There is a growing alarm at the rapid growth of government in America.  People across the country are becoming deeply apprehensive about the burgeoning federal budget, an exploding federal debt, government's intrusive-and seemingly arbitrary-regulation of business, and the expanding reach of federal controls into every detail of our private and community life. Instead of continuing down this reckless path, I pledge to improve both sides of our fiscal equation: reduce taxes and lower spending.

I firmly believe that increasing the tax burden on America's families is wrong, and I was proud to be the first candidate for the Big First to sign Americans for Tax Reform's pledge not to vote for any tax increase. We must also work aggressively to address out-of-control Congressional spending and restore financial responsibility in our nation's capitol.  Congress has continued to ask for us to sacrifice today, but I will be a leader that makes the government sacrifice for us for tomorrow.

The raid on our federal treasury through federal bailouts and stimulus packages has damaged our financial environment and our ability to continue being competitive around the world. We must make raising and maintaining a family more affordable in Kansas.

I believe in a set of policies aimed at breaking down the barriers to prosperity for rural America -- unleashing the ingenuity and productivity of the American worker. Hard-working Kansas families are the engine of our economy. At once our communities are the most prodigious producers and consumers of goods, contributing to economic growth and investments. We must find new avenues to reward hard work and responsibility by making it easier to build savings and gain access to credit. I am fully committed to making it easier for our next generation to return to their rural roots after they graduate by lowering taxes, cutting red tape, lowering spending, and reducing the national debt.