The integrity of Congress is vital to effectively addressing America's challenges.  We can not expect our country to prosper when our Senators and Representatives create a system that grants power and privileges to our leaders while ignoring the needs of the people and country.  There is no substitute for leading by example.

To this end I support the following Congressional reforms:

1. A Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution which limits national debt.
2. Tying Congressional pay to successfully passing a Balanced Budget on time.
3. Eliminating "bonus" pay for majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate.
4. Limiting House and Senate bills to one subject.
5. Removing non-essential Congressional exemptions from legislation.
6. Limiting lobbyists to policy discussions only, no requests for money.
7. Limiting Congressional fundraising to 18 months before an election.
8. Term Limits in accordance with the Indpendence Amendment.

I believe that we have an opportunity to improve the quality of all politicians every time we vote.  I want all candidates adopt an attitude of servant-leadership, sacrifice for a time and then return home.  George Washington set the example of citizen service which I plan to follow. 

These reforms, when combined with comprehensive tax reform to eliminate deductions and their associated special interest influence and loopholes, will not be popular with the established powers in Washington DC.  However, they will do much to restore fairness, honesty, and integrity to the legislative process and are the right things to do for our country at this time. 

 - Craig