Alan D Swain

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Alan Swain completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Swain's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlan Swain was born in Yokohama, Japan and is a retired United States Army Colonel, serving 26 years. He earned an undergraduate degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1976. He graduated with Masters from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Auburn University, and Army War College. Swain's career experience includes commanding soldiers at all levels, AH-1 and AH-64 Attack helicopter pilot, 2 tours at the Pentagon, served 2 Presidents at the White House, achieved the master aviator badge, test pilot skills with the U.S. Army and was a successful small business owner. He has been affiliated with the following organizations:\r\n<p>•\tAssociation of Citadel Men (life member)\r\n•\tAssociation of the United States Army (life member)\r\n•\tArmy Aviation Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tMilitary Officer Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tNational Rifle Association (life member)\r\n•\tVeterans of Foreign Wars (life member)\r\n•\tAmerican Legion (life member)\r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Inflation-Economy-National Debt. For 3 years Americans have been suffering from 18+% inflation. The cost of groceries, energy, housing, fuel are not sustainable. I commit to a balanced budget; zero-based budgeting; cut Federal spending; no more Continuing Resolutions (CR); stop Democrat tax hikes; make permanent the 2017 individual tax rates; halt federal taxing of social security entitlements; regain energy independence/dominance; and halt BIDENOMICs. Like Mr. Biden, I too support MAGAnomics.</li><li>US immigration allows 1.1M to legally emigrate annually. Allowing 8.5M undocumented to enter over the last 3 years is not acceptable. Failure to secure our national borders is a national security failure by Mr Biden. I will work to build a physical and technology wall; restore Remain in Mexico policy, end sanctuary city funding; halt catch and release and change to catch and deport; increase CBP agents; increase immigration judges (3 year backlog is unacceptable); and work for immigration reform</li><li>Public Safety is on the ballot. I fully suport funding law enforcement. Criminals must be held accountable. Our judicial system must enforce current laws. Allowing repeat violent offenders release on no cash bail is a detriment to Rule of Law. We must halt woke Das for not following the law and allowing criminals to skirt the law. We must help the mentally ill. I support increasing mental health institutions to perform needed evaluations; and Comprehensive health systems needed to identify individuals of concern. Drugs and human trafficking are out of control due to lax border security which is impacting our national security. We must close our borders and increase punishment of drug and human trafficking crimes.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading1-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe in the American Dream. The American Dream was rooted in our Declaration of Independence, stating that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea that every citizen of the United States has the equal opportunity to achieve his or her success and prosperity based on hard work, determination, and initiative. We as Americans value the ideals of democracy, limited government, personal rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. America has developed an upwardly mobile society where one generation can do better financially than the last with the aid of hard work and perseverance. Efforts by the Biden Administration to push for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is antithetical to our core founding principles. We as a nation must ensure that America remains the land of opportunity that allows the possibility of upward mobility, freedom and equality for people of all classes who work hard and have the will to succeed. We should be promoting success based on merit and not mediocrity. All Americans should have an equal opportunity and we should not allow equity to stray us from our American dream path. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading2-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy Father<br/>\n<p>Numerous Army mentors (senior officers and peers)<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMy father taught me how to be a man and my many Army mentors taught me how to lead and handle tough life challenges\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading3-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tbiography of George C Marshall\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading4-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty and integrity\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading5-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\thard worker, patient. good student, compassionate, work well with others\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading6-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tdedication, faith, honesty and integrity. To listen to one's District constituents and be their voice in DC\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading7-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tthat I helped make a difference in uniform, as a representative, as a husband, father and grandfather\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading8-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAssassination of JFK-9 years old\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading9-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tUS Army 2nd Lieutenant -Colonel 26 years\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading10-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEuropean and Western Civilization history\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading11-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEthan Hunt: MI\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading12-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe River\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading13-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tgetting settled in retirement form military and my business life\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading14-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House is the People's House. Congress needs to do its job. Term limits are need to end the career politician concept in effect in Washington DC Change is possible, term limits are a must. WE need to return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned of \"Citizen Statesman' and not career politicians\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading15-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tyes. knowledge of how government operates will help immensely at the start of work\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading16-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tregional conflicts; border security; inflation; a nuclear North Korea; a future nuclear Iran; immigration; China provocation over Taiwan\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading17-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t2 years is short, maybe a switch to 4 year terms with 1/2 elected every 2 years\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading18-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI fully support term limits\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading19-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVA rep Tom Davis\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading20-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tvisiting with veterans and hearing how a certain representative stepped up to assist that veteran in his time of need\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading21-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tpersonal jokes on life with my grandchildren\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading22-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tit depends on the policy. sometimes half a loaf is necessary for the common good and to improve the polcy\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading23-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House needs to return to regular order, passing the 12 separate appropriations bills each year by 30 June. This has not occurred for several decades and has turned into omnibus bills, continuing resolutions (CRs) and an unrealistic $34.1T debt with no effort by Congress to control spending.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading24-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House has been successful in investigating the Biden Administration in 2023-24. This oversight has been very beneficial in making the Administration more transparent in their actions. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading25-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFormer Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison<br/>\r\nFormer 1st Vice Wake County Republican Party, Colonel (USMC retired) Mark Cavaliero\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nAlan Swain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Swain's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Alan Swain was born in Yokohama, Japan and is a retired United States Army Colonel, serving 26 years. He earned an undergraduate degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1976. He graduated with Masters from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Auburn University, and Army War College. Swain's career experience includes commanding soldiers at all levels, AH-1 and AH-64 Attack helicopter pilot, 2 tours at the Pentagon, served 2 Presidents at the White House, achieved the master aviator badge, test pilot skills with the U.S. Army and was a successful small business owner. He has been affiliated with the following organizations: •\tAssociation of Citadel Men (life member)\r\n•\tAssociation of the United States Army (life member)\r\n•\tArmy Aviation Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tMilitary Officer Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tNational Rifle Association (life member)\r\n•\tVeterans of Foreign Wars (life member)\r\n•\tAmerican Legion (life member) Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Inflation-Economy-National Debt. For 3 years Americans have been suffering from 18+% inflation. The cost of groceries, energy, housing, fuel are not sustainable. I commit to a balanced budget; zero-based budgeting; cut Federal spending; no more Continuing Resolutions (CR); stop Democrat tax hikes; make permanent the 2017 individual tax rates; halt federal taxing of social security entitlements; regain energy independence/dominance; and halt BIDENOMICs. Like Mr. Biden, I too support MAGAnomics. US immigration allows 1.1M to legally emigrate annually. Allowing 8.5M undocumented to enter over the last 3 years is not acceptable. Failure to secure our national borders is a national security failure by Mr Biden. I will work to build a physical and technology wall; restore Remain in Mexico policy, end sanctuary city funding; halt catch and release and change to catch and deport; increase CBP agents; increase immigration judges (3 year backlog is unacceptable); and work for immigration reform Public Safety is on the ballot. I fully suport funding law enforcement. Criminals must be held accountable. Our judicial system must enforce current laws. Allowing repeat violent offenders release on no cash bail is a detriment to Rule of Law. We must halt woke Das for not following the law and allowing criminals to skirt the law. We must help the mentally ill. I support increasing mental health institutions to perform needed evaluations; and Comprehensive health systems needed to identify individuals of concern. Drugs and human trafficking are out of control due to lax border security which is impacting our national security. We must close our borders and increase punishment of drug and human trafficking crimes. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I believe in the American Dream. The American Dream was rooted in our Declaration of Independence, stating that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea that every citizen of the United States has the equal opportunity to achieve his or her success and prosperity based on hard work, determination, and initiative. We as Americans value the ideals of democracy, limited government, personal rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. America has developed an upwardly mobile society where one generation can do better financially than the last with the aid of hard work and perseverance. Efforts by the Biden Administration to push for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is antithetical to our core founding principles. We as a nation must ensure that America remains the land of opportunity that allows the possibility of upward mobility, freedom and equality for people of all classes who work hard and have the will to succeed. We should be promoting success based on merit and not mediocrity. All Americans should have an equal opportunity and we should not allow equity to stray us from our American dream path. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My Father Numerous Army mentors (senior officers and peers) My father taught me how to be a man and my many Army mentors taught me how to lead and handle tough life challenges Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? biography of George C Marshall What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty and integrity What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? hard worker, patient. good student, compassionate, work well with others What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? dedication, faith, honesty and integrity. To listen to one's District constituents and be their voice in DC What legacy would you like to leave? that I helped make a difference in uniform, as a representative, as a husband, father and grandfather What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Assassination of JFK-9 years old What was your very first job? How long did you have it? US Army 2nd Lieutenant -Colonel 26 years What is your favorite book? Why? European and Western Civilization history If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Ethan Hunt: MI What was the last song that got stuck in your head? The River What is something that has been a struggle in your life? getting settled in retirement form military and my business life What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House is the People's House. Congress needs to do its job. Term limits are need to end the career politician concept in effect in Washington DC Change is possible, term limits are a must. WE need to return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned of \"Citizen Statesman' and not career politicians Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? yes. knowledge of how government operates will help immensely at the start of work What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? regional conflicts; border security; inflation; a nuclear North Korea; a future nuclear Iran; immigration; China provocation over Taiwan Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? 2 years is short, maybe a switch to 4 year terms with 1/2 elected every 2 years What are your thoughts on term limits? I fully support term limits Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? VA rep Tom Davis Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? visiting with veterans and hearing how a certain representative stepped up to assist that veteran in his time of need Tell us your favorite joke. personal jokes on life with my grandchildren Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? it depends on the policy. sometimes half a loaf is necessary for the common good and to improve the polcy The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? The House needs to return to regular order, passing the 12 separate appropriations bills each year by 30 June. This has not occurred for several decades and has turned into omnibus bills, continuing resolutions (CRs) and an unrealistic $34.1T debt with no effort by Congress to control spending. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The House has been successful in investigating the Biden Administration in 2023-24. This oversight has been very beneficial in making the Administration more transparent in their actions. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Former Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison Former 1st Vice Wake County Republican Party, Colonel (USMC retired) Mark Cavaliero\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Swain’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>PUBLIC SAFETY</b><br/>\nBack the Blue! As one of Alan’s top priorities, he wants to build a safer Second District for everyone. He supports fully funding law enforcement; press Woke District Attorneys to enforce the law; to help the mentally ill; and fight drug and human trafficking. Alan fully realizes that building a safer Second District is key to making our district a better place for everyone.\n</p><p><b>EDUCATION</b><br/>\nAlan fully supports parental rights; advocates school choice for all students; will protect Title IX for female rights and the use of separate bathroom/dressing rooms based on biological sex; and will fight to halt CRT and DEI initiatives. Alan supports abolishing the Department of Education.\n</p><p><b>ECONOMY</b><br/>\nAlan advocates for a balanced budget; zero based budgeting; regular order (12 appropriations bills); no Continuing Resolutions; He will cut federal spending to work to reduce our growing national debt; stop Democrat tax hikes, make permanent 2017 individual tax rates, halt federal taxing social security; regain energy independence/dominance; fight inflation; and halt Bidenomics. We need to return the USA to a net exporter of oil products and as the World’s largest oil producer.\n</p><p><b>TERM LIMITS</b><br/>\nAlan fully supports term limits and will work to sponsor House legislation for term limits advocating for a maximum of 3-5 terms. Alan believes we must return to the vision of our Forefathers to return to ‘citizen-statesman’, serve one’s district and return back to respective states after serving.\n</p><p><b>VETERANCARE SUPPORT</b><br/>\nAlan will fight to improve healthcare options to needy veterans and will fight for a more streamlined VA claims process.\n</p><p><b>BORDER SECURITY/IMMIGRATION</b><br/>\nAlan supports immigration reform to create a system that embraces the values and importance of immigration while also respecting the rule of law. Alan wants to complete the build of a physical and technology wall; to restore the Remain in Mexico policy; halt catch and release; end sanctuary city funding; push for immigration reform; and improve the work visa program.\n</p><p><b>MILITARY-FOREIGN POLICY</b><br/>\nAlan advocates for Peace thru Strength and to increase funding to rebuild our military. Alan will work tirelessly to help remedy failing foreign policy issues of the Biden Administration. No more Afghanistan debacles and failures; challenge China and work to hold the Chinese accountable for spreading the corona virus, the balloon overflight of the US and their saber rattling in the Taiwanese straits; and to counter Russian interventions.\n</p><p><b>EXECUTIVE BRANCH OVERSIGHT</b><br/>\nAlan fully supports GOP control of Congress; House Oversight, Judicial and Ways and Means Committees have uncovered massive corruption.\n</p><p><b>HEALTHCARE</b><br/>\nAlan wants to work to improve healthcare throughout the district, specifically by protecting Medicare/Medicaid, reducing the price of prescription drugs, reducing the abuse and waste within the system, and working for block grants to help the state and district improve healthcare.\n</p><p><b>LIFE</b><br/>\nAlan believes in the sanctity of all human life. In office, Alan will remain true to his pro-life stance to work to protect the rights of both the born and unborn. He supports the US Supreme Courts Dobb’s decision.\n</p><p><b>ENVIRONMENT</b><br/>\nRealizing the benefits it could create for the Second District, Alan is determined to using conservative, free-market approaches to lower our carbon footprint, we can make CD2 a cleaner place for all to enjoy while adding jobs to the workforce.\n</p><p><b>SECOND AMENDMENT</b><br/>\nAlan proudly supports our Second Amendment. In Washington, Alan will fight to ensure that the Constitutional rights of our citizens to bear arms are not infringed upon.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Alan Swain’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": "Swain’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ PUBLIC SAFETY Back the Blue! As one of Alan’s top priorities, he wants to build a safer Second District for everyone. He supports fully funding law enforcement; press Woke District Attorneys to enforce the law; to help the mentally ill; and fight drug and human trafficking. Alan fully realizes that building a safer Second District is key to making our district a better place for everyone. EDUCATION Alan fully supports parental rights; advocates school choice for all students; will protect Title IX for female rights and the use of separate bathroom/dressing rooms based on biological sex; and will fight to halt CRT and DEI initiatives. Alan supports abolishing the Department of Education. ECONOMY Alan advocates for a balanced budget; zero based budgeting; regular order (12 appropriations bills); no Continuing Resolutions; He will cut federal spending to work to reduce our growing national debt; stop Democrat tax hikes, make permanent 2017 individual tax rates, halt federal taxing social security; regain energy independence/dominance; fight inflation; and halt Bidenomics. We need to return the USA to a net exporter of oil products and as the World’s largest oil producer. TERM LIMITS Alan fully supports term limits and will work to sponsor House legislation for term limits advocating for a maximum of 3-5 terms. Alan believes we must return to the vision of our Forefathers to return to ‘citizen-statesman’, serve one’s district and return back to respective states after serving. VETERANCARE SUPPORT Alan will fight to improve healthcare options to needy veterans and will fight for a more streamlined VA claims process. BORDER SECURITY/IMMIGRATION Alan supports immigration reform to create a system that embraces the values and importance of immigration while also respecting the rule of law. Alan wants to complete the build of a physical and technology wall; to restore the Remain in Mexico policy; halt catch and release; end sanctuary city funding; push for immigration reform; and improve the work visa program. MILITARY-FOREIGN POLICY Alan advocates for Peace thru Strength and to increase funding to rebuild our military. Alan will work tirelessly to help remedy failing foreign policy issues of the Biden Administration. No more Afghanistan debacles and failures; challenge China and work to hold the Chinese accountable for spreading the corona virus, the balloon overflight of the US and their saber rattling in the Taiwanese straits; and to counter Russian interventions. EXECUTIVE BRANCH OVERSIGHT Alan fully supports GOP control of Congress; House Oversight, Judicial and Ways and Means Committees have uncovered massive corruption. HEALTHCARE Alan wants to work to improve healthcare throughout the district, specifically by protecting Medicare/Medicaid, reducing the price of prescription drugs, reducing the abuse and waste within the system, and working for block grants to help the state and district improve healthcare. LIFE Alan believes in the sanctity of all human life. In office, Alan will remain true to his pro-life stance to work to protect the rights of both the born and unborn. He supports the US Supreme Courts Dobb’s decision. ENVIRONMENT Realizing the benefits it could create for the Second District, Alan is determined to using conservative, free-market approaches to lower our carbon footprint, we can make CD2 a cleaner place for all to enjoy while adding jobs to the workforce. SECOND AMENDMENT Alan proudly supports our Second Amendment. In Washington, Alan will fight to ensure that the Constitutional rights of our citizens to bear arms are not infringed upon. [3] ” —Alan Swain’s campaign website (2024) [4]"}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Alan Swain completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Swain's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlan Swain was born in Yokohama, Japan and is a retired United States Army Colonel, serving 26 years. He earned an undergraduate degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1976. He graduated with Masters from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Auburn University, and Army War College. Swain's career experience includes commanding soldiers at all levels, AH-1 and AH-64 Attack helicopter pilot, 2 tours at the Pentagon, served 2 Presidents at the White House, achieved the master aviator badge, test pilot skills with the U.S. Army and was a successful small business owner. He has been affiliated with the following organizations:\r\n<p>•\tAssociation of Citadel Men (life member)\r\n•\tAssociation of the United States Army (life member)\r\n•\tArmy Aviation Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tMilitary Officer Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tNational Rifle Association (life member)\r\n•\tVeterans of Foreign Wars (life member)\r\n•\tAmerican Legion (life member)\r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Inflation-Economy-National Debt. For 3 years Americans have been suffering from 18+% inflation. The cost of groceries, energy, housing, fuel are not sustainable. I commit to a balanced budget; zero-based budgeting; cut Federal spending; no more Continuing Resolutions (CR); stop Democrat tax hikes; make permanent the 2017 individual tax rates; halt federal taxing of social security entitlements; regain energy independence/dominance; and halt BIDENOMICs. Like Mr. Biden, I too support MAGAnomics.</li><li>US immigration allows 1.1M to legally emigrate annually. Allowing 8.5M undocumented to enter over the last 3 years is not acceptable. Failure to secure our national borders is a national security failure by Mr Biden. I will work to build a physical and technology wall; restore Remain in Mexico policy, end sanctuary city funding; halt catch and release and change to catch and deport; increase CBP agents; increase immigration judges (3 year backlog is unacceptable); and work for immigration reform</li><li>Public Safety is on the ballot. I fully suport funding law enforcement. Criminals must be held accountable. Our judicial system must enforce current laws. Allowing repeat violent offenders release on no cash bail is a detriment to Rule of Law. We must halt woke Das for not following the law and allowing criminals to skirt the law. We must help the mentally ill. I support increasing mental health institutions to perform needed evaluations; and Comprehensive health systems needed to identify individuals of concern. Drugs and human trafficking are out of control due to lax border security which is impacting our national security. We must close our borders and increase punishment of drug and human trafficking crimes.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading1-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe in the American Dream. The American Dream was rooted in our Declaration of Independence, stating that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea that every citizen of the United States has the equal opportunity to achieve his or her success and prosperity based on hard work, determination, and initiative. We as Americans value the ideals of democracy, limited government, personal rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. America has developed an upwardly mobile society where one generation can do better financially than the last with the aid of hard work and perseverance. Efforts by the Biden Administration to push for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is antithetical to our core founding principles. We as a nation must ensure that America remains the land of opportunity that allows the possibility of upward mobility, freedom and equality for people of all classes who work hard and have the will to succeed. We should be promoting success based on merit and not mediocrity. All Americans should have an equal opportunity and we should not allow equity to stray us from our American dream path. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading2-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy Father<br/>\n<p>Numerous Army mentors (senior officers and peers)<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMy father taught me how to be a man and my many Army mentors taught me how to lead and handle tough life challenges\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading3-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tbiography of George C Marshall\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading4-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty and integrity\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading5-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\thard worker, patient. good student, compassionate, work well with others\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading6-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tdedication, faith, honesty and integrity. To listen to one's District constituents and be their voice in DC\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading7-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tthat I helped make a difference in uniform, as a representative, as a husband, father and grandfather\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading8-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAssassination of JFK-9 years old\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading9-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tUS Army 2nd Lieutenant -Colonel 26 years\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading10-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEuropean and Western Civilization history\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading11-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEthan Hunt: MI\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading12-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe River\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading13-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tgetting settled in retirement form military and my business life\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading14-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House is the People's House. Congress needs to do its job. Term limits are need to end the career politician concept in effect in Washington DC Change is possible, term limits are a must. WE need to return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned of \"Citizen Statesman' and not career politicians\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading15-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tyes. knowledge of how government operates will help immensely at the start of work\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading16-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tregional conflicts; border security; inflation; a nuclear North Korea; a future nuclear Iran; immigration; China provocation over Taiwan\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading17-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t2 years is short, maybe a switch to 4 year terms with 1/2 elected every 2 years\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading18-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI fully support term limits\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading19-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVA rep Tom Davis\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading20-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tvisiting with veterans and hearing how a certain representative stepped up to assist that veteran in his time of need\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading21-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tpersonal jokes on life with my grandchildren\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading22-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tit depends on the policy. sometimes half a loaf is necessary for the common good and to improve the polcy\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading23-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House needs to return to regular order, passing the 12 separate appropriations bills each year by 30 June. This has not occurred for several decades and has turned into omnibus bills, continuing resolutions (CRs) and an unrealistic $34.1T debt with no effort by Congress to control spending.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading24-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House has been successful in investigating the Biden Administration in 2023-24. This oversight has been very beneficial in making the Administration more transparent in their actions. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" id=\"heading25-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-104621-2024-01-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-104621-2024-01-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFormer Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison<br/>\r\nFormer 1st Vice Wake County Republican Party, Colonel (USMC retired) Mark Cavaliero\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<p><!-- Invalid query: failure response from database, check the WHERE params. -->\n<i><b>Note:</b> Swain submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 17, 2020.</i>\n<!-- Invalid query: failure response from database, check the WHERE params. -->\n<i><b>Note:</b> Swain submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on January 23, 2020.</i>\n</p>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nAlan Swain completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Swain's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Alan Swain was born in Yokohama, Japan and is a retired United States Army Colonel, serving 26 years. He earned an undergraduate degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1976. He graduated with Masters from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Auburn University, and Army War College. Swain's career experience includes commanding soldiers at all levels, AH-1 and AH-64 Attack helicopter pilot, 2 tours at the Pentagon, served 2 Presidents at the White House, achieved the master aviator badge, test pilot skills with the U.S. Army and was a successful small business owner. He has been affiliated with the following organizations: •\tAssociation of Citadel Men (life member)\r\n•\tAssociation of the United States Army (life member)\r\n•\tArmy Aviation Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tMilitary Officer Association of America (life member)\r\n•\tNational Rifle Association (life member)\r\n•\tVeterans of Foreign Wars (life member)\r\n•\tAmerican Legion (life member) Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Inflation-Economy-National Debt. For 3 years Americans have been suffering from 18+% inflation. The cost of groceries, energy, housing, fuel are not sustainable. I commit to a balanced budget; zero-based budgeting; cut Federal spending; no more Continuing Resolutions (CR); stop Democrat tax hikes; make permanent the 2017 individual tax rates; halt federal taxing of social security entitlements; regain energy independence/dominance; and halt BIDENOMICs. Like Mr. Biden, I too support MAGAnomics. US immigration allows 1.1M to legally emigrate annually. Allowing 8.5M undocumented to enter over the last 3 years is not acceptable. Failure to secure our national borders is a national security failure by Mr Biden. I will work to build a physical and technology wall; restore Remain in Mexico policy, end sanctuary city funding; halt catch and release and change to catch and deport; increase CBP agents; increase immigration judges (3 year backlog is unacceptable); and work for immigration reform Public Safety is on the ballot. I fully suport funding law enforcement. Criminals must be held accountable. Our judicial system must enforce current laws. Allowing repeat violent offenders release on no cash bail is a detriment to Rule of Law. We must halt woke Das for not following the law and allowing criminals to skirt the law. We must help the mentally ill. I support increasing mental health institutions to perform needed evaluations; and Comprehensive health systems needed to identify individuals of concern. Drugs and human trafficking are out of control due to lax border security which is impacting our national security. We must close our borders and increase punishment of drug and human trafficking crimes. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I believe in the American Dream. The American Dream was rooted in our Declaration of Independence, stating that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea that every citizen of the United States has the equal opportunity to achieve his or her success and prosperity based on hard work, determination, and initiative. We as Americans value the ideals of democracy, limited government, personal rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. America has developed an upwardly mobile society where one generation can do better financially than the last with the aid of hard work and perseverance. Efforts by the Biden Administration to push for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is antithetical to our core founding principles. We as a nation must ensure that America remains the land of opportunity that allows the possibility of upward mobility, freedom and equality for people of all classes who work hard and have the will to succeed. We should be promoting success based on merit and not mediocrity. All Americans should have an equal opportunity and we should not allow equity to stray us from our American dream path. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My Father Numerous Army mentors (senior officers and peers) My father taught me how to be a man and my many Army mentors taught me how to lead and handle tough life challenges Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? biography of George C Marshall What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty and integrity What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? hard worker, patient. good student, compassionate, work well with others What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? dedication, faith, honesty and integrity. To listen to one's District constituents and be their voice in DC What legacy would you like to leave? that I helped make a difference in uniform, as a representative, as a husband, father and grandfather What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Assassination of JFK-9 years old What was your very first job? How long did you have it? US Army 2nd Lieutenant -Colonel 26 years What is your favorite book? Why? European and Western Civilization history If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Ethan Hunt: MI What was the last song that got stuck in your head? The River What is something that has been a struggle in your life? getting settled in retirement form military and my business life What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House is the People's House. Congress needs to do its job. Term limits are need to end the career politician concept in effect in Washington DC Change is possible, term limits are a must. WE need to return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned of \"Citizen Statesman' and not career politicians Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? yes. knowledge of how government operates will help immensely at the start of work What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? regional conflicts; border security; inflation; a nuclear North Korea; a future nuclear Iran; immigration; China provocation over Taiwan Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? 2 years is short, maybe a switch to 4 year terms with 1/2 elected every 2 years What are your thoughts on term limits? I fully support term limits Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? VA rep Tom Davis Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? visiting with veterans and hearing how a certain representative stepped up to assist that veteran in his time of need Tell us your favorite joke. personal jokes on life with my grandchildren Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? it depends on the policy. sometimes half a loaf is necessary for the common good and to improve the polcy The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? The House needs to return to regular order, passing the 12 separate appropriations bills each year by 30 June. This has not occurred for several decades and has turned into omnibus bills, continuing resolutions (CRs) and an unrealistic $34.1T debt with no effort by Congress to control spending. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The House has been successful in investigating the Biden Administration in 2023-24. This oversight has been very beneficial in making the Administration more transparent in their actions. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Former Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison Former 1st Vice Wake County Republican Party, Colonel (USMC retired) Mark Cavaliero\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nNote: Swain submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 17, 2020. Note: Swain submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on January 23, 2020."}]