louisiana - Candidates - Defend Our Union2024-03-29T12:45:10Zhttps://defendourunion.org/candidates/feed/tag/louisianaGarret Graves, LA, US House, District 6https://defendourunion.org/candidates/garret-graves-la-us-house-district-62022-08-29T08:27:23.000Z2022-08-29T08:27:23.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10795484687?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=399"></div><div><div id="comp-jn6mao4c" class="_1Q9if _3bcaz"><h2 class="font_2">REPRESENTING US. ADVANCING LOUISIANA.</h2></div><div id="comp-jnc1i4pe" class="_1Q9if _3bcaz"><p class="font_8">"Our positive message and the conservative solutions we’ve delivered for some of Louisiana’s biggest challenges are working." - GARRET GRAVES</p><p class="font_8"><iframe title="Garret Graves:" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gbXM_wyy63c" width="940" height="529" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="font_8"> </p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795487078,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795487078,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795487078?profile=original" /></a></p><p class="font_8">Garret Graves is a RINO but the best choice at this time. He doesn't sound like one, but here is the evidence.</p><p class="font_8">He has over <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2022&id=LA06" target="_blank">$2 Million dollars</a> for his campaign. And no one else has money listed.</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795489687,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795489687,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10795489687?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/races/candidates?cycle=2022&id=LA06&spec=N" target="_blank">His grassroot donations are no</a>t even a third of a percent. So practically 100% of his funding is large contributions and PAC.</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795492473,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795492473,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="601" alt="10795492473?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p class="font_8"> </p><p class="font_8">----------------</p><p class="font_8">Garret Graves--</p><ol><li class="font_8">Voted for Doubling the budget of the national science foundation (a lot of climate change): <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC186" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC186</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for Covid-19 hate crimes act: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC145" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC145</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for overriding the budget sequester restrainst so that money could be spent: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC98" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC98</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for $50 BILLION on climate change: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC187" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC187</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for advancing warrentless surveilance of Americans without conservative reforms: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR6172" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR6172</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted against defending election integrity: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-AmicusBriefTexasvPenn" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-AmicusBriefTexasvPenn</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for $2.3 trillion spending package: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR133" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR133</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for forcing truckers to have to retrofit their engines: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2019-house-HR1768" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2019-house-HR1768</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted for requiring business to report the diversity of their employees: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2019-house-HR5084" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2019-house-HR5084</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted against keeping privacy on websites: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2017-house-SJR34" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2017-house-SJR34</a></li><li class="font_8">Voted against defunding the EPAs criminal enforcement division: <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2016-house-HR5538-PalmerAmendment" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2016-house-HR5538-PalmerAmendment</a></li></ol><p>--------------</p><p><a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/people/G000577" target="_blank">Low conservative rating.</a> His rating shows a fairly steady decline over his career concerning conservatism.. Plus there appears to be periods of I don't care if I am conservative mixed with I have to get re-elected.</p><p class="font_8"><a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/people/G000577" target="_blank">http://ratings.conservative.org/people/G000577</a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795502878,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795502878,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10795502878?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></p><p class="font_8">He has voted opposed to the American Conservative Union 28 times.Use the drop down box to check this yourself.</p><p class="font_8">His <a href="https://spendingtracker.org/rep/garret-graves" target="_blank">spending is very high</a> in all categories: all of congress, all of the Republican party, and all of Louisiana.</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795505060,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795505060,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="280" height="253" alt="10795505060?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p class="font_8">And he has spent <a href="https://spendingtracker.org/rep/garret-graves" target="_blank">almost $3 TRILLION</a> of taxpayers money.</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795505296,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795505296,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10795505296?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></p><p class="font_8"> </p><p class="font_8">He is the best candidate at this time. Vote for Garret Graves BUT Louisiana raise up someone else with conservative values and strength and passion for your next election.</p><p class="font_8">_____________________</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795508675,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795508675,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="379" alt="10795508675?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p class="font_8"> </p></div></div>Hunter Pullen, LA, US House, District 5https://defendourunion.org/candidates/hunter-pullen-la-us-house-district-52022-08-29T07:29:16.000Z2022-08-29T07:29:16.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><h2><a href="https://pullenforcongress.com/" target="_blank">What We Stand For</a></h2><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795481252,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795481252,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="10795481252?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p>Accountability, Integrity, Transparency</p><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="heading-widget-1659984250818" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h3>Individual Rights Under the Constitution </h3></div></div></div><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="text-widget-1659984250817" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>The bill of rights has repeatedly been infringed by The US Government. The right to Freedom of Speech and Protest was violated during the year of 2020. Innocent protestors were violently put down by the policing forces of those areas. The 2nd Amendment has been under attack and "debated" since this countries inception. I believe the Founding Father's were very clear and it can not be left up for interpretation, and it should not be infringed upon. The 4th Amendment has been under attack as well. All over the nation we are seeing illegal search and seizures of people's vehicles and homes. I will fight for and defend your individual rights to the last breath.</p><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="heading-widget-1659984250814" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h3>Government Accountability</h3></div></div></div><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="text-widget-1659984250813" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>There are 1,046 Federal programs without reauthorization from Congress to include, but are not limited to the ATF, DEA, The State Department, and The Federal Election Committee. I would see these programs audited to gauge how successful or unsuccessful they operate and adhere to the constitution, as well as prevent them from operating without reauthorization from Congress in the future.</p><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="heading-widget-1659984250810" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h3><span>Public S</span><span>afety</span></h3></div></div></div><div class="widget-row"> </div><div class="widget-row"><div id="text-widget-1659984250809" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>I support our first responders, but at the same time they should be held accountable when they do wrong. I would see all first responders receive increased pay in an effort to attract quality individuals to these professions, with much higher standards being in place to reflect the level of training required to rate this pay increase.</p><div id="container-widget-1660418921856" class="grid-row bg-color-secondary2 stretched-mobile stretched-tablet"><div class="grid-content"><div class="grid-column"><div class="widget-row"><div id="heading-widget-1660418921855" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h2>VA Reform</h2></div></div></div></div></div><div class="background-overlay"> </div></div><div id="container-widget-1659990381988" class="grid-row bg-color-secondary2 stretched-mobile stretched-tablet"><div class="grid-content"><div class="grid-column"><div class="widget-row"><div id="text-widget-1659990381987" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>The VA is in dire need of reform. Many veterans can't afford to drive hours away, and even if they do they may be forced to go into the private medicine world in an effort to fix what the VA claimed was fine, or simply to avoid complications from waiting 6 weeks to have a bone set. I'm a veteran and use the VA for all my medical needs so I know the pains every one of my brothers and sisters have to live with. I will fix these problems, and if elected I will personally head a committee dedicated to passing legislation for a better VA for our veterans. </p><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="heading-widget-1659329546794" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h3>Affordable Healthcare</h3></div></div></div><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="text-widget-1659329546793" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>Certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes have ridiculously priced medications, forcing many into severe debt, or having to ration their medication just to stay alive. I will propose legislation to bring the price to a point an American on minimum wage can afford without damaging their livelihood.</p><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="heading-widget-1659329546790" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h3>Affordable Higher Education and Education Reform </h3></div></div></div><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="text-widget-1659329546789" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>I will propose legislation for an opt in program for American citizens to buy in at X amount, wait X amount of time, and receive X amount with that amount providing an additional X amount percentage to assist with cost of living while attending school.</p><p>Our children are our future!! I've served time in the Marines to ensure this opportunity for the youth of America. I would see academics in schools properly funded with modern textbooks, and programs to educate in various trades. Along with higher pay for teachers on a graduated scale in reference to subject matter.</p><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="heading-widget-1659329546786" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h3>Education, Regulation, and Legalization of Cannabis </h3></div></div></div><div class="widget-row with-centered-content"><div id="text-widget-1659329546785" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>Based off Colorado's cannabis sales report: to date from 2014 to mid 2022 the total sales to date are $13,113,903,020. In 2021 Colorado as a state collected $423 million in tax revenue from the total sales of cannabis. I would create legislation that used the tax revenue from cannabis sales to fund first responders, education, infrastructure, and other concerns of the state.</p><div id="container-widget-1660419513412" class="grid-row stretched-mobile stretched-tablet"><div class="grid-content"><div class="grid-column bg-color-primary has-bg-color"><div class="widget-row"><div id="heading-widget-1660419513411" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget headingWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><h2>Industries in Louisiana / Economic Growth</h2></div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="container-widget-1660419513410" class="grid-row stretched-mobile stretched-tablet"><div class="grid-content"><div class="grid-column has-bg-color"><div class="widget-row"><div id="text-widget-1660419513409" class="widget widgetResponsive textWidget col20"><div class="text-widget-content"><p>Louisiana is a state of many industries. Ranging from tourism to oil production, but the economic growth has been slower than most states, and has trailed well behind the national average. Louisiana is often referred to as a "poor state" but this is not entirely true. We are a rich in natural resources that our country, and much of the world relies on. We run into the issues of "poor" because these same resources are shipped out of state to be processed, while our tax burden on individuals and business continues to increase. Sadly, Louisiana residents then follow that resource to the jobs out of state with lower taxes which creates a net-out migration which hurts our state economically. This is an issue that can be addressed on the federal level with helping to bring back production and manufacturing jobs to our home state.</p><ul><li>Oil</li><li>Natural Gas</li><li>Salt</li><li>Agriculture</li><li>Forestry</li><li>Transportation</li><li>Tourism</li><li>Retail</li><li>Government</li><li>Chemical Production</li><li>Health Care</li></ul><p>_____________________</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795482697,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795482697,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="379" alt="10795482697?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mike Johnson, LA, US House, District 4https://defendourunion.org/candidates/mike-johnson-la-us-house-district-42022-08-29T07:13:23.000Z2022-08-29T07:13:23.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10795459077?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=267"></div><div><h2><a href="https://mikejohnsonforlouisiana.com/" target="_blank">STAND WITH MIKE!</a></h2><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795459473,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795459473,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10795459473?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></p><p>Mike is a dedicated husband and father of four, as well as a constitutional law attorney who has devoted his life and career to fighting for the fundamental freedoms and traditional values that have always been a priority to the people of Louisiana. Prior to his election to Congress, for nearly 20 years, Mike successfully litigated high profile constitutional law cases in district and appellate courts nationwide. He is widely recognized as a leading defender of the right to life, religious liberty, free speech, the Second Amendment and free market principles.</p><p>Mike has solidified his distinguished reputation as a principled, full-spectrum conservative as the representative for Louisiana’s Fourth District. He has also been a trusted ally of President Donald Trump and has been honored to receive his endorsement.</p><p>After less than four years on Capitol Hill, Mike was elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference – one of seven elected leadership positions for Republicans in the House of Representatives and the fourth-highest ranking position in the Republican Conference. As Vice Chair, Mike helps lead his colleagues in fighting for core conservative principles by communicating these policies and ideas to the American public. </p><p>Prior to his role as Vice Chair, Mike was elected by his colleagues to lead the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress—the Republican Study Committee. For nearly a half century, RSC has been considered “the intellectual arsenal” and the policy shop for conservatives in the House of Representatives. Under Mike’s leadership, RSC is developing the conservative playbook for when Republicans retake control of the House.</p><p>In Congress, Mike was appointed to the prestigious House Judiciary Committee which handles important oversight responsibilities such as the questioning of key Biden Administration figures like Attorney General Merrick Garland and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Mike was chosen to be the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.</p><p>Mike also serves on the House Armed Services Committee, representing the many servicemen and women who live in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District. In 2021, Mike was able to secure hundreds of millions in strategic federal investments for Louisiana’s military installations, creating good paying jobs for Louisianians, supporting our servicemembers, and bolstering our national defense in an increasingly unstable world. </p><p>Mike was elected to the state legislature twice without opposition and served in the Louisiana House from February 2015 to January 2017, before being elected to Congress. As a state legislator, he received top awards from business and industry, limited government, and pro-life and pro-family groups.</p><p>The eldest son of a Shreveport firefighter who was critically burned and permanently disabled in the line of duty, Mike learned early on the values of hard work, honor and sacrifice. He has a practical understanding of the challenges that small business owners face because he, like his parents and grandparents, was one himself. Mike has also served as a conservative talk radio host and columnist, a media spokesman for America’s largest religious liberty organizations, a college professor and constitutional law seminar instructor, and a board member for national organizations and numerous community groups and ministries.</p><p>Mike earned his Juris Doctorate from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1998, and earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Louisiana State University in 1995.</p><p>Mike and his wife Kelly, a Licensed Christian Counselor and former school teacher from Webster Parish, have been married since 1999 and have four children, Hannah, Abigail, Jack and Will. Today, they reside in Bossier Parish.</p><p>_____________________</p><p>Here is <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/races/candidates?cycle=2022&id=LA04&spec=N" target="_blank">his funding</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795465495,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795465495,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="445" height="296" alt="10795465495?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p>Fairly careful with citizen rights, but should be watched. Some RINO legislation that he dealt with unconservatively.</p><p>Voted for RC 98 -- <span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC98" target="_blank">Fueling Run-Away Spending by Overriding the Sequester Budget Restraints</a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> -- This bill further fuels run-away government spending by overriding the automatic spending cuts to Medicare put in place under the 2011 Budget Control Act, also known as the sequester. Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from sequestration (2% cut) until 2022 at a cost to taxpayers of $12.2 billion. The bill contains no other reforms or spending offsets. ACU believes the tea-party era sequester serves as one of the last hopes for fiscal responsibility, opposes Congress’s continual action of “kicking the can down the road” at a time when the national debt is set to exceed $30 trillion and opposed this bill.</span></p><p>Voted for HR 133 -- <span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR133" target="_blank">Advancing Cronyism and Out-of-Control Spending through a $2.3 Trillion Spending Package</a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> -- This spending package epitomizes the worst of the DC establishment’s spending habits. This bill was sold as a COVID-19 response package but actually includes $1.4 trillion in budgetary spending unrelated to the pandemic. The remaining $900 billion was supposedly directed to government responses to the Chinese coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Negotiated in secret, without the opportunity for elected officials to offer amendments, this 5,593-page omnibus is the longest bill ever passed by Congress and comes just months after the passage of the CARES Act, another $2.2 trillion spending package. The bill contains carve-outs for every imaginable special interest group in the “swamp,” from tax breaks for racehorse owners to $10 million in funding for “gender programs” in Pakistan. While the bill provides $600 direct payments to children and adults earning up to $75,000 a year, the bill represents a cost of $6,925 (plus interest) per every American. ACU believes it is appalling that Congress continues to pass reckless deficit spending while providing lawmakers and the public mere hours to even read the proposals and opposed this bill. </span></p><p>Voted against HR 6147 -- <span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-2018-House-HR6147-BiggsAmd" target="_blank">Prioritizing Government Land Maintenance instead of Land Acquisition</a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> -- The Biggs (R-AZ, ACUF Lifetime 92.3%) amendment to a multi-agency appropriations bill transfers funds from the Bureau of Land Management land acquisition account to the National Park Service maintenance backlog account. The federal government owns roughly 28 percent of all the lands in the United States and the National Park Service's deferred maintenance backlog currently tops $12 billion. ACU believes it is absurd for the federal government to continue to acquire land when it can't manage the enormous land holdings already under its control and supported this amendment.</span></p><p>____________</p><p>He has a decent record of conservatism out of 144 votes and he has only voted against the <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/people/J000299" target="_blank">American Conservative Union</a> 11 times.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795472292,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795472292,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="10795472292?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p>He does <a href="https://spendingtracker.org/rep/mike-johnson" target="_blank">love to spend</a> the citizens' money. He is a very high spender of almost $3Trillion. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795473693,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795473693,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="10795473693?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795474688,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795474688,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="10795474688?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p>__________________</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795475861,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795475861,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="379" alt="10795475861?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p></div>Thomas Payne Jr., LA, US House, District 3https://defendourunion.org/candidates/thomas-payne-jr-la-us-house-district-32022-08-29T06:05:25.000Z2022-08-29T06:05:25.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10795436871?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.votelanepayne.com/home" target="_blank">Issues</a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795435065,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795435065,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="10795435065?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></strong></span></p><h1><strong>Lane's Priorities</strong></h1><p> As a Pastor in Abbeville for over 20 years, I have watched as the good people of South West Louisiana have been seen as more of a side note than we deserve. We have some of the greatest resources in America and that means in the world, yet the business climate seems to struggle more than states that do not have our resources. We need a different level of LEADERSHIP in Washington to highlight the people of South Louisiana, who are some of the hardest working people I know. We need to turn around our economic, agricultural, educational and business climate so that the people of our Great State can live in an atmosphere that matches our resources. We need someone with the moral backbone to <strong>stand against</strong> the elite corruption, the deconstruction of our value system and <strong>stand up for</strong> the people who elected them. I will stand up for the principles of Family and Strength that my Louisiana roots and your support demands.</p><p> <iframe title="Lane Payne for Congress" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97htRAdNXrw" width="439" height="247" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><strong>Parental Rights</strong></p><p> One of the greatest issues of our day is the fact that there is an agenda to take away the Parental Right to choose what is best for their children. This is true in every arena but is most prevalent throughout the public education system of today. Parents should have absolute unbridled access to every aspect of curriculum being taught to their children. The public school system is designed to educate our children, not indoctrinate them with hatred, division and self-loathing. This is not a shot at Public Education as I am most thankful for the multitudes of educators whose entire purpose is to teach our children rightly. But there is a move within this present administration that is bent on indoctrinating our children and using the public schools as their bully pulpit.</p><p> I do NOT believe that any public-school authority; coach, teacher, administrator or counselor has the right to speak privately to any child about the child's sexuality without the parent being present. I have watched as this abuse of positional power (influence) has destroyed young people’s lives by leading them into making life-long decisions that so many have already come to regret.</p><p> If a child cannot carry the weight of deciding of who to vote for at an early age, who believes that they can carry the weight of making a life-long decision of this magnitude? The practice of some educators wrongly using their platform to discuss their own personal sexuality with children must be BANNED from the United States of America with a Parental Rights Act!</p><p> Our nation was designed in such a way as to give full access to everyone the opportunity to succeed and for everyone else to celebrate that success. But there is work afoot to do away with “United we Stand and Divided we Fall”. We need to bring back the reality of “<em>We are all created with unalienable rights by our Creator—Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness</em>”.</p><p> Our government was designed to protect those rights ONLY—not decide which ones they want to give because they do not have the power to give those rights to the citizenry, nor do they have the right to pick and choose which ones they take away. Every parent has the right to choose the best course for their children; whether that be in educational curriculum, what type of vaccine that they want them to have or NOT have and even in the arena of sexuality.</p><p><strong>Economy</strong></p><p> Over the past 1 ½ years, we have witnessed the greatest self-inflicted crash of our nation's economy and transfer of wealth in the history of this nation. Yes, I know Covid had a great deal to do with that downward spiral. BUT true leadership sees approaching disaster and starts turning the ship before it hits the rocks. The problem is there is an agenda in Washington that actually wants our economy where it is today because it believes it is the best way to move the nation into their forced agenda.</p><p> Everyone opposed the lunacy of the Green New Deal yet the typical political way to deal with opposition is to hide the agenda, call it by a totally different name and STILL MOVE FORWARD. So they placed a very heavy foot on the throat of the Energy Sector—which is a life blood of our economy. The resulting escalation of fuel cost has led to devastating consequences. It has crippled the economy, small businesses and dealt a heavy blow to our elderly who are just trying to survive on a fixed income.</p><p> The answer to our economy is NOT a back door fix on interest rates—it is a change in agenda! We must unleash our energy sector to reach a NET EXPORTER position into the earth again. This will open the job markets, lower the cost of EVERYTHING, create an atmosphere for Small Businesses to crank up and take away the emboldened confidence of our foreign adversaries.</p><p><strong>WOKE</strong></p><p> The entire mindset of “Wokism” is the most insane ideology we have ever witnessed as a nation. I am convinced that the most beautiful thing in the world is someone being the best of who they are created to be,… and the ugliest thing in the world is someone trying to be who they are not! We do not need and should not allow boys to compete against our girls in athletics just because they couldn’t “Make the Grade” against other boys.</p><p> The personal pronoun change garbage is leading our children, our corporations and even our military into utter confusion. Our military needs to be AWAKE—not WOKE! When our military is fighting on foreign soil, their enemy isn’t going to be concerned with hurting someone’s feelings with words—they are trying to kill our soldiers.</p><p> We need to get back to what made the United States of America GREAT and the present administration is not leading us there—it is leading our nation in the opposite direction. It is time to turn this ship around. For way too long people have gone to Washington to become part of a system that cares more about themselves than the people they were elected to represent. I believe that can and will change this November.</p><p><strong>Border Security</strong></p><p><strong> </strong> We need to finish the wall on our southern border so that we can regulate who is coming into our country. This is not to be mean spirited towards those who want to come to our Great Nation, but it is no different from maintaining the right to decide who does and does not come into our own homes. Drug Cartels are freely trafficking deadly drugs and people across our southern border as though they are in charge. Then, those who come across are given resources to live in this country, paid for by our tax dollars. I personally know many who have come into the United States "the right way" and are prospering as a result. To allow anyone to subvert the legal process is criminal to those who paid the price of doing it right, to all Americans who are flipping the bill and this must be stopped.</p><p><strong>Pro-Life</strong></p><p><strong> </strong> I am unapologetically Pro-Life. I believe in the sanctity of human life from conception without reservation. I believe that the Supreme Court righted a wrong that has lasted for nearly 50 years, with the overturning of Roe. I also believe there are more corrections of past wrongs that should be looked into in order to return the Governing of the people BACK to the people. </p><p><strong>Pro-Israel</strong></p><p> I am completely Pro-Israel as they are God's chosen people, through whom He sent His Son. In the end God is going to bring salvation back to Zion and we will all rejoice with them.</p><p><strong>Genesis 12:3</strong></p><p><em>3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed</em>." NKJV</p><p><strong>Common Sense</strong></p><p><strong> </strong>I believe it is high time to bring some Common Sense and the backbone of our Founding Fathers back to the seat of decision making in Washington. There is chaos in every sector of society today and no one is immune. We need to bring justice back to the forefront in DC as well. Lady Justice needs the blindfold of impartiality covering her eyes again because no one should be beyond the law. Every American needs to feel safe in their homes and on their streets. Every American needs to feel confident that their vote matters. Every American needs to believe that their convictions are being heard. </p><p><strong>It can be done RIGHT!</strong></p><p><strong>_________________</strong></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795437095,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795437095,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="379" alt="10795437095?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></strong></p><p> </p></div>Dan Lux, LA, US House, District 2https://defendourunion.org/candidates/dan-lux-la-us-house-district-22022-08-29T05:29:04.000Z2022-08-29T05:29:04.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10795406666?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.votedlux.com/" target="_blank">Enough of the Nonsense!</a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><iframe title="vimeo-player" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/740850106?h=1d5841e783" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </span></p><div id="comp-l5igkbpx" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><p class="font_2">"I’ll stop the nonsense and fight to return Louisiana, and the country, back to their great potential!"</p></div><div id="comp-l5igplz7"><div id="wrapper-comp-l5igplz7" class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__root style-l5igpm1r__root" dir="ltr"><br /><div><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">I’m not a politician, but like you I’m fed up with the fools and fanatics in government destroying and our lives and freedoms while living by a different set of rules for themselves. It’s time for it to end!</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">Only a few short years ago, Louisiana was a state of economic growth, a worldwide tourist destination where millions came to celebrate its distinctive beauty, and one-of-a-kind food, festivals, and culture. Today, it’s a grim shadow of its former self.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">Under Democratic rule New Orleans has become the murder capital of America! Homicides are up 155%, Carjackings are up 191%, and the homeless crisis is out of control.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">Combined with some of the most burdensome business regulations in the country, people who once called Louisiana home are now calling it quits!</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">LA is 25th among states in total population, yet ranked 5th in people leaving, while surrounding states like Georgia, Florida, and Texas are attracting residents.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">New Orleans has turned its back on the people who love it. Those who make it great. It’s heartbreaking to see proud New Orleanians who no longer feel safe, no longer consider Louisiana their home.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">All this is largely due to what’s happening in District 2 under the failed leadership of Troy Carter and the Democrats. It’s unacceptable and now it’s time to take the District back!</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">Ordinary people, like you and I, who play by the rules, follow the laws, pay our taxes, and care for our families have had Enough!</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">It’s time to get rid of career politicians who only serve their own self-interest and elect leaders that are not in it for the money, the power, or the prestige but instead for the love of this country and a passion to build a future of prosperity and freedom for everyone.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">If you see what’s happening and have also said, “Enough!”, then it’s time to ditch Troy Carter and vote Dan Lux for District 2.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">I’ll put a stop to the nonsense and fight to return Louisiana, and the country, back to their great potentials.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">Vote Dan Lux for Congress in Louisiana’s District 2.</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line">_____________</p><p class="CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278__text CollapsibleTextcomponent2568482278---wrappingStyle-10-multi-line"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795409096,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795409096,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795409096?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></a></p><div id="hxybxoc1" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><p class="font_8"><span class="color_11">A proud father of two responsible, independent children, Dan is honored to be an American and dedicated to maintaining the purity of what our founding fathers created. He is a truthful conservative and steadfast voice for Louisiana.</span></p><p class="font_8"><span class="color_11">A firm believer in the American dream, Dan turned his dream into a reality when he moved to Los Angeles and became a successful executive in the competitive world of global entertainment. Yes, a true Hollywood Republican! He spent over 30 years in the television business creating and producing top movies and reality shows. (Fun Factoid: Dan was the Executive Producer of the “Trump” biopic that aired on ABC.)</span></p><p class="font_8"><span class="color_11">After leaving the television business, Dan produced a ground-breaking hologram exhibit at the Reagan Presidential Library, where visitors get to meet President Reagan in hologram form, opening a whole new generation to Reagan's virtue and wisdom.</span></p></div><div id="comp-l62dzl5y" class="XUUsC"><div class="xQ_iF"><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cab2ca_b11d6ec804354c5ea6d2af363fc23bef~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_202,y_142,w_2659,h_2114/fill/w_356,h_283,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/PD6-2%20-%20AVS.jpg" alt="PD6-2%20-%20AVS.jpg" /><a href="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cab2ca_b11d6ec804354c5ea6d2af363fc23bef~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_202,y_142,w_2659,h_2114/fill/w_712,h_566,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/PD6-2%20-%20AVS.jpg">https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cab2ca_b11d6ec804354c5ea6d2af363fc23bef~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_202,y_142,w_2659,h_2114/fill/w_712,h_566,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/PD6-2%20-%20AVS.jpg</a> 2x" alt="PD6-2 - AVS.jpg" /></div></div><div id="comp-l62dqiwd" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><p class="font_8"><span class="color_11">He moved to Louisiana, where he now calls home, and lives on the Westbank in District 2 with his wife, Penny. Louisiana opened its arms and heart to him, and he’d like to repay the hospitality by working to get it back on the right path.</span></p><p class="font_8"> <span class="color_11">Dan is a highly organized self-starter, a strong leader, exceptional communicator, and a tenacious worker who will strive to keep the American Dream alive for others. As a no-holds-barred brawler he will fight to root out corruption, get crime under control, secure our borders, reduce inflation, clean up public schools, eliminate the national debt and reduce government overreach… starting with the COVID tyranny.</span></p><p class="font_8"><span class="color_11">_____________</span></p><h5 class="font_5">"I come from a proud working class family who understands the value of hard work and achievement. Now it's time I put those old-school ethics, morals, and principles to work for you. Our leaders are failing us through corruption and deceit, it's time to put an end to it! Crime, the economy, education, rooting out corruption, and restoring freedoms and quality of life are all top priorities. I'm a problem solver who knows how to find solutions, work collaboratively, and get things done!"</h5><p>_____________</p><div id="hy00u961_0" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Louisiana First</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Getting Back on Top</span></p><p class="font_8">Louisiana is a gorgeous state! But, we need to change how it is managed to ensure its one-of-a-kind culture, food, festivals, and hospitality thrives. Its strategic geographic location on the Gulf, great natural resources, and a workforce 2 million strong, make Louisiana an ideal home for burgeoning industries like oil, natural gas, commercial fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace, and tourism. I’ll push for business-friendly policies that encourage new businesses and emerging industries to call Louisiana their home. It’s time to make Louisiana one of the country’s top business destinations.</p></div><div id="hy4ixjsg" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Economy</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Support Businesses and Workers</span></p><p class="font_8">Louisiana’s economy ranks as the worst in the United States. Our GDP fell 4.3% in the first quarter of 2022, a rate nearly three times the rest of the country. But this is nothing new. Over the past decade Louisiana's economy has consistently ranked as one of the worst in the country. Nearly 114,000 jobs were lost during the pandemic, more than any other state. Louisiana has one of the highest jobless rates (7.3%), 20% of the population lives below poverty, and it has some of the most burdensome business regulations in the country. All of this is the result of bad leadership and failed Democratic policies.</p><p class="font_8">We need business friendly policies that cut bureaucratic red tape, reduce inflation, and allow our businesses to flourish. Business owners know that when you get the government out of the way, the free market will flourish. But this won’t happen until our leaders are held accountable for their disastrous mishandling of the economy and voted out of office! </p></div><div id="comp-l5ijpwvq" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Crime</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Defend, Don’t Defund, Police</span></p><p class="font_8">Crime is out of control in District 2! New Orleans is now the nation's most murderous city, which has serious repercussions for the entire state. Foolish ‘defund the police’ politicians, soft-on-crime policies, and demonizing the brave men and women of law enforcement have fostered a surge of violent crime that undermines the courageous people in uniform and endangers innocent citizens. Police officers who risk their lives to protect our communities must be staffed, equipped, and trained to keep our neighborhoods safe, and to return home to their families.</p><p class="font_8"><br /> Nothing is more important than the safety and quality of life for you and your family. My top priority is to end reckless soft-on-crime policies and implement those that return the respect to our police that they deserve. People have forgotten how to respect and interact with law enforcement. I’ll introduce public service programs that teach proper interaction with law enforcement to reduce escalation and keep both the citizens and the police safe.</p></div><div id="comp-l5iju8og" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Louisiana Tourism</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">A Personality All to Itself!</span></p><p class="font_8">Louisiana is a state like no other, with a personality, culture, and hospitality that makes it a dream tourist destination. But the state’s appeal is being squandered by short-sighted politicians only out for their own self-interests. Louisiana’s tourism continues to suffer from authoritarian anti-science restrictions that have cost businesses over $6 billion in revenue and a job loss of nearly 20%. The Crown Jewel of New Orleans is the French Quarter. Our leaders have turned it into a crime ridden war zone with streets and decay emblematic of a third world country. Conventions, tourists, and visitors will not return until the District gets its act together. The current leaders have demonstrated they are not capable of the job, so it’s time to replace them!</p></div><div id="comp-l5ijwywr" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Education</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Teach, Don’t Indoctrinate</span></p><p class="font_8">As a father who raised two responsible, independent children, I understand the concerns parents across this country have about the radical take-over of their children’s education. Schools are meant to teach math, science, grammar, accurate history, and social studies, not gender studies, woke ideology, and social justice warrior grooming. These programs and ideologies have no place in our schools. Florida leads the way in returning schools to educational institutions and NOT indoctrination camps.</p><p class="font_8">Louisiana has some of the lowest academic outcomes in the country. Just 45% of Louisiana public high school students are reading at proficient levels, only 30% in math, and a tragic 25% in science and social studies. We are robbing our children of their future, depriving them of career options, and setting them up to fail in post-secondary education and the job market. I support school choice, so all parents have a say in their child’s education and to foster excellence through competition. Politicians have become complacent with these disastrous academic results, and now they need to be held accountable.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n17q13" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">The Environment</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Plan for Our Future</span></p><p class="font_8">I love the beauty and tranquility of nature. One of my greatest passions is the environment. Louisiana is known for its distinctive swamps, coastal wetlands, ancient oaks covered in Spanish moss, rich fisheries, and pristine wilderness. They all play an important role in our ecosystem, economy, and quality of life.</p><p class="font_8">We need to do everything possible to preserve the purity of our soil, water, oceans, and air for our health today and the survival of the planet tomorrow. We need to implement measures locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally, to undo harmful damage and pollution while taking the time to plan and care for future generations.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1a17l" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Homelessness</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">An Inhumane Indignity</span></p><p class="font_8">America’s homeless problem is a dire crisis and it's hit Louisiana hard. Homelessness has surged and will continue to rise if nothing is done. Encampments are encroaching the sidewalks, parks, and neighborhoods across the country. Allowing people to live openly on the streets is NOT humane, but rather cruel and unconscionable. Living in the streets exposes people to crime, violence, unsanitary conditions, the proliferation of substance abuse, the lack of food and water, and a loss of dignity. Homelessness is most rampant and visible in Democrat run cities, like New Orleans. Poverty, mental illness, addiction, and other issues fostered by irresponsible Democratic policies play pivotal roles in the homeless crisis.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1fz1s" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Immigration</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Secure Our Borders</span></p><p class="font_8">The border crisis created by Biden and the Democratic party is a crisis for ALL states, including Louisiana and District 2 in particular. Illegal immigration fosters and funds human/child trafficking, drug trafficking, an erosion of American civics and allegiance, and a depletion of social and financial resources of American communities. The federal government has a Constitutional obligation to control immigration, secure our borders, and promote an allegiance to this great country. I will ensure the wall gets completed, we restore the remain in Mexico policy, and put an end to the foolish catch and release program. We MUST secure our border and reconstruct our broken LEGAL immigration system.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1hmm0" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Corruption</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Drain the Swamp</span></p><p class="font_8">Like you, I am fed up with corrupt politicians destroying our lives and freedoms while living by a different set of rules for themselves. I will be laser focused on rooting out and squashing corruptions on all levels – district, state, and national. Respect and trust in government leaders is at an all time low and we need to change its course. It’s time to vote out career politicians who only serve their own self-interests and elect leaders that are not in it for the money, prestige, or power, but for the love of this country and a passion to build a future of prosperity and freedom for everyone. I pledge to serve with honesty, integrity, and common sense.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1jdxo" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Constitutional Issues</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Censorship and Loss of Freedoms</span></p><p class="font_8">There is a distressing movement to strip the rights and freedoms of those opposed to radical progressive ideology. Federal law enforcement agencies have been corrupted and the scale of justice is no longer balanced. This is one of the most toxic and destructive developments our country and children face. It will be one of my top priorities to erratic this crusade and get our nation back to its constitutional roots. The Constitution is the greatest governing document in history. I will defend it and all the freedoms it endows, including the freedom of speech, religious liberty, due process, and all of our God-given rights.</p><p class="font_8">It's critical to encourage and promote pride in America and bring civics back to the classroom with basic programs like reciting the pledge of allegiance in schools, standing for the national anthem, and ending programs that teach racism and hatred. I will also block any proposals to expand the 153-year-long composition of Supreme Court.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1lwru" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">COVID-19</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">End the Lockdowns and Begin the Lockups!</span></p><p class="font_8">COVID has become the biggest government scandal, cover-up, and mass manipulation of our time, compromising the integrity of our medical system. Utilizing more than 2 years of scientific research, millions of patients treated, hundreds of clinical trials and scientific data, over 17,000 physicians and medical scientists around the world now attest to the dangers and ineffectiveness of the COVID vaccines and the disastrous COVID policies imposed on doctors and their patients. I will not stop until the authoritarian politicians and tyrannical public health officials answer for the harm and destruction they’ve caused to trusting citizens.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1o8cd" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Energy Independence</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Put Our Own Resources to Work</span></p><p class="font_8">Energy independence is both an economic and National Security issue. Turn to Europe as an example of how energy dependence on other countries impacts National Security. Gas and energy prices are soaring as the direct result of bad Democratic policies, NOT Putin. I will join the Conservative movement to make America energy independent once again, lower gas prices, create American jobs, and build a stronger national security. I’m a lover of nature and conservationist and will support domestic energy policies including hydropower, nuclear, coal, solar, oil, wind, natural gas, geothermal, and a responsible pursuit of renewables. The environment and energy development are not mutually exclusive. We can protect the environment for our future while lowering energy costs for today.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1r26u" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Fiscal Responsibility</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Eliminate the Debt</span></p><p class="font_8">Governments on all levels - local, state, and federal – have spending problems. The federal debt has surpassed $30 trillion. Corrupt politicians passing their dismal fiscal responsibility on to our future generations is unjust and unsustainable. You deserve to keep more of your hard-earned money and not watch helplessly while politicians squander it. I will fight wasteful spending and prevent unnecessary items from being pushed through Congress. Every dollar spent should have an essential need and purpose. Congress must exercise its Constitutional power of the purse, balance the budget, and work to eliminate the debt. We are at a critical juncture and must now restore fiscal responsibility to protect the American dream for future generations.</p></div><div id="comp-l5n1sw5t" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Military</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Support Our Troops</span></p><p class="font_8">One of the most fundamental responsibility of the federal government is the defense of America and the American people. For this, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the tremendous sacrifices our brave men and women have made for our freedoms and liberties. I will fight to ensure our veterans receive the healthcare they deserve and are never forced into homeless. Like our courageous law enforcement officers, we must provide our military with the best policies and equipment to ensure victory and a safe return home. I will reject any policy that thwarts their abilities in the line of battle, and unlike the Biden administration, will NEVER leave any American behind. </p></div><div id="comp-l5ijwysl" class="_2Hij5 _3bcaz"><h5 class="font_5">Foreign Affairs</h5><p class="font_8"><span class="color_29">Make America a World Leader Once Again</span></p><p class="font_8">The United States has been the greatest force for good in the history of the world as a promoter individual rights, free markets, self-determination, and religious freedom. But many of our leaders and institutions are compromised by foreign influence and are pushing anti-America rhetoric with the goal of toppling this great country from within. We need to organize an effort of new leaders who advocate America’s economic, military, and moral strength to restore our Nation's respect and influence on the world stage. I support policies that hold other nations responsible to their world obligations and limits taxpayer money going to countries with no oversight or accountability.</p><p class="font_8">_________________</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795411100,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795411100,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795411100?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="https://rumble.com/v1hr65f-louisiana-election-for-us-house-districts-1-2-and-3-november-8-2022.html" target="_blank">Rino Hunter 1776</a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795997101,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795997101,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="10795997101?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/votedlux" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="https://twitter.com/votedlux" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p><p class="font_8"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-lux-115296132/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p class="font_8">__________________</p><p class="font_8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795419070,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795419070,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795419070?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="379" /></a></p><p class="font_8"> </p><p class="font_8"> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Howard Kearney NOT Steve Scalise, LA, US House, District 1https://defendourunion.org/candidates/howard-kearney-not-steve-scalise-la-us-house-district-12022-08-29T04:22:55.000Z2022-08-29T04:22:55.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10795446484?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://stevescalise.com/" target="_blank">About Steve</a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Above is a link to his website.</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Don't vote for him. Don't vote for Steve Scalise. Look for a good Independent candidate. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Check out <a href="https://www.kearneyforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Howard Kearney for Congress, District 1</a>. </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795439284,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795439284,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795439284?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Read on to see why Steve Scalise is a RINO extraordinaire.</strong></span></p><h3 class="subheading">Steve Scalise was part of Republican leadership on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np6dWdd3tV0" target="_blank">phone call</a> with Cheney and McCarthy and did not speak up for Trump. <a href="https://rumble.com/v12pg8x-matt-gaetz-and-tucker-carlson-slam-comments-by-mccarthy-and-scalise-not-fit.html" target="_blank">Matt Gaetz</a> on Tuck Carlson explains. </h3><p>Steve Scalise has reported <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/house/LA/01/2022/" target="_blank">$16 million dollars to the FEC</a>. No other Republican opponent candidate has reported a penny. His salary is $174.000 according to <a href="https://www.legistorm.com/member/901/Rep_Steve_Scalise.html" target="_blank">legistorm.com</a> plus he has paid staff. </p><p>He has raised $28 million according to <a href="https://thehayride.com/2022/01/steve-scalise-raised-28-million-last-year/" target="_blank">The Hayride, Jan 11, 2022</a> which also mentions that if McCarthy is unpopular for Speaker of the House, it could go to Scalise..</p><div class="description"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795361900,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795361900,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795361900?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="493" /></a></div><p>For more in depth information see <a href="https://rumble.com/v1hr65f-louisiana-election-for-us-house-districts-1-2-and-3-november-8-2022.html" target="_blank">RINO Hunter 1776</a></p><p>Steve Scalise voted to take away rights and A LOT of money from U.S. citizens:</p><ol><li>Voted for -- RC 145 — <a style="font-size:10pt;" href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC145" target="_blank">Providing DOJ Bureaucrats Over-Reaching New Authority via the “COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act”</a> -- This bill, known as the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, provides overly broad authority to bureaucrats within the Department of Justice to advance the enforcement of “hate crimes.” Under the bill, the DOJ must issue guidance to state and local governments regarding hate crimes and establish online reporting, telephone hotlines and education campaigns. Additionally, the bill establishes new grant programs which direct millions of potentially wasteful spending to local governments and community organizations. ACU believes in equal rights under the law for all and that it is the duty of government to ensure all laws are applied equally. ACU recognizes that “hate crime” statutes violate the double jeopardy clause of U.S. Constitution by allowing individuals to be tried for the same crime twice. ACU opposes providing bureaucrats within the DOJ over-reaching new authority – especially at a time when they are tagging concerned parents as “domestic terrorists” for questioning actions of local school boards – and opposed this bill.</li><li>Voted for -- RC 98 — <a style="font-size:10pt;" href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC98" target="_blank">Fueling Run-Away Spending by Overriding the Sequester Budget Restraints</a> -- This bill further fuels run-away government spending by overriding the automatic spending cuts to Medicare put in place under the 2011 Budget Control Act, also known as the sequester. Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from sequestration (2% cut) until 2022 at a cost to taxpayers of $12.2 billion. The bill contains no other reforms or spending offsets. ACU believes the tea-party era sequester serves as one of the last hopes for fiscal responsibility, opposes Congress’s continual action of “kicking the can down the road” at a time when the national debt is set to exceed $30 trillion and opposed this bill.</li><li>Voted for -- <a style="font-size:10pt;" href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-RC187" target="_blank">RC 187 — Mandating $50 Billion in New Spending on Climate Change and Unnecessary Initiatives via the “Department of Energy Science for the Future Act”</a> -- The Department of Energy Science for the Future Act, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, ACUF Lifetime 6%), further fuels run-away government spending by providing the Department of Energy’s Office of Science an additional $50 billion over the next 5 years. The funds will be used for numerous research initiatives best performed by the private sector as well as Leftist projects relating to climate change and energy efficiency. ACU supports cutting and eliminating all unnecessary government initiatives, especially at a time when the national debt is soaring past $30 trillion and opposed this bill. </li><li>Voted for -- <a style="font-size:10pt;" href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR6172" target="_blank">HR 6172 — Advancing Warrantless Surveillance of Americans via FISA Reauthorization without Conservative Reforms</a> -- This procedural motion is designed to advance the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act without conservative reforms, such as those advocated by President Trump or implemented under the amendment offered by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT, ACUF Lifetime 99%) and Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT, ACUF Lifetime 5%). Specifically, the measure reauthorizes through 2023, three Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorities that had expired under the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. The FISA courts are designed to surveil foreign threats to U.S. national security and operate largely independently from the U.S. justice system with judges picked solely by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. By reauthorizing without reforms, FISA courts would be able to continue to deviate from their foreign assignments and instead circumvent the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution and infringe the privacy rights of millions of American citizens. ACU recognizes that the nation witnessed demonstrable evidence of the need for reform, given the Obama FBI was caught red-handed exploiting FISA courts to spy on the 2016 Trump campaign. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Fourth Amendment, supports significant reforms to the Patriot Act and FISA to help protect Americans from unlawful search and seizure and opposed this motion. </li><li>Voted for -- <a style="font-size:10pt;" href="http://ratings.conservative.org/bills/US-house-HR133" target="_blank">HR 133 — Advancing Cronyism and Out-of-Control Spending through a $2.3 Trillion Spending Package</a> -- This spending package epitomizes the worst of the DC establishment’s spending habits. This bill was sold as a COVID-19 response package but actually includes $1.4 trillion in budgetary spending unrelated to the pandemic. The remaining $900 billion was supposedly directed to government responses to the Chinese coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Negotiated in secret, without the opportunity for elected officials to offer amendments, this 5,593-page omnibus is the longest bill ever passed by Congress and comes just months after the passage of the CARES Act, another $2.2 trillion spending package. The bill contains carve-outs for every imaginable special interest group in the “swamp,” from tax breaks for racehorse owners to $10 million in funding for “gender programs” in Pakistan. While the bill provides $600 direct payments to children and adults earning up to $75,000 a year, the bill represents a cost of $6,925 (plus interest) per every American. ACU believes it is appalling that Congress continues to pass reckless deficit spending while providing lawmakers and the public mere hours to even read the proposals and opposed this bill.</li></ol><p>He has voted in opposition to the <a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/people/S001176" target="_blank">America Conservative Union </a>29 times with the possibly most 5 egregious shown above. Go to Bill activity and use the drop down box to select Against ACU to see those 29.</p><p><a href="http://ratings.conservative.org/people/S001176" target="_blank">His rating at America Conservative Union</a> started off high and golden at 100 in 2008, but shows the typical "RINO curve". That is he votes for non-conservative legislation in off-election years and then becomes more conservative as it is time to re-elect. Also notice how he is becoming less and less conservative over time. A politician that votes his convictions shows an almost straight line.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795363081,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795363081,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795363081?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="556" /></a></p><p>Notice that Steve Scalise has been in since 2008. He has made a career out of politics. He has been in 14 years and is looking at going in for another round. <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/james-hodgkinson-shooting-republicans-baseball-game" target="_blank">He was at a baseball game in 2017</a> when he was shot by a 66 year old Republican hating gunman. It was 3 months before he was able to return to congress. He has never went back to being the conservative he used to be.</p><p>Steve Scalise is <a href="https://spendingtracker.org/rep/steve-scalise" target="_blank">a top spender</a>. He spends the most of tax-payer money of all Congress, of all Republicans, and certainly of anyone in his state.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795377059,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795377059,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795377059?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="367" height="184" /></a></p><p>He has spent over <a href="https://spendingtracker.org/rep/steve-scalise" target="_blank">$3 TRILLION</a> of U.S. tax dollars.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795379897,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795379897,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795379897?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p>Please vote <a href="https://www.kearneyforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Howard Kearney for US Congress</a>, Louisianna, District 1</p><p><iframe title="Libertarian Pledge" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lsJR1XmoyiQ" width="439" height="247" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </p><p> </p><p>__________________</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10795385672,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10795385672,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10795385672?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="379" /></a></p></div>Captain Higgins, LA, US Congresshttps://defendourunion.org/candidates/captain-higgins-la-us-congress2022-06-17T05:05:25.000Z2022-06-17T05:05:25.000ZDavene Meehanhttps://defendourunion.org/members/DaveneMeehan<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10574082681?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://captainhiggins.com/about/" target="_blank">About Clay</a></strong></span></p><p><iframe title="America will stand. We are strong. We are one." src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LF2q7bvTSIk" width="630" height="354" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Captain Clay Higgins is a lifelong resident of Louisiana. He has served Acadiana in Law Enforcement for the last eleven years and currently serves as Deputy Marshal for the City of Lafayette.</strong></span></p><p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">Captain Higgins has become one of the nation’s most influential cops, regularly speaking to law enforcement agencies across America. Higgins is a strong advocate of what he calls… “The sacred oath of the badge”. He states that the sworn oath is not to a Sheriff, or a Chief, or a Marshal… It’s an oath of allegiance to the Constitution.</span></strong></p><p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">He is a passionate defender of the Bill of Rights.</span></strong></p><p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">As a Christian, Higgins is known for his refreshing focus on the power of the individual to be redeemed.</span></strong></p><p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">Higgins received his initial training in police work when serving as a military police officer in the United States Army.</span></strong></p><p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1"><iframe title="Congressman Higgins Stands Against Democrats' Effort to Impeach President Trump" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7I8OP5xiplM" width="593" height="334" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></strong></p><p class="p1"> </p><p class="p1"><strong>______________</strong></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10574089458,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10574089458,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="631" alt="10574089458?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong></p></div>