AL01 candidates discuss their political role models

A five-question “Yellowhammer Questionnaire” was sent out to U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s First Congressional District last week. We gathered all of their answers and will be presenting them to you throughout this week — one question per day. The candidates’ answers are presented unedited and side-by-side for easy comparison. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

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TODAY’S QUESTION: Who is your political role model, and why? (Reagan was not allowed, in an attempt to avoid redundancy)

ANSWERS:

Bradley Byrne (Republican)

My political role model is Winston Churchill because he saw before all others first the threat of Nazism and then Communism. He was the leader in the western world in standing up to them, even when he was alone and criticized in doing so. He is the best example I know of a political leader who had clear long term vision based upon principle and who was willing to stand up for that vision against all foes, even those in his own party.

Randy Davis (Republican)

My father, Judson E. Davis, Sr. (1905-2000), is my political role model.

For more than seventy-five years he instilled in his eleven children the value of hard work and the importance of government. Although never elected, he served tirelessly for candidates in local, state and national elections. He made a bold move in 1964, when he supported Barry Goldwater for President. As a youngster, I recall listening to the adults talk about the Goldwater theories on conservatism, Christian values, school prayer, small government, low taxes, and the free enterprise system. Thus, the seeds of conservatism were planted which have shaped my life and I see fully what my father envisioned. He would be pleased with his son’s leadership. However, he would be shocked at the continuing moral decay and financial conditions in America today.

Chad Fincher (Republican)

Since Reagan is not allowed, I choose our nation’s first president, George Washington, as a man that I deeply admire. I am running for Congress because I was raised with the belief that service is not an option, but it is a duty for those who have the chance to make a difference. Washington was a public servant who clearly held this principle dear as well. Consistently, he willingly set aside power but was always willing to answer his nation’s call when his leadership was needed. In today’s age of career politicians who quickly lose touch with the concept of public service, the example of Washington is one that we should look to.

Among our leaders today, I hold our own Senator, Jeff Sessions, in high esteem. I do not believe there is an official in the country who fights the radical Left as hard and consistently as Senator Sessions. In his time in Washington, he has never compromised but has instead been a strong advocate for our conservative principles and Alabama values. I look forward to joining him in Washington to be a constant and clear voice thwarting the Obama-Reid-Pelosi agenda and opposing any and all willing to go along with it.

James Hall (Independent)

I would have to say George Washington. He was a very humble leader. He did not want the position as President and very reluctantly accepted a second term. He finally denied a third term, even though he was begged to take it. One of the most amazing paintings in our country is in the Rotunda of the Capitol, Washington Resigning His Commission. He could have been King of The United States at the end of the Revolutionary War. When King George heard about Washington’s plan to resign, he said “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.” Can you imagine any of our current politicians doing that? That is what American Politics should be about, serving your Country for the betterment of the People, not your own political gain or power. Washington was a true public servant, not a career politician living off the sweat and toil of our citizens. The great men and women who serve in our military set the same example. Just as George Washington did, they serve out of honor and duty to our Country not for power, influence, title, or money. True, humble, public servants.

Quin Hillyer (Republican)

Jack Kemp is one of my political role models, and James Madison is the other. In fact, my first ever published letter to the editor was in support of the Kemp/Roth Plan which became the Reagan tax cuts. I believe not only in the supply side economics that Jack Kemp spoke so passionately about, but also in his sonny optimism that he conveyed when articulating the need for an opportunity society. As for James Madison, the Father of our Constitution, I am a passionate believer in the ideals of carefully limited government that Madison spent his entire career perfecting.

Jessica James (Republican)

My political role model is U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. Martha wasted no time on Capitol Hill making her presence known and sticking up for our Conservative values. With her championing the Working Families Flexibility Act and the Defending State Authority Over Education Act, she is sending Washington a clear message that the liberal policies of the current administration will not be tolerated! She is young, vibrant and committed to upholding the shared Conservative values of the people of our great state.

Dean Young (Republican)

George Washington. He was a great man of character and faith.