Kevin John McGovern

[{"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td><div class=\"thumb embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"width: 258px;\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideowrap youtube\" style=\"width: 250px\"><iframe allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"141\" loading=\"lazy\" modestbranding=\"1\" src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Y8gNO-ZAZuo\" width=\"250\"></iframe></div><!--\n--></div><!--\n--></div><span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released June 8, 2022</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": "Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released June 8, 2022"}, {"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>Kevin McGovern completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McGovern'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-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading-bio-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-105786-2022-08-01\" 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-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 am a retired Navy Captain and engineer who is running as a conservative Republican Congressional candidate in Central Florida CD-15. I have served across the globe over decades with the U.S. Navy and have firsthand experience in Foreign Affairs. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, my service was as a Senior Officer assigned to NATO, the International Security Assistance Force under GEN Petraeus. I have patrolled the East China Sea and have developed specific knowledge concerning Taiwan and the threat China poses to the U.S. My assignments include experience in Washington, D.C. overseeing production of F-35s, America’s latest generation of supersonic, stealth, multirole fighter planes. My civilian engineering expertise in the telecommunications industry has given me keen insight into the issues we currently have with electronic media censorship. As a decorated war veteran, prior small business owner and successful businessman, my belief is that I am well suited to lead our nation in Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading-key-message-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-105786-2022-08-01\" 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-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Leadership</li><li>Integrity</li><li>Experience</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading1-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading1-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tEconomy - The incredibly bad policies of the current administration have put the U.S. economic health in jeopardy. The Biden White House was warned about a sustained inflation surge early in 2021 when it prepared a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, but the warnings were ignored. Inflation has risen to the highest in 40 years. Surging prices for food, energy and shelter accounted for much of the gains. Again, bad policies have caused disruptions in labor markets and supply chains, fueling this inflation and forcing an \"inflation tax\" on those least able to afford. <br/><br/>\n<p>Election Integrity - I have lived in countries where corrupt political parties controlled the outcome of elections. Voting laws in America belong to the states and any reforms need to focus on making sure elections are “fair and free of voter fraud.” I am against “ballot harvesting” and in favor of measures that include the following: presenting voter ID, signature verification, chain of custody controls, bipartisan observers, and cleaning up voter rolls.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nOur Immigration system is broken. We need border sucurity and we need to stop mass illegal entry that is being allowed at our borders. We are a nation of LEGAL immigrants, having an administration that makes a mockery of our coveted citizenship has to stop. We must secure the border first, then stop the cartels, drug trafficking, sex trafficking and illegality of the current crisis.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading2-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading2-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 mother and father. My father was a WWII vet who lost his vision in one eye due to a war injury, but never complained and never missed a day of work. My mother was the most compassionate woman I ever met and raised six kids in a two-bedroom, one bath house. As a kid from the lower end of the economic scale, my High School English teacher encouraged me to join the Navy and improve my chances in life. He also taught me life lessons I still use to this day. <br/><br/>\r\nThe values of my parents and my favorite teacher have been my North Star and guided me in very difficult times. And they taught me the importance of service and showed me that life is more about giving than receiving. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading3-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading3-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tThere are so many. Right now I am reading \"American Marxism\" by Mark Levin.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading4-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading4-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tLeadership. Integrity. Experience. Understanding of and having experience in world affairs and experience in D.C. would go a long way to be successful in Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading5-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading5-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 the path I have chosen in life has given me the required Leadership, Integrity, and Experience. The values instilled in me by my parents, my community, and my religion of compassion and understanding will go a long way in my once again serving my country. I understand perfectly how difficult this task will be having served in D.C. for five years and around the globe in both war and peace. No one said being a Servant Leader would be easy. I did not pursue this endeavor because it would be easy, I did it because it will be hard. “If not me, then who?”. I always remember these words worn on the back of a shirt by a young Marine who had lost his leg in Afghanistan. We must fight for what we believe in or perish wishing that we had. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading6-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading6-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tFirst and foremost, you are to represent the people of your district. Follow the constitution and understand how legislation will impact the people. Tough job, you need to have experience dealing with people (leadership), money (understand the budget) and foreign affairs.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading7-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading7-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tProvide inspiration for others to serve in whatever capacity one is able in order to build a better society.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading8-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading8-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 John F. Kennedy. Nine years old.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading9-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading9-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tOther than high school jobs, my first job was in the U.S. Navy when I was seventeen. I began my Navy career by taking the oath of office for the delayed enlistment program. In December of that year, I commenced basic training at the Naval Training Center, in Orlando, Florida. After completion of avionics class “A” school at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee, I was designated an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician. My first fleet assignment was to Commander, Fleet Activities in Okinawa, Japan. During this deployment to Okinawa, I volunteered to serve in several operations in support of the Vietnam conflict, including Operation Frequent Wind during the evacuation of Saigon.<br/><br/>\n<p>After serving 37 months in Japan at the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, and being promoted to 2nd Class Petty Officer, I left active duty to pursue an education but remained affiliated with the Navy Reserve. After completion of my B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, I was employed by Martin-Marietta Aerospace as the Electrical Lead Engineer at Vandenberg AFB, CA in support of the Space Shuttle launch complex. I re-entered active duty after one year to pursue a Navy commission and received my commission from the Aviation Officer Candidate School, in Pensacola, Florida.<br/><br/>\r\nAfter the attacks of 11 Sep 2001, I returned to active duty several times, serving in engineering, acquisition, and operational billets at NAS Pt. Mugu/China Lake, California, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Kabul, Afghanistan.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nDue to my aviation, engineering, and leadership background I was recruited as the Deputy Director for Production, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This allowed me to lead the joint effort between the U.S. and our international partners, the United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Norway, Denmark, and Canada. My final deployment was to Kabul, Afghanistan for a 14-month deployment as a Senior Staff Officer to the NATO Mission under GEN David Petraeus.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading10-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading10-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tShogun by James Clavell. I spent my late teenage years in Japan and studied the Japanese language. The political intrigue really interested me as a young man in Japan who had became somewhat immersed in the culture.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading11-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading11-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 this job I will need the powers of Superman.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading12-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading12-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 have had to overcome many struggles in the life I have chosen, but none greater than losing both of my younger brothers. Both at a young age, I lost one to heart disease and the other to suicide. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading13-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading13-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tMake laws<br/>\n<p>Declare war<br/>\r\nRaise and provide public money and oversee its proper expenditure<br/>\r\nImpeach and try federal officers<br/>\r\nApprove presidential appointments<br/>\r\nApprove treaties negotiated by the executive branch<br/>\r\nOversight and investigations<br/><br/>\n</p>\nCongress has the \"power of the purse\". But of late, the \"big spenders\" in D.C. have completely failed all Americans. Also, we have an Executive Branch that has forgotten that the Constitution does not provide that branch the ability to spend us into oblivion. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading14-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading14-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 is critical to have experience but not necessarily political experience. You need the right experience in business, military, or some sort of public service. Five years of my Navy career was spent in D.C. and I managed a part of the largest acquisition program in the history of the Republic. I am certified as a Level III Program Manager and have been designated as an Acquisition Professional. I understand the budget and the budget process. As a prior small business owner and successful businessman I understand how government regulations can harm business. As an Engineer I understand technology, have international and wartime experience and hold a certification as an FAA certified Commercial Pilot. With the issues facing us today, broad experience is critical. <br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading15-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading15-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tFinancial, Energy, Keeping Social Security and Medicare solvent and overcoming our divisions. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading16-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tArmed Services<br/>\n<p>Budget<br/>\nEducation and Labor<br/>\nEnergy and Commerce<br/>\nForeign Affairs<br/>\nHomeland Security<br/>\nOversight and Reform<br/>\nScience, Space, and Technology<br/>\nSmall Business<br/>\nTransportation and Infrastructure<br/>\n</p>\nVeterans' Affairs\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading17-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading17-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-105786-2022-08-01\" 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. But we need to reform Campaign Finance laws. And we need Term Limits.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading18-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading18-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 was the first in my district to sign the term limits pledge.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading19-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading19-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tCongressman (GEN) Jack Bergman MI-1.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading20-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading20-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-105786-2022-08-01\" 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 spend my days in the district speaking with voters. I met an elderly woman who lives on Social Security ($1,400/mo.) and described her situation to me. The \"inflation tax\" has doubled her monthly mandatory bills (rent, utilities, gas, and insurance) and left her with less than $300/mo. for groceries, car repairs, unexpected expenses, etc. Bad public policy in D.C. has the most impact on those on the lower end of the economic scale. She told me how frightened she was of her future. This woman could have been my mother.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading21-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading21-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tA skeleton walks into a bar and sits down. The bartender says, \"What will you have?\". The skeleton says, \"I’ll have a beer. And a mop.\" Very corny and my wife hates it, but there you go.<br/><br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading22-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading22-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tCompromise is sometimes necessary, but never give up your beliefs or values. Having leadership is more valuable and being able to understand the bills presented to vote upon and being able to explain them to others is critical. We currently have legislators that have no idea how the budget works or basic economics. The budget is not unlimited and we as a Nation are in great jeopardy due to a flood of costly legislation passed for political expediency.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-105786-2022-08-01\" id=\"heading23-105786-2022-08-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-105786-2022-08-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-105786-2022-08-01\" 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=\"heading23-105786-2022-08-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-105786-2022-08-01\" 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\tOne of my priorities is to stop out of control spending. I am a proponent of a \"Truth in Legislation\" law. Provisions would include mandatory debate time, time for legislators to READ &amp; UNDERSTAND the proposed legislation, simple language delivered to the American people so we can all understand the spending bill. Now we have bills that include massive \"pork\" spending. Legislators are threatened in their next election if they don’t vote for a bill because it will contain one good provision for their district even though the bill is overall a bad deal for America. We need legislators with leadership, experience, and integrity. \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\nKevin McGovern completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McGovern's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a retired Navy Captain and engineer who is running as a conservative Republican Congressional candidate in Central Florida CD-15. I have served across the globe over decades with the U.S. Navy and have firsthand experience in Foreign Affairs. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, my service was as a Senior Officer assigned to NATO, the International Security Assistance Force under GEN Petraeus. I have patrolled the East China Sea and have developed specific knowledge concerning Taiwan and the threat China poses to the U.S. My assignments include experience in Washington, D.C. overseeing production of F-35s, America’s latest generation of supersonic, stealth, multirole fighter planes. My civilian engineering expertise in the telecommunications industry has given me keen insight into the issues we currently have with electronic media censorship. As a decorated war veteran, prior small business owner and successful businessman, my belief is that I am well suited to lead our nation in Congress. 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? Leadership Integrity Experience What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Economy - The incredibly bad policies of the current administration have put the U.S. economic health in jeopardy. The Biden White House was warned about a sustained inflation surge early in 2021 when it prepared a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, but the warnings were ignored. Inflation has risen to the highest in 40 years. Surging prices for food, energy and shelter accounted for much of the gains. Again, bad policies have caused disruptions in labor markets and supply chains, fueling this inflation and forcing an \"inflation tax\" on those least able to afford. Election Integrity - I have lived in countries where corrupt political parties controlled the outcome of elections. Voting laws in America belong to the states and any reforms need to focus on making sure elections are “fair and free of voter fraud.” I am against “ballot harvesting” and in favor of measures that include the following: presenting voter ID, signature verification, chain of custody controls, bipartisan observers, and cleaning up voter rolls. Our Immigration system is broken. We need border sucurity and we need to stop mass illegal entry that is being allowed at our borders. We are a nation of LEGAL immigrants, having an administration that makes a mockery of our coveted citizenship has to stop. We must secure the border first, then stop the cartels, drug trafficking, sex trafficking and illegality of the current crisis. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My mother and father. My father was a WWII vet who lost his vision in one eye due to a war injury, but never complained and never missed a day of work. My mother was the most compassionate woman I ever met and raised six kids in a two-bedroom, one bath house. As a kid from the lower end of the economic scale, my High School English teacher encouraged me to join the Navy and improve my chances in life. He also taught me life lessons I still use to this day. The values of my parents and my favorite teacher have been my North Star and guided me in very difficult times. And they taught me the importance of service and showed me that life is more about giving than receiving. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? There are so many. Right now I am reading \"American Marxism\" by Mark Levin. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Leadership. Integrity. Experience. Understanding of and having experience in world affairs and experience in D.C. would go a long way to be successful in Congress. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I believe the path I have chosen in life has given me the required Leadership, Integrity, and Experience. The values instilled in me by my parents, my community, and my religion of compassion and understanding will go a long way in my once again serving my country. I understand perfectly how difficult this task will be having served in D.C. for five years and around the globe in both war and peace. No one said being a Servant Leader would be easy. I did not pursue this endeavor because it would be easy, I did it because it will be hard. “If not me, then who?”. I always remember these words worn on the back of a shirt by a young Marine who had lost his leg in Afghanistan. We must fight for what we believe in or perish wishing that we had. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? First and foremost, you are to represent the people of your district. Follow the constitution and understand how legislation will impact the people. Tough job, you need to have experience dealing with people (leadership), money (understand the budget) and foreign affairs. What legacy would you like to leave? Provide inspiration for others to serve in whatever capacity one is able in order to build a better society. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Nine years old. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Other than high school jobs, my first job was in the U.S. Navy when I was seventeen. I began my Navy career by taking the oath of office for the delayed enlistment program. In December of that year, I commenced basic training at the Naval Training Center, in Orlando, Florida. After completion of avionics class “A” school at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee, I was designated an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician. My first fleet assignment was to Commander, Fleet Activities in Okinawa, Japan. During this deployment to Okinawa, I volunteered to serve in several operations in support of the Vietnam conflict, including Operation Frequent Wind during the evacuation of Saigon. After serving 37 months in Japan at the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, and being promoted to 2nd Class Petty Officer, I left active duty to pursue an education but remained affiliated with the Navy Reserve. After completion of my B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, I was employed by Martin-Marietta Aerospace as the Electrical Lead Engineer at Vandenberg AFB, CA in support of the Space Shuttle launch complex. I re-entered active duty after one year to pursue a Navy commission and received my commission from the Aviation Officer Candidate School, in Pensacola, Florida. After the attacks of 11 Sep 2001, I returned to active duty several times, serving in engineering, acquisition, and operational billets at NAS Pt. Mugu/China Lake, California, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Kabul, Afghanistan. Due to my aviation, engineering, and leadership background I was recruited as the Deputy Director for Production, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This allowed me to lead the joint effort between the U.S. and our international partners, the United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Norway, Denmark, and Canada. My final deployment was to Kabul, Afghanistan for a 14-month deployment as a Senior Staff Officer to the NATO Mission under GEN David Petraeus. What is your favorite book? Why? Shogun by James Clavell. I spent my late teenage years in Japan and studied the Japanese language. The political intrigue really interested me as a young man in Japan who had became somewhat immersed in the culture. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? For this job I will need the powers of Superman. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I have had to overcome many struggles in the life I have chosen, but none greater than losing both of my younger brothers. Both at a young age, I lost one to heart disease and the other to suicide. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Make laws Declare war Raise and provide public money and oversee its proper expenditure Impeach and try federal officers Approve presidential appointments Approve treaties negotiated by the executive branch Oversight and investigations Congress has the \"power of the purse\". But of late, the \"big spenders\" in D.C. have completely failed all Americans. Also, we have an Executive Branch that has forgotten that the Constitution does not provide that branch the ability to spend us into oblivion. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? It is critical to have experience but not necessarily political experience. You need the right experience in business, military, or some sort of public service. Five years of my Navy career was spent in D.C. and I managed a part of the largest acquisition program in the history of the Republic. I am certified as a Level III Program Manager and have been designated as an Acquisition Professional. I understand the budget and the budget process. As a prior small business owner and successful businessman I understand how government regulations can harm business. As an Engineer I understand technology, have international and wartime experience and hold a certification as an FAA certified Commercial Pilot. With the issues facing us today, broad experience is critical. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Financial, Energy, Keeping Social Security and Medicare solvent and overcoming our divisions. If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? Armed Services Budget Education and Labor Energy and Commerce Foreign Affairs Homeland Security Oversight and Reform Science, Space, and Technology Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Veterans' Affairs Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. But we need to reform Campaign Finance laws. And we need Term Limits. What are your thoughts on term limits? I was the first in my district to sign the term limits pledge. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Congressman (GEN) Jack Bergman MI-1. 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? I spend my days in the district speaking with voters. I met an elderly woman who lives on Social Security ($1,400/mo.) and described her situation to me. The \"inflation tax\" has doubled her monthly mandatory bills (rent, utilities, gas, and insurance) and left her with less than $300/mo. for groceries, car repairs, unexpected expenses, etc. Bad public policy in D.C. has the most impact on those on the lower end of the economic scale. She told me how frightened she was of her future. This woman could have been my mother. Tell us your favorite joke. A skeleton walks into a bar and sits down. The bartender says, \"What will you have?\". The skeleton says, \"I’ll have a beer. And a mop.\" Very corny and my wife hates it, but there you go. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is sometimes necessary, but never give up your beliefs or values. Having leadership is more valuable and being able to understand the bills presented to vote upon and being able to explain them to others is critical. We currently have legislators that have no idea how the budget works or basic economics. The budget is not unlimited and we as a Nation are in great jeopardy due to a flood of costly legislation passed for political expediency. 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? One of my priorities is to stop out of control spending. I am a proponent of a \"Truth in Legislation\" law. Provisions would include mandatory debate time, time for legislators to READ & UNDERSTAND the proposed legislation, simple language delivered to the American people so we can all understand the spending bill. Now we have bills that include massive \"pork\" spending. Legislators are threatened in their next election if they don’t vote for a bill because it will contain one good provision for their district even though the bill is overall a bad deal for America. We need legislators with leadership, experience, and integrity.\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>McGovern'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>Inflation &amp; Taxes</b>\n</p><p>Mac has served around the globe in senior positions in both war and peacetime. He is an engineer and a businessman. He has seen firsthand how the actions in D.C. have far reaching and dire consequences internationally, that will then impact the citizens of Central Florida. Reckless “Tax &amp; Spend” policies must stop.\n</p><p>America was energy independent and enjoyed low inflation. Now at a 40-year high, we are begging dictators for oil. Surging prices for food, energy and shelter are destroying our paychecks. Mac will bring sanity and control to Washington where taxes, corruption and wasteful spending are destroying our National Security and our way of life.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Military Strength &amp; Law Enforcement</b>\n</p><p>Mac spent years in D.C. as a Navy Captain overseeing the production of our next generation stealth fighter jet, the F-35. He has a lifetime of military experience from Asia to Afghanistan. Our military cannot sacrifice readiness and strength over “diversity” and “equity”. The only question should be, are military members fit to serve and get the job done?\n</p><p>Mac has family members in law enforcement. Good community policing is critical to the safety of all our citizens. Mac supports law enforcement and will vigorously resist any attempt to “de-fund” the police and will never sacrifice safety and security for an ideology that gives criminals the upper hand.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Election Integrity</b>\n</p><p>Mac has lived in countries where corrupt political parties controlled the outcome of elections. He believes our voting laws in America belong to the states and believes that any reforms need to focus on making sure elections are “fair and free of voter fraud.”\n</p><p>He is against “ballot harvesting” and is in favor of measures that include the following: presenting voter ID, signature verification, chain of custody controls, bipartisan observers, and cleaning up voter rolls.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Constitutional Rights</b>\n</p><p>Mac has sworn many times in his Navy career to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”. He understands our constitution is absolute, yet under attack.\n</p><p>Mac recognizes the republic cannot survive without a free press. He maintains the legal, Constitutional right to own guns. He knows the states and the people have been given the rights that are not specifically delegated to the Federal Government by the Constitution. As always, Mac will fight vigorously to defend the entire Constitution.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Border Security</b>\n</p><p>Mac has defended borders across the world. Yet he has witnessed our own border left open for anyone to enter. Mac will fight to stop mass illegal entry at our border, eliminate cartels from importing illegal drugs, and stop the human trafficking.\n</p><p>This administration has made a mockery of our coveted citizenship. Mac believes we are a nation of LEGAL immigrants. He will vote to secure the border first, then stop this insane, unfair, illegal, and inhumane policy of open borders. Mac will fight to restore the rule of law and enact legislation so that immigrants once again can be fairly and legally welcomed into America.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Education and Parental Rights</b>\n</p><p>Mac’s parents had school choice and sent him to parochial school. He believes a child’s education needs to be determined by the parents, not the Government or the Teacher’s Union. There is no place for progressive educators inserting racial politics and inappropriate sexually oriented material into K-12 education.\n</p><p>Mac understands America is in dire need of an educated workforce, whether that be a technical school, trade school or college education. He believes the federal government should step aside and return all education responsibilities to the states and the parents.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Agriculture</b>\n</p><p>Mac’s Uncle was from Crawfordsville, IN and was once the largest pork producer in the State of Indiana. Mac spent summers on the farm and worked his after-school job in High School for Kroger Supermarket. He understands how vitally important agriculture and food distribution is to our nation.\n</p><p>He knows we can never overlook our food supply, especially knowing what a food shortage would represent to our national security and the wellbeing of our citizens. He established one of the largest supply chains in the history of the Department of Defense and is keenly aware of the potential problems that could lead to empty shelves.\n</p><p>Mac has vowed to support favorable legislation, and cut unnecessary regulations to enable our farmers, growers, ranchers, and distributors the ability to produce and distribute products safely and efficiently for our kitchen tables.<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;\">—Kevin McGovern's campaign website (2022)<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": "McGovern's campaign website stated the following:\n“ Inflation & Taxes Mac has served around the globe in senior positions in both war and peacetime. He is an engineer and a businessman. He has seen firsthand how the actions in D.C. have far reaching and dire consequences internationally, that will then impact the citizens of Central Florida. Reckless “Tax & Spend” policies must stop. America was energy independent and enjoyed low inflation. Now at a 40-year high, we are begging dictators for oil. Surging prices for food, energy and shelter are destroying our paychecks. Mac will bring sanity and control to Washington where taxes, corruption and wasteful spending are destroying our National Security and our way of life. Military Strength & Law Enforcement Mac spent years in D.C. as a Navy Captain overseeing the production of our next generation stealth fighter jet, the F-35. He has a lifetime of military experience from Asia to Afghanistan. Our military cannot sacrifice readiness and strength over “diversity” and “equity”. The only question should be, are military members fit to serve and get the job done? Mac has family members in law enforcement. Good community policing is critical to the safety of all our citizens. Mac supports law enforcement and will vigorously resist any attempt to “de-fund” the police and will never sacrifice safety and security for an ideology that gives criminals the upper hand. Election Integrity Mac has lived in countries where corrupt political parties controlled the outcome of elections. He believes our voting laws in America belong to the states and believes that any reforms need to focus on making sure elections are “fair and free of voter fraud.” He is against “ballot harvesting” and is in favor of measures that include the following: presenting voter ID, signature verification, chain of custody controls, bipartisan observers, and cleaning up voter rolls. Constitutional Rights Mac has sworn many times in his Navy career to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”. He understands our constitution is absolute, yet under attack. Mac recognizes the republic cannot survive without a free press. He maintains the legal, Constitutional right to own guns. He knows the states and the people have been given the rights that are not specifically delegated to the Federal Government by the Constitution. As always, Mac will fight vigorously to defend the entire Constitution. Border Security Mac has defended borders across the world. Yet he has witnessed our own border left open for anyone to enter. Mac will fight to stop mass illegal entry at our border, eliminate cartels from importing illegal drugs, and stop the human trafficking. This administration has made a mockery of our coveted citizenship. Mac believes we are a nation of LEGAL immigrants. He will vote to secure the border first, then stop this insane, unfair, illegal, and inhumane policy of open borders. Mac will fight to restore the rule of law and enact legislation so that immigrants once again can be fairly and legally welcomed into America. Education and Parental Rights Mac’s parents had school choice and sent him to parochial school. He believes a child’s education needs to be determined by the parents, not the Government or the Teacher’s Union. There is no place for progressive educators inserting racial politics and inappropriate sexually oriented material into K-12 education. Mac understands America is in dire need of an educated workforce, whether that be a technical school, trade school or college education. He believes the federal government should step aside and return all education responsibilities to the states and the parents. Agriculture Mac’s Uncle was from Crawfordsville, IN and was once the largest pork producer in the State of Indiana. Mac spent summers on the farm and worked his after-school job in High School for Kroger Supermarket. He understands how vitally important agriculture and food distribution is to our nation. He knows we can never overlook our food supply, especially knowing what a food shortage would represent to our national security and the wellbeing of our citizens. He established one of the largest supply chains in the history of the Department of Defense and is keenly aware of the potential problems that could lead to empty shelves. Mac has vowed to support favorable legislation, and cut unnecessary regulations to enable our farmers, growers, ranchers, and distributors the ability to produce and distribute products safely and efficiently for our kitchen tables. [2] ” —Kevin McGovern's campaign website (2022) [3]"}]