Thomas A Speciale II

[{"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>Thomas Speciale 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 Speciale'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-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading-bio-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-71539-2020-01-10\" 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-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tThomas Anthony Speciale II has served in the United States Army from 1987 to the present. He currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) in the U.S. Army Reserves. Tom earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Illinois State University in 1999. He earned a master's degree from American Military University in 2014 in International Relations. Tom is a recognized Middle East and counter-terrorism expert and has worked on our nations most difficult national defense priorities both in and out of uniform since 2005. \n\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading1-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading1-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 four priority issues articulated on my website (www.thomasspeciale.com) - immigration, mental health, education and justice reform. These four issues, left unaddressed, are plaguing our country. The 2nd Amendment under assault and the criminal impeachment of our President are additionally severe threats to our Constitution and the fate of our country. Virginia is the front line against the Socialist agenda to dismantle our country. and that is why I am entering the fight. I would much rather be camping with my Cub Scouts, training my Soldiers and spending time with my family but something must be done to stop them. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading2-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading2-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tWashington, Adams, Jefferson, Paine, Hamilton, Lincoln, Reagan, Patton, Eisenhower, Bush, Churchill, Rice, Powell, and Thatcher. I believe that calm disciplined leadership in time of crisis is exemplified by these men and woman. But also men like Martin Luther King and Gandhi who demonstrated uncompromising courage and perseverance. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading3-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading3-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 wrote my autobiography - Faith, Family and Fortitude. It contains everything you would want to know about me and where I came from. I give the proceeds to charity - cancer research, mental health services and veterans. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading4-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading4-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tFaith, Family and Fortitude. Service, integrity, and loyalty. Defense of our Constitution not just support of our Constitution. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading5-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading5-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 servant leader.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading6-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading6-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tService.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading7-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading7-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThat our children may have peace.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading8-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading8-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Beirut bombing and the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran. Also, the Soviets being defeated in Afghanistan.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading9-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading9-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 worked since I was about 8 or 9, mowing grass, shoveling snow, cleaning house, newspaper routes. First actual job was as a security guard at a freight warehouse (1987).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading10-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading10-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe diary of Anne Frank.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading11-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading11-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tJames T. Kirk or Tony Stark\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading12-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading12-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tBureaucracy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading13-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-71539-2020-01-10\" 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=\"heading13-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 divisiveness first and foremost. But topically, immigration, mental health, education and justice reform. These issues are all interwoven within the fabric of modern America. They address the gun conversation, racism, policing, poverty, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, hopelessness, prosperity, and across the board the US economy. If we can address these four structural problems we will have nothing to fear from an emerging China or threats from militant Islamists, Russia or Iran etc. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading14-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-71539-2020-01-10\" 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. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tService, integrity, and loyalty. Defense of our Constitution not just support of our Constitution. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading15-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 senators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tNot if they have been there so long they become part of the establishment. Then they become part of the problems with our government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading16-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 think of the filibuster?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 valuable tool.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading17-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tCan they do the job? Will they defend the Constitution? Are they a servant leader?\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading18-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tOf course, we all want the same things. Its how we get there that we differ. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading19-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\t<br/>\n<p>Foreign Relations<br/>\nHealth, Education, Labor, and Pensions<br/>\nHomeland Security and Governmental Affairs<br/>\nSelect Committee on Ethics<br/>\nSelect Committee on Intelligence<br/>\nSmall Business and Entrepreneurship<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=\"#collapse20-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading20-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 a current senator, why did you join your current committees?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tTo help advance our country into the future, protect our country, protect our Constitution and promote our prosperity. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading21-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tOf course. Whatever role they wanted me in.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-71539-2020-01-10\" id=\"heading22-71539-2020-01-10\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-71539-2020-01-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-71539-2020-01-10\" 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 senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-71539-2020-01-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-71539-2020-01-10\" 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\tNone in particular.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"); });</script></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nThomas Speciale completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Speciale's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Thomas Anthony Speciale II has served in the United States Army from 1987 to the present. He currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) in the U.S. Army Reserves. Tom earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Illinois State University in 1999. He earned a master's degree from American Military University in 2014 in International Relations. Tom is a recognized Middle East and counter-terrorism expert and has worked on our nations most difficult national defense priorities both in and out of uniform since 2005. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I have four priority issues articulated on my website (www.thomasspeciale.com) - immigration, mental health, education and justice reform. These four issues, left unaddressed, are plaguing our country. The 2nd Amendment under assault and the criminal impeachment of our President are additionally severe threats to our Constitution and the fate of our country. Virginia is the front line against the Socialist agenda to dismantle our country. and that is why I am entering the fight. I would much rather be camping with my Cub Scouts, training my Soldiers and spending time with my family but something must be done to stop them. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Paine, Hamilton, Lincoln, Reagan, Patton, Eisenhower, Bush, Churchill, Rice, Powell, and Thatcher. I believe that calm disciplined leadership in time of crisis is exemplified by these men and woman. But also men like Martin Luther King and Gandhi who demonstrated uncompromising courage and perseverance. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I wrote my autobiography - Faith, Family and Fortitude. It contains everything you would want to know about me and where I came from. I give the proceeds to charity - cancer research, mental health services and veterans. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Faith, Family and Fortitude. Service, integrity, and loyalty. Defense of our Constitution not just support of our Constitution. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I am a servant leader. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Service. What legacy would you like to leave? That our children may have peace. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The Beirut bombing and the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran. Also, the Soviets being defeated in Afghanistan. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I have worked since I was about 8 or 9, mowing grass, shoveling snow, cleaning house, newspaper routes. First actual job was as a security guard at a freight warehouse (1987). What is your favorite book? Why? The diary of Anne Frank. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? James T. Kirk or Tony Stark What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Bureaucracy. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Our divisiveness first and foremost. But topically, immigration, mental health, education and justice reform. These issues are all interwoven within the fabric of modern America. They address the gun conversation, racism, policing, poverty, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, hopelessness, prosperity, and across the board the US economy. If we can address these four structural problems we will have nothing to fear from an emerging China or threats from militant Islamists, Russia or Iran etc. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? Service, integrity, and loyalty. Defense of our Constitution not just support of our Constitution. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics? Not if they have been there so long they become part of the establishment. Then they become part of the problems with our government. What do you think of the filibuster? A valuable tool. What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees? Can they do the job? Will they defend the Constitution? Are they a servant leader? Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators? Of course, we all want the same things. Its how we get there that we differ. If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? Armed Services Foreign Relations Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Select Committee on Ethics Select Committee on Intelligence Small Business and Entrepreneurship Veterans' Affairs If you are a current senator, why did you join your current committees? To help advance our country into the future, protect our country, protect our Constitution and promote our prosperity. If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role? Of course. Whatever role they wanted me in. Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? None in particular.\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."}]