District 2

Paul Hackett's campaign is based on three simple ideals, commitment, leadership, and service. These three principles are something that Paul lives each day. As a husband and a father of three he strives to model American values and moral judgement for his children. As a United States Marine, Paul served this nation on active duty, and then again, after his contract was over, when he volunteered to come back to the Marine Corps and serve in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a civil affairs officer, Paul served in Ramadi and then in Fallujah during the offensive and the beginning of the subsequent reconstruction of the city. For Hackett, the pursuit of this office is a natural extension of his desire to serve.

Paul's top 3 priorities in Washington will be the economy and jobs, education, and social security. These three are discussed in position papers posted here and on Paul's campaign website at http://www.hackettforcongress.com. This opportunity will be to discuss the other important issues.

Guns On the issue of guns, Paul is a dedicated supporter of the 2nd Amendment rights given to the people. Paul has been a hunter and gun owner all of his life, and is a member of the NRA. He understands that guns, in the wrong hands, are deadly, and will fight to keep them out of the hands of criminals. He will fight to be sure that law-abiding citizens are safe and responsible with their own guns. Paul always stores his guns in a safe, seperate from ammunition, with trigger locks, and most importantly, a place inaccessable to his children. All of his friends who own guns share his sense of responsibility to safety.

The War in Iraq With regard to the War in Iraq, Paul Hackett is a Major in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. If elected, he will be the first veteran of the Iraq War to serve in the House of Representatives. His first hand knowledge of the reality of the situation is the basis for his plan regarding the war, as well as his first legislative priority "The Boots on the Ground Bill of Rights." Position Paper #3 discusses the Iraq War in greater detail.

The Environment Americans account for about 4.5% of the world's population, yet we consume 25% of the world's energy resources. Our consumption affects the environment when fuels are mined and burned, and long after. It's only right that we assume a measure of responsibility for the nation's--and the global--environment. More than that, it's appropriate that we assume a leadership role. That means our government must be more forward-looking and honest with us when it comes to environmental issues and policy. The present administration has a dismal record in this area and is undoing much of the progress we've made in recent years. They've done little to dispel the accusation that they care more about big oil companies than the world we're leaving our children. Manufacturers and consumers must be encouraged to develop and use energy-saving technologies. Even the smallest advances and conservation measures can go such a long way.

Health Care America has the finest healthcare in the world. Unfortunately, far too few people have access to it. In fact, America ranks an embarrassing 17th of the 33 developed nations in life expectancy. There is no reason why all Americans should not have affordable access to quality healthcare. Health insurance premiums are rising at 4 times the rate of inflation. These outrageous premiums are not only too costly for individuals and small businesses, they've grown too burdensome for large employers. GM recently laid off 8% of its work force because it was paying more per car produced on healthcare premiums than on steel. The health insurance industry is riddled with inefficiencies, excessive administrative expenses, inflated prices, poor management, inappropriate care, waste, and fraud. That's not just hurting healthcare consumers and companies that offer healthcare benefits. It's also driving good doctors out of business. Other developed countries pay between 9% and 11% of their G.D.P. on healthcare. America spends 15.3%, and the costs are rising every year at a rate much higher than inflation. The situation is dire.