Introduction
Santa Fe College’s Service District is expected to be one of the most interesting House races this year. The incumbent Ted Yoho and his political rival Jake Rush will be battling in the republican primaries. This paper seeks to review five political issues raised by the two rivals and examine their relevance in the current political environment. The contestants have posted their political issues on their websites for the public to interrogate. This paper will discuss some of the issues posted on each contestant’s website and determine who the preferred candidate is.
Jake’s Political Issues
The five most dominant issues
To begin with, Jake Rush has a problem with a number of issues that are critical to any American citizen. The most prominent among his issues include the National debt and spending, the straining economy and job creation, the Veterans issue, the Second Amendment right to bear arms, and illegal immigration. These are particularly very pertinent issues in the country’s political scene. However, the candidate has been under pressure over his credibility due to his alleged double life (McNeal par. 5). His political career is threatened by his past activities before he joined the political scenes. He was allegedly involved in a cult where he was role-playing as a vampire before he ventured into politics (Fuller par. 6)
Government spending
Many politicians and the public alike will agree with his sentiments against the government’s humongous spending since Obama took office. He puts the blame on health and social security citing Obamacare as the main reason for the inflating national debt (“JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues” par. 2). In his statement, he argues that the current situation is driven by the imbalances in budgeting and the country’s consumption of more than it can afford.
The economy/job creation and the issue of veterans
On the issue of the dwindling economy and job creation, Jake proposes a free market as a way to create job opportunities (“JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues” par. 4). He laments bitterly that the government’s stringent regulation of the economy is straining the small businesses (“JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues” par. 4). Jakes is also saddened by the poor treatment of the military veterans who come home empty-handed after a long period of service to the nation. He strongly opposes cutting the veteran’s benefits arguing that they truly deserve the honor (“JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues” par. 5).
The 2nd amendment and immigration
The second amendment is also an issue that Jake advocates passionately considering his past career as a law enforcement officer. He wants the Americans to be given the freedom of owning guns arguing that gun safety is learned through familiarity rather than fear (“JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues” par. 10). Lastly, on the issue of immigration, Jake wants illegal immigration curbed. However, he cleverly proposes some exceptions especially for the foreigners who serve in the US military and the international students seeking higher education in the US. For these two categories, the candidate proposes that they should be given an opportunity to remain as citizens of the US (“JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues” par. 9).
Ted’s Political Issues
Just like his rival, Jake’s, Ted has also addressed, among others, the five crucial issues in the United States’ political scene. He has clearly stated his problems with these issues but unlike his rival, he presents his solution in clear statements. Ted’s approach is very different from Jake’s who seems to be complaining about the ills of the current government without offering solutions. Ted comments, among other issues, on jobs and the economy, national debt and spending, national defense, immigration, and the 2nd amendment (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 1).
Jobs and the economy
Ted blames the government for creating economic confusion, therefore, inhibiting job creation in the country (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 1). Like Jake, Ted confesses that the government has been supporting burdensome economic regulations that are wearing the citizens out. To revive the economy and create more jobs, Ted insists that the tax code must be simplified (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 1). He argues that some job-killing regulations must be removed to allow small businesses to thrive. About improving the economy, Ted says the government must learn from past mistakes and create an environment of certainty for all businesses (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 1).
National debt and spending
Ted argues that the country’s national spending is too high and this is because of wasteful projects (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 3). One of these projects as outlined by the republican congressional representative is foreign Aid. He laments that the value of the US dollar is dropping due to such foreign expenditure. He pledges to evaluate the federal financial engagements and act to end unnecessary programs to redeem the value of the US dollar (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 3). In addition, he advises against living outside the government’s means.
National defense
Ted agrees with Jake that the military has not been receiving the support they deserve especially after they return home from service. He correctly argues that if the country expects the military to protect it at all costs, the legislators should extend the same favor (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 5). Ted promises that he will support the military through availing to them the necessary resources and reviewing their care after they have completed their service (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 5).
Immigration and The 2nd amendment/right to bear arms
In his statement, Ted acknowledges the threat that the country faces as a result of illegal immigration. He is concerned about the laxity that Washington has expressed in dealing with this issue in the last 30 years (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 7). In his statement, he advocates for proper staffing at the borders and the use of the latest technology to circumvent illegal immigration. To harness the current technology at the borders, the candidate proposes to introduce a guest worker program that gives guests workers a national ID (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 7). Through this ID, the workers will be able to pay taxes hence reducing illegal immigration. Ted fully supports the 2nd amendment/right to bear arms arguing that it is a constitutional right (“TedYoho: Ted’s current issues” par. 9).
Comparison
According to the review of the above issues, the two candidates seem to agree and see the need for a change. They both agree that the national debt and spending are unsustainable. On the issue of the military, both candidates think the military deserves better treatment and recognition. On the issue of jobs and the economy, they both agree that the burdening regulations have strained the small businesses hence reducing the rate of employment. Both candidates support the 2nd amendment and they have raised concerns over illegal immigration threatening national security.
Preferred Candidate
Although the candidates have the same view on the issues that are important to me, I find Ted to be more practical. In my opinion, Ted is more realistic in his arguments and he sounds very sincere in his objections. Unlike Jake who is only pointing out the ills and complaining of what has not been done, Ted is pointing out the issues and giving solutions and the strategies he intends to use to solve the issues. With regard to the issue of illegal immigration, for instance, Ted pledges to get personally involved in restoring sanity in the department of immigration. On the other hand, Jake is only complaining about what has not been done in the ministry (Colbert). In my opinion, Jake is just a politician but Ted is a true leader.
Conclusion
This paper has reviewed some of the political issues raised by Jake and Ted on their websites. The paper has explained in detail their thoughts on these issues. In addition, a comparison between their arguments has been made and presented in a concise manner. Lastly, the essay justifies why Ted is the preferred candidate after a review of their statements.
Works Cited
Colbert, Stephen. Better Know a Challenger – Florida’s 3rd – Jake Rush. 2014. Web.
Fuller, Jaime. This Republican candidate wants everyone to stop talking about his vampire costume. Good luck with that. 2014. Web.
JakeRushforcongress: Jake Rush on the Issues 2014. Web.
McNeal, Stephanie. Fla. GOP House candidate moonlights as a vampire role-playing gamer. 2014. Web.
TedYoho: Ted’s current issues 2014. Web.