Brandon Batch

[{"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>Brandon Batch completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Batch'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-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading-bio-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-65646-2020-02-14\" 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-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-65646-2020-02-14\" 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\tBrandon Batch is a conservative, small businessman born in Odessa and raised in Midland. When he was very young, his mother tragically passed away due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Brandon was adopted by a local family, who raised him as their own. He knows that were it not for God and his kind-hearted neighbors, he would never have succeeded. Now, Brandon wants to give back to people who gave so much to him. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Brandon served under then-Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, conservative Congressman Michael McCaul. He helped the Chairman develop policies to keep America safe from terrorism abroad and at home. A policy expert, Brandon also served as an advisor on agriculture, trade, energy, foreign policy, and national defense. Brandon was also a designee to the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, a congressional committee formed to engage the Mexican government to strengthen bilateral ties and promote trade policies that benefit America. Through it all, Brandon never let the DC swamp change him. He eventually returned home to Texas to help his brother start a successful family business. As your congressman, he will always stand for what is right and defend our values. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-65646-2020-02-14\" 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-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I am a candidate with real experience as a senior policy advisor in Washington who can hit the ground running on day one. </li><li>I am very much what the American dream represents. I was not given anything in life, but have fought hard for what I have. I believe in hard work, and socialism never works. </li><li>As a young, black republican, I can help broaden the republican umbrella by being a strong voice for republicans across all different racial, generational, and socio-economic backgrounds. </li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading1-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading1-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-65646-2020-02-14\" 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 we must defend our Second Amendment rights, protect the life of the unborn, secure the border, and stop the spread of socialism in this country. I believe we must need a strong conservative in Washington capable of defending our agriculture and energy economy here in TX-11, and work diligently to restore integrity to the legislative process. We must also restore God back into our public institutions for without him there has been a void replaced by evil and hate. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading2-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading2-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-65646-2020-02-14\" 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 admire George Washington. He was a leader chosen by God for a time such as that around the founding of this nation. His leadership through the American Revolution was critical to the establishment of this nation and his decision to step down as commander in chief and president of the country at that time is what true service, devotion, and leadership looks like. I would like to set a similar precedent for the U.S. House. Washington's life is something we, as Americans, should all take time to study. His farewell address has been a guiding document that forgotten by many in this country, but one that I believe deeply in, as many of the things Washington warned us against has come to fruition in a very powerful and obvious way. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading3-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading3-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-65646-2020-02-14\" 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 that humility, honesty, integrity, and the ability to empathize and inspire are values that we should ensure our in each of our elected representatives. We need someone who has seen real struggle, understands it, and knows how to overcome it. My life has been nothing short of a testament of my ability to overcome any challenge, regardless of the situation. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading4-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading4-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-65646-2020-02-14\" 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\tBilly Joel - For The Longest Time\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading5-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading5-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-65646-2020-02-14\" 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 entire life has been a struggle. When my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I had to learn how to do everything that a mother usually does for her children. I know what is it like to be hungry, to live in a house without electricity, and to deal with the embarrassment of not having. However, obstacle God has placed in my path I have overcome and because I was able to overcome I am stronger. I am proud of who I am and where I am in life. I only hope to be able to inspire those who are dealing with such hardships that with them, too, there is nothing they can't beat. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading6-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading6-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-65646-2020-02-14\" 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\tExperience in any aspect of life matters. However, I believe that is is not always critical. My strength and my argument for why experience matters as it related to my election is due to the fact that I am a candidate that already knows the legislative process on an intricate level. I know how to navigate the swamps murky waters and avoid the traps that too often ensnare our elected officials. While some may need to spend their first term in office learning the ropes, as a former senior advisor to a trusted conservative in the House of Representatives, I am a candidate that is well prepared and suited to begin work on day one for my district. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading7-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading7-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-65646-2020-02-14\" 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\tOur challenge as a nation will continue to be our ability to remove ourselves from our political identity often enough to remind us of the fact that we are Americans before anything else. The partisanship right now in this country is threatening to rip us from the very fabric that led to our creation. I recognize we cannot compromise on every issue, as some issues are simply too important to compromise on. However, we absolutely must recognize that no one party will be able to solve the grand challenges of this nation alone. We must also never be afraid to have conversation with even those who we disagree with the most, for through understanding comes real progress. Most importantly, we must never allow for socialism to replace capitalism in this country. I will fight to ensure it does not. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-65646-2020-02-14\" id=\"heading8-65646-2020-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-65646-2020-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-65646-2020-02-14\" 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=\"heading8-65646-2020-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-65646-2020-02-14\" 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\tFor many members of Congress, after serving for seven years, they begin to lose sight of what they were initially sent to Washington to accomplish, and that is be a voice for their constituency. They become less conservative and begin putting their own interests over the interests of their district. If anyone stays in any environment too long, it has a profound impact on who they are. It is human instinct to adapt to your environment, but when the \"environment\" is the Washington swamp, and the \"humans\" in that environment are our elected representatives, it results in a loss of vision and integrity resulting in a diminishing of our conservative values and a disfunction in Congress. As such, I am a strong proponent of term limits and believe that four terms, eight years, is enough time for any member of the U.S. House to serve.\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\nBrandon Batch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Batch's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Brandon Batch is a conservative, small businessman born in Odessa and raised in Midland. When he was very young, his mother tragically passed away due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Brandon was adopted by a local family, who raised him as their own. He knows that were it not for God and his kind-hearted neighbors, he would never have succeeded. Now, Brandon wants to give back to people who gave so much to him. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Brandon served under then-Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, conservative Congressman Michael McCaul. He helped the Chairman develop policies to keep America safe from terrorism abroad and at home. A policy expert, Brandon also served as an advisor on agriculture, trade, energy, foreign policy, and national defense. Brandon was also a designee to the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, a congressional committee formed to engage the Mexican government to strengthen bilateral ties and promote trade policies that benefit America. Through it all, Brandon never let the DC swamp change him. He eventually returned home to Texas to help his brother start a successful family business. As your congressman, he will always stand for what is right and defend our values. 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? I am a candidate with real experience as a senior policy advisor in Washington who can hit the ground running on day one. I am very much what the American dream represents. I was not given anything in life, but have fought hard for what I have. I believe in hard work, and socialism never works. As a young, black republican, I can help broaden the republican umbrella by being a strong voice for republicans across all different racial, generational, and socio-economic backgrounds. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I believe we must defend our Second Amendment rights, protect the life of the unborn, secure the border, and stop the spread of socialism in this country. I believe we must need a strong conservative in Washington capable of defending our agriculture and energy economy here in TX-11, and work diligently to restore integrity to the legislative process. We must also restore God back into our public institutions for without him there has been a void replaced by evil and hate. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I admire George Washington. He was a leader chosen by God for a time such as that around the founding of this nation. His leadership through the American Revolution was critical to the establishment of this nation and his decision to step down as commander in chief and president of the country at that time is what true service, devotion, and leadership looks like. I would like to set a similar precedent for the U.S. House. Washington's life is something we, as Americans, should all take time to study. His farewell address has been a guiding document that forgotten by many in this country, but one that I believe deeply in, as many of the things Washington warned us against has come to fruition in a very powerful and obvious way. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? I believe that humility, honesty, integrity, and the ability to empathize and inspire are values that we should ensure our in each of our elected representatives. We need someone who has seen real struggle, understands it, and knows how to overcome it. My life has been nothing short of a testament of my ability to overcome any challenge, regardless of the situation. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Billy Joel - For The Longest Time What is something that has been a struggle in your life? My entire life has been a struggle. When my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I had to learn how to do everything that a mother usually does for her children. I know what is it like to be hungry, to live in a house without electricity, and to deal with the embarrassment of not having. However, obstacle God has placed in my path I have overcome and because I was able to overcome I am stronger. I am proud of who I am and where I am in life. I only hope to be able to inspire those who are dealing with such hardships that with them, too, there is nothing they can't beat. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Experience in any aspect of life matters. However, I believe that is is not always critical. My strength and my argument for why experience matters as it related to my election is due to the fact that I am a candidate that already knows the legislative process on an intricate level. I know how to navigate the swamps murky waters and avoid the traps that too often ensnare our elected officials. While some may need to spend their first term in office learning the ropes, as a former senior advisor to a trusted conservative in the House of Representatives, I am a candidate that is well prepared and suited to begin work on day one for my district. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Our challenge as a nation will continue to be our ability to remove ourselves from our political identity often enough to remind us of the fact that we are Americans before anything else. The partisanship right now in this country is threatening to rip us from the very fabric that led to our creation. I recognize we cannot compromise on every issue, as some issues are simply too important to compromise on. However, we absolutely must recognize that no one party will be able to solve the grand challenges of this nation alone. We must also never be afraid to have conversation with even those who we disagree with the most, for through understanding comes real progress. Most importantly, we must never allow for socialism to replace capitalism in this country. I will fight to ensure it does not. What are your thoughts on term limits? For many members of Congress, after serving for seven years, they begin to lose sight of what they were initially sent to Washington to accomplish, and that is be a voice for their constituency. They become less conservative and begin putting their own interests over the interests of their district. If anyone stays in any environment too long, it has a profound impact on who they are. It is human instinct to adapt to your environment, but when the \"environment\" is the Washington swamp, and the \"humans\" in that environment are our elected representatives, it results in a loss of vision and integrity resulting in a diminishing of our conservative values and a disfunction in Congress. As such, I am a strong proponent of term limits and believe that four terms, eight years, is enough time for any member of the U.S. House to serve.\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>Batch’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>Securing Our Borders, Supporting Legal Immigration</b><br/>\n</p><p>For too long Congress has been frozen on border security, big ideas and speeches have led to few results as criminal enterprises continue to expand across the border. Brandon will support President Trump’s border wall and other practical border security legislation which secures the border and stops cartels in their tracks.\n</p><p>Brandon knows that legal immigration has been a great benefit to the United States. After securing the border we must dedicate ourselves to designing an immigration system that welcomes the best and brightest from around the world who are seeking a better life and who are ready to commit themselves to the service of our nation.\n</p><p><b>Strengthening Local Classrooms, Defending Rural Schools</b><br/>\n</p><p>When illness forced Brandon’s mother to move into a nursing home, he and his four siblings were left at home alone. As they struggled to make ends meet, they knew the one way forward was by continuing their education. Each morning, they trekked to the bus stop and took the hour long ride to school. They used the time, and light, on the bus to finish homework or read when the power had been shut off at home. Brandon and his siblings’ commitment to their education has led to success for their family and he wants to ensure that our schools can be that resource to our youth for generations to come.\n</p><p><b>Protecting The 2nd Amendment From The Liberal Threat</b><br/>\n</p><p>The 2nd Amendment is as fundamental to America as every other part of our Constitution. Our Founding Fathers believed that it was of the utmost importance that peaceable citizens have the right to keep firearms. Brandon will protect our rights and stand in the way of radicals seeking to criminalize responsible gun ownership. \n</p><p><b>Making Our School And Churches Safer</b><br/>\n</p><p>Schools were a safe haven for Brandon and his siblings growing up. When the power was off and food was scarce, school was a place that ensured a healthy learning environment and a full meal. Sadly, schools and churches have become targets for criminals with evil intentions. Brandon will support legislation to secure our places of worship and schools from those with evil intentions.\n</p><p><b>Stopping The Socialist Agenda</b><br/>\n</p><p>Radical socialists in Congress are all too eager to push through legislation that would decimate small businesses, upend American values, and bankrupt the country. Brandon will be your voice in Washington fighting to put a stop to the socialist agenda. He will fight to reduce regulation and encourage free markets and the innovation they foster. \n</p><p><b>Commitment To Cutting Taxes</b><br/>\n</p><p>As a small business owner Brandon knows how tight margins can be and the devastating effects a tax hike would have on our economy as a whole. In Washington, Brandon will work to reduce your tax burden so individuals have the financial freedom to live life the way they see fit.\n</p><p><b>Protecting Innocent Life</b><br/>\n</p><p>A strong Christian, Brandon is 100 percent pro-life and a steadfast believer in the sanctity of every life. In Congress, he will faithfully support right-to-life legislation. He is committed to passing the next big goal of the pro-life movement: a bill that will protect the lives of every unborn baby with a heartbeat. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Brandon will always stand up for all innocent life. \n</p><p><b>Putting America First, Holding China &amp; Iran Accountable</b><br/>\n</p><p>Hostile, autocratic foreign powers and state-sponsored terrorist groups are working around the clock to destabilize American interests at home and abroad. In Washington, Brandon served as trusted policy advisor for then-Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Michael McCaul. From China and Iran, to North Korea, Brandon has engaged directly in the policy-making process that has helped keep America safe from her enemies. \n</p><p>His view is that we must be consistent and stand strong against terrorists and the nations that prop them up in order to protect American lives and the values we represent across the globe. Brandon will put his expertise to work for our families and ensure legislation that defeats terrorists in the Middle East and pushes back against rogue nations and their anti-democratic, destabilizing actions. \n</p><p><b>Growing Our Energy Industry</b><br/>\n</p><p>Born in Odessa and raised in Midland, Brandon works for a local energy producer and has seen first-hand the booming impact the industry has on our economy in West Texas. In fact, Texas is now the 10th largest economy in the world because of our oil and gas producers. \n</p><p>With growing instability in Venezuela and the Middle East, it is more critical than ever that we clear all roadblocks to our local energy industry’s growth so we can continue to thrive as a region and ensure American energy independence for generations to come. It is the only way to keep America in the driver’s seat and free from the threat of oil-rich nations like Iran. Brandon will fight against congressional overreach and unnecessary regulation that would hamper development and growth of our domestic energy industry.\n</p><p><b>Standing Up For Our Farmers And Ranchers</b><br/>\n</p><p>As a conservative policy expert working for Texas republicans in Washington, Brandon worked directly on policies that protect and strengthen our agriculture industries and trade relations. He knows that our great state of Texas is responsible for much of the food, fuel and fiber that keep American going. Brandon is fully committed to cutting intrusive red tape from the EPA and other federal agencies so our farmers, ranchers and ag producers who are feeding our economic boom can thrive. \n</p><p><b>Fighting For Low-Cost, High-Quality Health Care</b><br/>\n</p><p>Government mandates do nothing but restrict choice and drive up costs. Obamacare’s biggest accomplishment is destroying valuable doctor-patient relationships. Brandon knows we need to get healthcare back on track in America, and as such, we must repeal Obamacare and pass legislation that empowers individuals to make free choices on the best health coverage for their families.\n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</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;\">—Brandon Batch<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"); });</script></div>", "answer_text": "Batch’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Securing Our Borders, Supporting Legal Immigration For too long Congress has been frozen on border security, big ideas and speeches have led to few results as criminal enterprises continue to expand across the border. Brandon will support President Trump’s border wall and other practical border security legislation which secures the border and stops cartels in their tracks. Brandon knows that legal immigration has been a great benefit to the United States. After securing the border we must dedicate ourselves to designing an immigration system that welcomes the best and brightest from around the world who are seeking a better life and who are ready to commit themselves to the service of our nation. Strengthening Local Classrooms, Defending Rural Schools When illness forced Brandon’s mother to move into a nursing home, he and his four siblings were left at home alone. As they struggled to make ends meet, they knew the one way forward was by continuing their education. Each morning, they trekked to the bus stop and took the hour long ride to school. They used the time, and light, on the bus to finish homework or read when the power had been shut off at home. Brandon and his siblings’ commitment to their education has led to success for their family and he wants to ensure that our schools can be that resource to our youth for generations to come. Protecting The 2nd Amendment From The Liberal Threat The 2nd Amendment is as fundamental to America as every other part of our Constitution. Our Founding Fathers believed that it was of the utmost importance that peaceable citizens have the right to keep firearms. Brandon will protect our rights and stand in the way of radicals seeking to criminalize responsible gun ownership. Making Our School And Churches Safer Schools were a safe haven for Brandon and his siblings growing up. When the power was off and food was scarce, school was a place that ensured a healthy learning environment and a full meal. Sadly, schools and churches have become targets for criminals with evil intentions. Brandon will support legislation to secure our places of worship and schools from those with evil intentions. Stopping The Socialist Agenda Radical socialists in Congress are all too eager to push through legislation that would decimate small businesses, upend American values, and bankrupt the country. Brandon will be your voice in Washington fighting to put a stop to the socialist agenda. He will fight to reduce regulation and encourage free markets and the innovation they foster. Commitment To Cutting Taxes As a small business owner Brandon knows how tight margins can be and the devastating effects a tax hike would have on our economy as a whole. In Washington, Brandon will work to reduce your tax burden so individuals have the financial freedom to live life the way they see fit. Protecting Innocent Life A strong Christian, Brandon is 100 percent pro-life and a steadfast believer in the sanctity of every life. In Congress, he will faithfully support right-to-life legislation. He is committed to passing the next big goal of the pro-life movement: a bill that will protect the lives of every unborn baby with a heartbeat. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Brandon will always stand up for all innocent life. Putting America First, Holding China & Iran Accountable Hostile, autocratic foreign powers and state-sponsored terrorist groups are working around the clock to destabilize American interests at home and abroad. In Washington, Brandon served as trusted policy advisor for then-Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Michael McCaul. From China and Iran, to North Korea, Brandon has engaged directly in the policy-making process that has helped keep America safe from her enemies. His view is that we must be consistent and stand strong against terrorists and the nations that prop them up in order to protect American lives and the values we represent across the globe. Brandon will put his expertise to work for our families and ensure legislation that defeats terrorists in the Middle East and pushes back against rogue nations and their anti-democratic, destabilizing actions. Growing Our Energy Industry Born in Odessa and raised in Midland, Brandon works for a local energy producer and has seen first-hand the booming impact the industry has on our economy in West Texas. In fact, Texas is now the 10th largest economy in the world because of our oil and gas producers. With growing instability in Venezuela and the Middle East, it is more critical than ever that we clear all roadblocks to our local energy industry’s growth so we can continue to thrive as a region and ensure American energy independence for generations to come. It is the only way to keep America in the driver’s seat and free from the threat of oil-rich nations like Iran. Brandon will fight against congressional overreach and unnecessary regulation that would hamper development and growth of our domestic energy industry. Standing Up For Our Farmers And Ranchers As a conservative policy expert working for Texas republicans in Washington, Brandon worked directly on policies that protect and strengthen our agriculture industries and trade relations. He knows that our great state of Texas is responsible for much of the food, fuel and fiber that keep American going. Brandon is fully committed to cutting intrusive red tape from the EPA and other federal agencies so our farmers, ranchers and ag producers who are feeding our economic boom can thrive. Fighting For Low-Cost, High-Quality Health Care Government mandates do nothing but restrict choice and drive up costs. Obamacare’s biggest accomplishment is destroying valuable doctor-patient relationships. Brandon knows we need to get healthcare back on track in America, and as such, we must repeal Obamacare and pass legislation that empowers individuals to make free choices on the best health coverage for their families. [2] ” —Brandon Batch [3]"}]