Republican Senate candidate Larry Linney in his own words

What issue would be your top priority if you were elected to represent North Carolinians in the Senate?

Priority number one is creating jobs. The federal government is not efficient in creating private sector jobs. I would co-sponsor a number of bills to improve how our government functions.

• All legislation should have a 72 hour “waiting period” between the time it is introduced on the floor for a vote and the taking of the vote.
• Certain legislation must have an Attorney General Opinion issued on its “constitutionality.”
• All legislation must apply to members of Congress without exemption.
• Congress must not permit the President to commit our troops to combat without a Declaration of War vote.

This year, North Carolinians are worried about the economy, specifically finding and keeping jobs. What measures would you take as a U.S. senator to spur job creation?

We must reduce the sheer number of regulations imposed on businesses. I would co-sponsor legislation that reigns in the autonomy of federal agencies’ rule-making. Excessive regulations by federal agencies deter entrepreneurs from putting their capital at risk to create jobs. Generally, regulations serve as a barrier to market entry. This “red tape” discourages innovation and those who pursue it. All federal taxes must be lowered, not simply income taxes. The present burden of federal taxes decreases consumer consumption. We simply have less of our money to spend. Increased consumer spending allows businesses to create more jobs by expanding their operations. I would be willing to co-sponsor legislation that imposes tariffs on Chinese imports if Beijing does not allow its currency to “float.” I would oppose legislation that increases the cost of energy on either individuals or businesses. Be forewarned, proposed “Cap and Trade” legislation increases the cost of energy by design. Stabilizing the housing market also would spur job creation. I support revoking the federal charter of Freddie Mac. Its housing market liquidity functions can be absorbed by the Treasury. Finally as Senator, I would encourage members of the North Carolina General Assembly to lower the corporate tax rate. Our corporate tax rate is higher than the rate in both Virginia and South Carolina. Consequently, many employers that desire to relocate among these three states do not choose North Carolina.  

There's been a lot of talk about budgets and deficits lately. What do you believe should be the nation's fiscal priorities? Is there any area of current spending that you think should not be a priority? Are there any areas that you think should have a higher priority?

Presently, the federal government spends about $31.5 thousand (k) dollars per household. Of this amount, about $18K is collected in taxes. The other $13K represents deficit spending.

As a nation we should spend to provide for a strong national defense. Defense spending presently is maintained at its historic levels, about $6K per household. We should stay at this level of spending for national defense. It should be a priority of both spending and policy that no veteran is homeless, involuntarily.

We should honor our commitment to the old and to the sick. Social Security/Medicare is the area in which the government spends the MOST per household, at about $10K. To reduce spending this area we must increase the qualifying age for eligibility to receive Social Security benefits.

We should provide a minimum social safety net for those unable to provide for themselves because of circumstances beyond their control. At $5.5K per household, spending on “so-called” antipoverty programs account for nearly as much as spending for defense. Spending in this area must be reduced. I suggest the federal government stop subsidizing state Medicaid programs. This policy would require Washington to stop imposing coverage mandates on States.