Voters Guide US House of Representatives, Third District
Republican Candidate for US House of Representatives, Third District CANDIDATE Evan Jenkins
County of residence Cabell
Party Republican
Biography
I’ve had the privilege of representing the citizens of Cabell and Wayne counties in the legislature. Working together, in a bipartisan manner, we’ve cut taxes, balanced the state budget, reduced the state’s unfunded liabilities, attracted jobs, supported education and fought for quality health care. My wife and I have three children and live in Huntington. www.evanjenkins.com
Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?
Response: President Obama and FEMA rejected our disaster declaration request, turning their back on 300,000 West Virginians. That’s unacceptable. Federal health and safety officials are also unable to provide needed reassurance that our water is safe. Federal laws and response must be changed. I sponsored the new law to regulate storage tanks and protect our water to ensure this never happens again.
Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty
Response: Over 46 million Americans live in poverty. While, investment in education and workforce training is critically important, we must stop Washington’s attack on our jobs and economic opportunity. The current administration’s war on our natural resource industry is devastating the livelihood of thousands of hardworking West Virginias. The war on poverty starts when Washington ends its attack on our jobs.
Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?
Response: I firmly believe every law-abiding American citizen has a constitutionally protected and guaranteed right to vote that must not be infringed upon or limited. I have help lead the effort at the state level to enact early voting laws to make voting more convenient. But we must also be proactive to rid our elections of voter fraud and corruption.
Democratic Candidates for US House of Representatives, Third District
CANDIDATE Richard Ojeda II
County of residence Logan
Party Democratic
Biography
Retired (US Army), BA in General Education from West Virginia State University, MA in Business and Organizational Security from Webster University. Graduate of the Basic and Advanced Officers courses as well as the US Army Command General Staff Course. Four Deployments to the Middle East in Support of the Global War on Terrorism. Two Bronze Star Medals, pending a Purple Heart. www.richardojeda.com
Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?
Response: I believe that any operation that deals with chemicals should require mandatory inspections that also ensure secondary containment is present. Regardless of the fact that they may or may not be close to a water source, chemicals spilled anywhere will eventually seep into the water table which can cause significant impacts to the environment and the people that reside in the areas.
Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?
Response: Federal government should provide support to programs that are using evidence based guidelines to provide positive results in reducing poverty. Housing, employment, education, and healthcare must be continually monitored for success in reducing the effects of poverty and improving the lives of those impoverished. Leaders should also be responsible for coordinating new and improved opportunities throughout the region.
Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?
Response: Supreme Court decisions have recently affected families throughout the US by providing rulings on issues like DOMA and the Affordable Health Care Act. The role of Congress should include providing a common voice of those represented to create fair and equal balanced laws that do not require Supreme Court intervention, but fair and equal representation of the people served.
CANDIDATE Nick Joe Rahall, II
County of residence Raleigh
Party Democratic
Biography
A native West Virginian, Rahall, the top Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
democrat, uses seniority and expertise building successes like Pullman Square and the
Merritt’s Creek Connector. Bringing millions of dollars to WV, Rahall’s creating jobs
through transportation, tourism, technology, mine reclamation and water wastewater
services. Rahall fights for veterans, seniors, education, workers, coal miners, black
lung, mine health and safety.
Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?
Response: Our knowledge of chemicals, securing them and the response to spills must be
strengthened on all levels of government. Just as important, we must not retreat in
extending and maintaining safer, modern water and sewage systems. As the top
Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have and will continue
to serve our water needs with federal dollars.
Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?
Response: I oppose cutting, privatizing and vouchering Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Government must honor its contract with the American people. I have consistently voted
to ensure children’s nutrition and healthcare are heavily invested in for the long range.
It is a wise investment for the taxpayer’s dollar with tremendous returns for our country’s
future security and economy.
Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?
Response: We must strengthen the Voting Rights Act and restore the safeguards against
discrimination that were nullified by recent court decisions. In addition, I am opposed to
the Citizens United decision. The voting public has a right to know who is behind the
campaign ads that are funded by out of state billionaires.
May 2014 Primary US House of Representatives Third District web.docx