Candidate Jeff Crank: New Conservative Blood Needed In Congress

Candidate Jeff Crank: New Conservative Blood Needed In Congress

July 08, 2006 07:18 AM EST

Jeff Crank, candidate for Congress in Colorado's 5th District, is a man with a plan for his country. The young but experienced Republican has a plan to reduce the increasing wasteful government spending in Washington by incorporating fiscal responsibility and substantial budget cuts.

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The Conservative Voice caught up with Jeff and he graciously took time away from a busy campaign schedule to answer some of our questions:

TCV: How would you describe your political philosophy? Paleo-Conservative, Neo-Conservative, Liberatarian, Reagan Conservative?

CRANK: A Reagan Conservative

TCV: What are the most pressing issue we face as a nation?

CRANK: War on terror, out-of-control national debt, illegal immigration

TCV: What is your position on illegal aliens and the issue of immigration in general?

CRANK: We desperately need a border security bill. I will not support any plan that grants amnesty, rewards people for breaking the law, or leads to automatic citizenship.

TCV: How would you continue fighting the war on terrorism?

CRANK: Simply by supporting the President and his plan for victory in Iraq.

TCV:Do you believe the Iraq conflict is part of the overall war on terrorism?

CRANK: Yes. The Iraq war is only a battle in the larger struggle against global terrorism. It is THE struggle of our generation and we must win.

TCV:What would you look for in a possible nominee to the US Supreme Court?

CRANK: A strict constructionist. Someone who respects the role of the legislative branch of government and who does not legislate from the bench.

TCV: How would you begin to get government spending under control and reduce deficit spending?

CRANK: A balanced budget amendment, line-item veto, eliminating federal agencies like the department of Education and other programs like the NEA, OPIC, Amtrak subsidy, etc.

TCV: How do you feel about the missile defense system?

CRANK: I worked to increase funding for missile defense while working in Congress during the Clinton administration. I am a strong supporter of national missile defense and theater missile defense programs.

TCV: Do you support an amendment to the constitution that would outlaw gay-marriage?

CRANK: Yes.

TCV: Do you support an amendment to protect the flag?

CRANK: Yes.

TCV: How would you deal with renegade nations such as Iran and North Korea?

CRANK: Support the President in a tough stance. We cannot allow them to acquire nuclear weapons - and must stop them at all costs.

TCV: How would you deal with the leaks suspected of coming from the CIA, NSA or other government agencies?

CRANK: Leaks of classified information cannot be tolerated. They should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

TCV: What would you say to voters who are concerned with globalization and internationalists?

CRANK: I am concerned about it as well. I will not support any efforts to move toward a global government or further control by the U.N. Our Constitution should continue to be our guiding document. With regard to international trade, I believe strongly in free trade and open markets.

TCV: You have impressive credentials, but have not held a national office (i.e. senate, congress, federal department head, etc.), what will you say to critics who bring up you lack of political experience?

CRANK: If politicians solved all the problems then we would have no problems left. Those that would only vote for someone who has held elective office would automatically disqualify Ronald Reagan when he ran for governor of California, George Bush when he ran for governor of Texas, John Thune for Congress and many others. Aside from that, I am the only candidate in this race that has actually written federal legislation and worked in the Congress.

TCV: Do you believe the GOP is headed in the wrong direction? And how would you help to lead the GOP in the right direction?

CRANK: I do believe that the GOP is headed in the wrong direction. We have become the party that is more concerned with staying in power than making real change. We need fiscal discipline and distinguish ourselves from the Democrats. We should abolish the IRS and replace it with a simpler, fairer tax code.

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