Thursday, June 22, 2006
1st District Candidate Survey: David Davis
(Candidate responses are in bold.)
General Information:
Name: David Lee Davis
Age: 47
Occupation: State Representative and Business Owner
Family: Wife, Joyce (26 years), Daughter, Rachel (18), Son, Matthew (20)
Education: Unicoi County High School (1977), Bachelors Degree, Milligan College (1991)
Getting to Know You:
Favorite Book: The Coming Economic Earthquake (Larry Burkett)
Favorite Movie: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou
Favorite TV Show: The Andy Griffith Show
Favorite Restaurant:
Favorite Website: The Drudge Report
Favorite Leisure Activity: Travel
Favorite Vacation Spot: My cabin in the mountains of East Tennessee
3 Favorite Songs:
(1) Have you Forgotten? (Daryl Worley)
(2) God Bless America
(3) Rocky Top
3 Most Admired People:
(1) Ronald Reagan;
(2) Thomas Jefferson;
(3) Bill Dunn
Questions:
1) National Spending - The Republican-led Congress has done little to curtail spending since the GOP last came into power in 2003. The national debt is approaching $8,500,000,000,000.00 according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. Conservatives both in D.C. and beyond the Beltway have put forth possible solutions, from targeting earmarks (through Senator Coburn's "Pork Busters" program) to altering the budget cycle (as with Ed Bryant's calls for a biennial budget). This sparks two questions:
a) How do you propose that Congressional spending be brought under control so that present and future generations are not saddled with extreme debts?
There are too many social programs right now, and this leads to problems. Many illegal immigrants come to our country to use these services without paying taxes. Pork projects must be either dramatically reduced or written out of the budget entirely. I support a biennial budget and the reduction of earmarks. In any event, we must get spending under control.
b) Is your personal philosophy regarding the budget more along the lines of a traditional conservative or like that of former Congressman Jimmy Quillen, a 1st District hero who brought many federal dollars to East Tennessee that have assisted so many citizens of the 1st District?
I have an enormous amount of respect for the many wonderful things Congressman Quillen was able to do for our district. However, we have different problems facing our country right now and I will be a very different congressman. Our budget has grown out of control, and getting a handle on this critical issue is imperative. I realize doing just this will come at the expense of many pork projects, but that is a sacrifice I believe we must make to preserve the long-term stability of our country. America must still be a great place to live for our children and grandchildren many years down the road.
2) Illegal Immigration - This is an issue that has garnered more attention as 2006 has progressed, with strong feelings lying on both sides of the debate. Everything from amnesty to shooting illegal aliens trying to cross over our borders has been put on the table. What specific measures would you support in the Congress to deal with this problem?
Illegal means illegal. No amnesty. If someone is here illegally, they must go home. Extending social benefits to illegal immigrants must stop. Rewarding people who have entered our country illegally with any route to citizenship sends the wrong message to the American people as well as the rest of the world. While I am pleased that President Bush has tried to address this problem, the current plan could go much farther in many areas.
Securing the border is the first step. In some places, we need a fence. In some places, we need a wall. I also support the use of electronic surveillance but only if it can be used in a cost-effective manner.
3) Abortion - The right to life has remained one of the most divisive issues in American politics for several decades. What are your views on the abortion debate? Do you believe that the power to regulate abortion (either positively or negatively) lies with the states or with the federal government? If you are pro-life, do you believe that there should be any exceptions where abortion should be allowable?
I believe life begins at conception and that all life must be protected by our federal government. The only exception would be to protect the life of a mother. I have voted to protect life for eight years and have received the endorsements of the National Republican Coalition for Life as well as the Tennessee Right to Life.
4) Military Intervention in the Middle East - President Bush has gone on the record as saying that American forces will remain in Iraq and Afghanistan until at least 2008. What are your views towards the current American foreign military involvement in the Middle East?
It is realistic to say that we will likely keep a presence in the Middle East for many years just as we have maintained in other countries. Cutting and running is not an option. We must allow Iraq to become a democratic ally in a very hostile area of the globe.
5) Energy Policy - Throughout the past several decades, America has drifted along without a sincere energy policy, resulting in others (whether sovereign states or corporations) dictating market forces regarding what we pay for energy and the sources of that energy (oil, coal, etc.). What would you add to a comprehensive national energy policy that would benefit the people of the 1st District?
The most obvious thing to do is drill in ANWR to increase domestic energy production. It is important to find safe nuclear energy to further aid our domestic supply. We would be in a tough state if certain countries supplying our energy needs decided to cease trade relations, so it is critical that we develop our own means of production. This concept would also lower the cost of energy which is something we must do for taxpayers.
6) Right to Bear Arms - Both the Federal and Tennessee Constitutions reflect strong language designed to protect the right to bear arms. What have you done personally to protect these rights, including passing knowledge to others or future generations?
I am a long-time member of the NRA. As a state Representative, I earned an A+ rating from the NRA and consistently voted to protect our Second Amendment rights in Nashville. I also have an Excellent rating from Gun Owners of America.
7) Committee Assignments - Those who have served on Capitol Hill know that much of what you can accomplish depends on what committees or subcommittees to which you are assigned. What particular committee assignments would you push for if elected to Congress, and what would you hope to accomplish in those committees?
I believe the Appropriations Committee is the place I would be most useful. There are too many wasteful items in our federal budget and we must get spending under control. If I sit on this committee during my years of service, I will provide a responsible voice to combat the free-spending spirit which is currently being employed.
8) Goals and Terms - In thirty words or less, what do you hope to accomplish through your service to the 1st District? Also, do you pledge to term-limit yourself like Senators Bill Frist and Tom Coburn have done? If so, how many terms will you serve?
I am a proven conservative legislator and I plan to take my conservative principles to Washington to fight for the American taxpayer while exercising staunch fiscal restraint and sound moral judgment throughout my tenure, however long it may be.
General Information:
Name: David Lee Davis
Age: 47
Occupation: State Representative and Business Owner
Family: Wife, Joyce (26 years), Daughter, Rachel (18), Son, Matthew (20)
Education: Unicoi County High School (1977), Bachelors Degree, Milligan College (1991)
Getting to Know You:
Favorite Book: The Coming Economic Earthquake (Larry Burkett)
Favorite Movie: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou
Favorite TV Show: The Andy Griffith Show
Favorite Restaurant:
Favorite Website: The Drudge Report
Favorite Leisure Activity: Travel
Favorite Vacation Spot: My cabin in the mountains of East Tennessee
3 Favorite Songs:
(1) Have you Forgotten? (Daryl Worley)
(2) God Bless America
(3) Rocky Top
3 Most Admired People:
(1) Ronald Reagan;
(2) Thomas Jefferson;
(3) Bill Dunn
Questions:
1) National Spending - The Republican-led Congress has done little to curtail spending since the GOP last came into power in 2003. The national debt is approaching $8,500,000,000,000.00 according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. Conservatives both in D.C. and beyond the Beltway have put forth possible solutions, from targeting earmarks (through Senator Coburn's "Pork Busters" program) to altering the budget cycle (as with Ed Bryant's calls for a biennial budget). This sparks two questions:
a) How do you propose that Congressional spending be brought under control so that present and future generations are not saddled with extreme debts?
There are too many social programs right now, and this leads to problems. Many illegal immigrants come to our country to use these services without paying taxes. Pork projects must be either dramatically reduced or written out of the budget entirely. I support a biennial budget and the reduction of earmarks. In any event, we must get spending under control.
b) Is your personal philosophy regarding the budget more along the lines of a traditional conservative or like that of former Congressman Jimmy Quillen, a 1st District hero who brought many federal dollars to East Tennessee that have assisted so many citizens of the 1st District?
I have an enormous amount of respect for the many wonderful things Congressman Quillen was able to do for our district. However, we have different problems facing our country right now and I will be a very different congressman. Our budget has grown out of control, and getting a handle on this critical issue is imperative. I realize doing just this will come at the expense of many pork projects, but that is a sacrifice I believe we must make to preserve the long-term stability of our country. America must still be a great place to live for our children and grandchildren many years down the road.
2) Illegal Immigration - This is an issue that has garnered more attention as 2006 has progressed, with strong feelings lying on both sides of the debate. Everything from amnesty to shooting illegal aliens trying to cross over our borders has been put on the table. What specific measures would you support in the Congress to deal with this problem?
Illegal means illegal. No amnesty. If someone is here illegally, they must go home. Extending social benefits to illegal immigrants must stop. Rewarding people who have entered our country illegally with any route to citizenship sends the wrong message to the American people as well as the rest of the world. While I am pleased that President Bush has tried to address this problem, the current plan could go much farther in many areas.
Securing the border is the first step. In some places, we need a fence. In some places, we need a wall. I also support the use of electronic surveillance but only if it can be used in a cost-effective manner.
3) Abortion - The right to life has remained one of the most divisive issues in American politics for several decades. What are your views on the abortion debate? Do you believe that the power to regulate abortion (either positively or negatively) lies with the states or with the federal government? If you are pro-life, do you believe that there should be any exceptions where abortion should be allowable?
I believe life begins at conception and that all life must be protected by our federal government. The only exception would be to protect the life of a mother. I have voted to protect life for eight years and have received the endorsements of the National Republican Coalition for Life as well as the Tennessee Right to Life.
4) Military Intervention in the Middle East - President Bush has gone on the record as saying that American forces will remain in Iraq and Afghanistan until at least 2008. What are your views towards the current American foreign military involvement in the Middle East?
It is realistic to say that we will likely keep a presence in the Middle East for many years just as we have maintained in other countries. Cutting and running is not an option. We must allow Iraq to become a democratic ally in a very hostile area of the globe.
5) Energy Policy - Throughout the past several decades, America has drifted along without a sincere energy policy, resulting in others (whether sovereign states or corporations) dictating market forces regarding what we pay for energy and the sources of that energy (oil, coal, etc.). What would you add to a comprehensive national energy policy that would benefit the people of the 1st District?
The most obvious thing to do is drill in ANWR to increase domestic energy production. It is important to find safe nuclear energy to further aid our domestic supply. We would be in a tough state if certain countries supplying our energy needs decided to cease trade relations, so it is critical that we develop our own means of production. This concept would also lower the cost of energy which is something we must do for taxpayers.
6) Right to Bear Arms - Both the Federal and Tennessee Constitutions reflect strong language designed to protect the right to bear arms. What have you done personally to protect these rights, including passing knowledge to others or future generations?
I am a long-time member of the NRA. As a state Representative, I earned an A+ rating from the NRA and consistently voted to protect our Second Amendment rights in Nashville. I also have an Excellent rating from Gun Owners of America.
7) Committee Assignments - Those who have served on Capitol Hill know that much of what you can accomplish depends on what committees or subcommittees to which you are assigned. What particular committee assignments would you push for if elected to Congress, and what would you hope to accomplish in those committees?
I believe the Appropriations Committee is the place I would be most useful. There are too many wasteful items in our federal budget and we must get spending under control. If I sit on this committee during my years of service, I will provide a responsible voice to combat the free-spending spirit which is currently being employed.
8) Goals and Terms - In thirty words or less, what do you hope to accomplish through your service to the 1st District? Also, do you pledge to term-limit yourself like Senators Bill Frist and Tom Coburn have done? If so, how many terms will you serve?
I am a proven conservative legislator and I plan to take my conservative principles to Washington to fight for the American taxpayer while exercising staunch fiscal restraint and sound moral judgment throughout my tenure, however long it may be.
Permalink posted by Rob Huddleston @ 8:52 AM 
Comments:
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I had the pleasure of working with David Davis for two years in the TN House. I know firsthand that his responses to this survey are honest and sincere. Rep. Davis will be a Congressman that delivers results on these issues and be a conservative leader in the US House, just as he has done in his current position.
Rep. Davis is not only one of the finest legislators I have ever worked for, he's also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. Tennessee and the 1st District would be well-served by Congressman David Davis.
Rep. Davis is not only one of the finest legislators I have ever worked for, he's also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. Tennessee and the 1st District would be well-served by Congressman David Davis.
While Davis' responses may be "honest and sincere" I have to question anyone who continually skips out on face to face debates with the other candidates. Something doesn't add up with that factored into the equation.
Also...........did I just read he wants a WALL on parts of the border????? This reeks of Communism. Since when is that what American promotes?!
Also...........did I just read he wants a WALL on parts of the border????? This reeks of Communism. Since when is that what American promotes?!
Pat, your facts are not entirely accurate. How does one occurence get coined continually? Two debates have been held. David fully-participated in the first debate and left the second after opening questions in order to receive an award for his contrbutions to education in Venable's own backyard. The latter event had about 500 people in attendance. Most candidates wanting to win would have done this. It is also quite common to see frontrunners skip debates entirely. The reality remains that Davis goes up on TV tomorrow and and Venable is rumored to not have raised enough money to do any television at all. If this is true -- Game Over, fellas.
On another note, do you realize that we already have fences and walls on certan parts of our border? Mr. Davis is far from a communist. We have a border problem and David Davis wants to fix it. I'm not sure what you mean by asking what America promotes, but we'd better start promoting border security or our country might not be such a nice place to live for our children and grandchildren.
On another note, do you realize that we already have fences and walls on certan parts of our border? Mr. Davis is far from a communist. We have a border problem and David Davis wants to fix it. I'm not sure what you mean by asking what America promotes, but we'd better start promoting border security or our country might not be such a nice place to live for our children and grandchildren.
votedavis06 --- I do know that we have fences on most of the border. And that there are huge holes in most of that fence. There are also huge ditches filled with water that the Border Patrol agents are forbidden to go into for safety reasons. There are also tunnels along part of the border in the hopes of getting more illegals into our country. Contrary to what you want to say I do actually know what I'm talking about as I have seen it firsthand.
Quite honestly I'm hearing quite the opposite about the Venable and Davis camps. I hear the Davis camp is sinking quickly --- by the way, as of last night that is the word throughout the 1st District. I also hear that Richard is having no trouble raising money. Hmmmm...interesting to me.
I imagine the award that David received for "his" contributions were actually the legislature's contributions that he likes to take credit for. That's all well and good -- we need help for education in East Tennessee. But he should be responsible to the people of the district and stick around to give his answers. He's actually putting out the word that he has a disability and he "can't debate tall people like Richard Roberts" and he "can't talk like all the lawyers". Whatever. Just stick around and give your answers like everyone else in the race.
He left the Social Security Forum for a "previous engagement" as well as the last debate in Jonesborough. And, I might add, he left after his introduction -- not after opening questions as you stated. Unless you count "Who are you?" as an opening question in a real debate!
And I'll end by saying again.......
a WALL?????????????
Quite honestly I'm hearing quite the opposite about the Venable and Davis camps. I hear the Davis camp is sinking quickly --- by the way, as of last night that is the word throughout the 1st District. I also hear that Richard is having no trouble raising money. Hmmmm...interesting to me.
I imagine the award that David received for "his" contributions were actually the legislature's contributions that he likes to take credit for. That's all well and good -- we need help for education in East Tennessee. But he should be responsible to the people of the district and stick around to give his answers. He's actually putting out the word that he has a disability and he "can't debate tall people like Richard Roberts" and he "can't talk like all the lawyers". Whatever. Just stick around and give your answers like everyone else in the race.
He left the Social Security Forum for a "previous engagement" as well as the last debate in Jonesborough. And, I might add, he left after his introduction -- not after opening questions as you stated. Unless you count "Who are you?" as an opening question in a real debate!
And I'll end by saying again.......
a WALL?????????????
I'm Debbie from Right Truth in West Tennessee. I need an answer if you can help me. I heard there is a Tennessee political candidate that said, "We should allow the border patrol and national guard to shoot illegals who cross the border." Do you know who said that? Thanks and great site. It's good to have bloggers interview the candidates and ask what the people really want to know.
Debbie
Right Truth
http://www.righttruth.typepad.com
Debbie
Right Truth
http://www.righttruth.typepad.com
"U.S. Rep. Davis reflects on first year in office, discusses immigration, war on terror"
The Mountain Press
By: DEREK HODGES November 27, 2007
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19060553&BRD=1211&PAG=461&dept_id=169689&rfi=6
...
Immigration
Like many lawmakers in Washington, [U.S. Rep. David] Davis has made comprehensive immigration reform a cornerstone of his first year in office. The issue has become a hot-button nationwide and will likely play a major role in the 2008 elections.
Davis said he favors providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country rather than deporting them.
"Most people in East Tennessee will welcome people with open arms if they come here legally," Davis said. "Illegal is illegal, though. I don't think the answer is deporting 12 million people, though."
Suckers...
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The Mountain Press
By: DEREK HODGES November 27, 2007
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19060553&BRD=1211&PAG=461&dept_id=169689&rfi=6
...
Immigration
Like many lawmakers in Washington, [U.S. Rep. David] Davis has made comprehensive immigration reform a cornerstone of his first year in office. The issue has become a hot-button nationwide and will likely play a major role in the 2008 elections.
Davis said he favors providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country rather than deporting them.
"Most people in East Tennessee will welcome people with open arms if they come here legally," Davis said. "Illegal is illegal, though. I don't think the answer is deporting 12 million people, though."
Suckers...
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