AL01 candidates give their take on rifts in the GOP

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.

TODAY’S QUESTION: Republicans in the U.S. House are split on a lot of key issues. How would you balance being a “team player” with never compromising your principles?

ANSWERS:

Bradley Byrne (Republican)

I believe that disagreement and conversation is healthy for our party. My beliefs and positions are always driven by my Alabama values and faith in God. That philosophy has served me well when I’ve stood up to big institutions in the past, from unions to big business, and sometimes even my own party. I will work hard as a member of our outstanding Alabama delegation in Washington, always remembering that I will serve the people of this district – not a political party or any other outside influence.

Randy Davis (Republican)

I will represent the First Congressional District in a very conservative manner. My moral compass is on point to always respect the needs and values of the people I represent. This is one of the most republican districts in the state. I am a team player who looks at all the possibilities that a piece of legislation might have and vote accordingly.

Chad Fincher (Republican)

As your Congressman, I will remember that I am bound to my God, my principles, and the people of my district far more than I am bound to any Party. While I will work relentlessly to support the agenda, growth, and electoral success of the Republican Party, I will never yield on the conservative principles of low taxes and reduced spending, preserving a strong military, protecting the sanctity of human life and the sacred nature of marriage, and standing up for our rights guaranteed to us by our Constitution.

James Hall (Independent)

The term “team player” is part of the problem. I feel that as conservatives, we have compromised on our principles to be “team players”, and that has helped get us where we are today. One of the reasons why I am running as an Independent is because of this compromise. I will not compromise my principles to gain favor with any party. I understand the need to work together to get things done, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your principles to do it. There is common ground on most issues, you just have to be strong enough to find it. I feel the best way right now is to narrow our focus. Everything Congress tries to do is “Comprehensive”; Comprehensive Health Care, Comprehensive Immigration. We have no shot at fixing anything if we try to eat it in one bite. Most of us can agree on a lot of small issues though. That is where you start. That is where you can change the dialogue. That is where you work together. That is where you become a team player without sacrificing your principles.

Quin Hillyer (Republican)

I support the Hastert Rule which states that a Republican Speaker of the House will not bring forward bills unless the majority of the Republican caucus supports the bill. I will support the Hastert Rule as long as the majority of our Republican caucus in Washington still stands for what makes the Republican Party the party I am proud to belong to, the party of limited government, individual freedom and personal responsibility.

I also have a 30 year public track record of calling out liberals and wayward Republicans that push public policy positions that are contrary to our shared conservative beliefs. I will continue to do that as your next Member of Congress.

Jessica James (Republican)

I’ve gained experience in listening and being in tune with needs and also am very effective at compromising and negotiations. Being raised to have high standards and morals and to always remain true to my own beliefs, I know my own principles will never be compromised. It is important to me to maintain my integrity.

While working together as a team player is important and something I would strive to do whenever possible, ultimately my top responsibility would be to stand up for my conservative principles and the conservative values and principles of the people of the First District. Even if I am the lone voice doing so I will always speak up for what is right and for my constituents.

Dean Young (Republican)

I would work with any and all who want to return our nation back to the founding principles that made her great. I will not compromise principles.