Ben Everidge

[{"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>Ben Everidge completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Everidge'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-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading-bio-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am the father of four, married to a wonderful partner, and deeply experienced in national politics having worked a decade on Capitol Hill as a Florida professional staff member in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for Bill Nelson and Lawton Chiles. My undergraduate degree is in International Studies from American University, and my graduate degree is in American Government from Georgetown University, where I also served as a University Fellow. I graduated from Cocoa Beach High School and attended Brevard Community College. For over three decades, I have worked in the private sector, raising funds for wonderful, compelling charities that make a big difference in people's lives.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>My primary focus in this campaign is on protecting American democracy and protecting Florida. Both are in dire jeopardy because of extremists in the two major political parties who have had their heads in the sand for far too long. Nothing has been getting done in a long list of challenges which is hurting Florida families.</li><li>We can do better in Washington and Florida. Floridians have long wanted a choice in who they support for the United States Senate. My vision for this campaign is to give Floridians something to vote for and to truly work together to overcome our most pressing challenges, not just spout the empty rhetoric of failing political parties.</li><li>American democracy is a powerful tool when used properly, and I am very confident that our best days are yet to come. American democracy is not dead. On the contrary, American democracy is holding firm. It will weather the storm of extremism and obstruction that we find in the halls of Congress today if motivated people step forward and demand change. It’s time to bring the sunshine back to Florida – we can do better for all Floridians if we get our elected leaders’ heads out of the sand.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading1-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBetter paying jobs, more affordable healthcare, safer neighborhoods, and quality education are priorities. We must balance our annual federal deficit, reduce the national debt, reform the American tax code to be fair and flat, and build an even stronger defense, smarter intelligence, and sounder infrastructure. We need to close our borders to illegal immigration yet provide a rational path to citizenship for those who honor our laws and want the life our Constitution and Declaration of Independence promise. No cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits, reverse the Supreme Court’s decision to dismantle a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions, address climate change (yes it is real), and more. We have a lot of work to do!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading2-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThomas Jefferson and James Madison for the roles they played in helping found the United States through their work on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. I also deeply respect and admire America's pioneering astronauts from their incredible bravery and innovative spirit.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading3-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-242558-2024-05-14\" 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=\"heading3-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI published a political novel in 2017 entitled, Hoya: The Watchmen Waketh. It is a story about the fictional 47th president of the United States and the struggle to provide physical and financial security to Americans in the face of a severe breach of trust at the hands of an unknown vigilante group. At its heart, Hoya is a real-world primer into American lawmaking and governance at its best and worst. It is replete with American foreign and defense policy initiatives and several innovative program concepts that might resolve a few of today's more puzzling programs, some of which I am advocating in this 2024 campaign.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading4-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, ethics, transparency, and an unyielding commitment to helping people with their government challenges, whether you know them or not. Public service is an honor and a responsibility not to be taken for granted.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading5-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA determination to persevere and never take no for a first answer.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading6-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tService above self always with dedication to three core documents in American life: our Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading7-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to leave a legacy of having been collaborative and knowledgeable about the issue I tackled in life.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading8-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is 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=\"heading8-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJohn Kennedy's assassination. We were sent home from grade school in the middle of the afternoon, which got my attention, until I saw my mother standing in front of our television crying. I was just a few weeks shy of my seventh birthday.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading9-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was a paperboy for both a morning and an evening newspaper with an extensive urban customer route.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading10-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October because it was richly detailed in its descriptions and based on unnerving defense and foreign policy events has that had at the time real-world implications.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading11-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-242558-2024-05-14\" 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=\"heading11-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJack Ryan\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading12-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFrom the remarkable Lin-Manuel Miranda and Hamilton: Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading13-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was diagnosed with Stage V, Level 2 Malignant Melanoma in 2003 that metastasized to my right lung, making me a Stage V, Level 4 cancer patient. Two rounds of chemo-like treatments, including a novel clinical trial and four major surgeries, have left me free of the disease that hit me when three of my four children were under the age of four. A great wife and talented physicians allowed me to be here today to run for this office. I want to use this blessing to pay it forward.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading14-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur commitment to preserving American democracy and opposing authoritarian tendencies of populist candidates for federal office. Equal to that is protecting the United States from threats from outside and within our borders.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading15-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support term limits in order to ensure good governance in America, but I doubt that the required constitutional amendments necessary to impose term limits on members of Congress can actually responsibly pass, or should, in today's hyper-partisan political environment.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading16-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe United States Senate possesses many unique characteristics worth celebrating. Chief among its unique roles is providing advice and consent that helps check executive power and ensures broader consensus on decisions made; a focus on tradition and prestige that emphasizes collaboration, bipartisanship, and decorum not found these days in the U.S. House of Representatives; and equal representation for our 50 states. The Senate is also where we typically see greater political stability, more rational debate, and longer-term vision for the issues that challenge America free of the immediate pressure that comes in the House, where members stand for re-election every two short years. The Senate also has unique powers and responsibilities, including confirming presidential appointments, treaty ratification, and critical oversight over our judiciary and foreign policy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading17-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, it clearly helps, for senators to have previous experience in government or politics - whether in elected office or on campaign and office or committee staff.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading18-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you think of the filibuster?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe filibuster is an important procedural tool in the United States Senate. It protects minority rights, promotes greater bipartisanship, and encourages deeper deliberation and more innovative compromise. While the filibuster has its downsides, such as fostering frustrating legislative gridlock, the filibuster is nonetheless an important tool worth preserving.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading19-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-242558-2024-05-14\" 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=\"heading19-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI had the privilege of working for two remarkable U.S. Senators in my lifetime. Lawton Chiles and Bill Nelson brought integrity and dedication to their terms in the Senate, which I would seek to model myself after, with a heavy dose of party independence thrown in for good measure!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading20-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-242558-2024-05-14\" 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=\"heading20-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHow many Republicans does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to change the bulb and two to stand around and reminisce about how good the old one was!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading21-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow would you evaluate a judicial nominee?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFairly and objectively based on their commitment to the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Experience and political neutrality will be welcomed traits as well.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading22-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat kind of relationships would you build with other senators?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs an independent not beholden to either major political party, I would work long and hard to build bridges with senators on either side of the political aisle who are committed to good government and legislative solutions that might break the logjam on what Americans need to thrive and prosper in the decades ahead.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading23-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAll good laws in American history originated with compromise and collaboration.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading24-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tObjectively and fairly with determination to follow the evidence where it takes the U.S. Senate. Political motivation must not be present when such powers are employed.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading25-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI just qualified for the office a few days ago so it is too early to list.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading26-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading26-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would look to the knowledge and respect for the rule of law in America and their dedication to the United States Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Ethics, transparency, and public service will also factor in deciding whether to confirm or oppose presidential appointees to a president's Cabinet.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading27-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse27-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading27-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse27-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAmerica's greatest challenges lie in resolving the financial mess we face today. The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Budget, or Commerce, along with the Armed Services or Foreign Relations Committees, would be of greatest interest.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse28-242558-2024-05-14\" id=\"heading28-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse28-242558-2024-05-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse28-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading28-242558-2024-05-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse28-242558-2024-05-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFinancial transparency and government accountability are essential ingredients in building trust with the American people. They are not negotiable, in my opinion.\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\nBen Everidge completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Everidge's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am the father of four, married to a wonderful partner, and deeply experienced in national politics having worked a decade on Capitol Hill as a Florida professional staff member in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for Bill Nelson and Lawton Chiles. My undergraduate degree is in International Studies from American University, and my graduate degree is in American Government from Georgetown University, where I also served as a University Fellow. I graduated from Cocoa Beach High School and attended Brevard Community College. For over three decades, I have worked in the private sector, raising funds for wonderful, compelling charities that make a big difference in people's lives. 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? My primary focus in this campaign is on protecting American democracy and protecting Florida. Both are in dire jeopardy because of extremists in the two major political parties who have had their heads in the sand for far too long. Nothing has been getting done in a long list of challenges which is hurting Florida families. We can do better in Washington and Florida. Floridians have long wanted a choice in who they support for the United States Senate. My vision for this campaign is to give Floridians something to vote for and to truly work together to overcome our most pressing challenges, not just spout the empty rhetoric of failing political parties. American democracy is a powerful tool when used properly, and I am very confident that our best days are yet to come. American democracy is not dead. On the contrary, American democracy is holding firm. It will weather the storm of extremism and obstruction that we find in the halls of Congress today if motivated people step forward and demand change. It’s time to bring the sunshine back to Florida – we can do better for all Floridians if we get our elected leaders’ heads out of the sand. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Better paying jobs, more affordable healthcare, safer neighborhoods, and quality education are priorities. We must balance our annual federal deficit, reduce the national debt, reform the American tax code to be fair and flat, and build an even stronger defense, smarter intelligence, and sounder infrastructure. We need to close our borders to illegal immigration yet provide a rational path to citizenship for those who honor our laws and want the life our Constitution and Declaration of Independence promise. No cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits, reverse the Supreme Court’s decision to dismantle a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions, address climate change (yes it is real), and more. We have a lot of work to do! Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Thomas Jefferson and James Madison for the roles they played in helping found the United States through their work on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. I also deeply respect and admire America's pioneering astronauts from their incredible bravery and innovative spirit. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I published a political novel in 2017 entitled, Hoya: The Watchmen Waketh. It is a story about the fictional 47th president of the United States and the struggle to provide physical and financial security to Americans in the face of a severe breach of trust at the hands of an unknown vigilante group. At its heart, Hoya is a real-world primer into American lawmaking and governance at its best and worst. It is replete with American foreign and defense policy initiatives and several innovative program concepts that might resolve a few of today's more puzzling programs, some of which I am advocating in this 2024 campaign. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, ethics, transparency, and an unyielding commitment to helping people with their government challenges, whether you know them or not. Public service is an honor and a responsibility not to be taken for granted. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? A determination to persevere and never take no for a first answer. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Service above self always with dedication to three core documents in American life: our Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to leave a legacy of having been collaborative and knowledgeable about the issue I tackled in life. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? John Kennedy's assassination. We were sent home from grade school in the middle of the afternoon, which got my attention, until I saw my mother standing in front of our television crying. I was just a few weeks shy of my seventh birthday. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I was a paperboy for both a morning and an evening newspaper with an extensive urban customer route. What is your favorite book? Why? Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October because it was richly detailed in its descriptions and based on unnerving defense and foreign policy events has that had at the time real-world implications. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Jack Ryan What was the last song that got stuck in your head? From the remarkable Lin-Manuel Miranda and Hamilton: Who lives, who dies, who tells your story. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I was diagnosed with Stage V, Level 2 Malignant Melanoma in 2003 that metastasized to my right lung, making me a Stage V, Level 4 cancer patient. Two rounds of chemo-like treatments, including a novel clinical trial and four major surgeries, have left me free of the disease that hit me when three of my four children were under the age of four. A great wife and talented physicians allowed me to be here today to run for this office. I want to use this blessing to pay it forward. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Our commitment to preserving American democracy and opposing authoritarian tendencies of populist candidates for federal office. Equal to that is protecting the United States from threats from outside and within our borders. What are your thoughts on term limits? I support term limits in order to ensure good governance in America, but I doubt that the required constitutional amendments necessary to impose term limits on members of Congress can actually responsibly pass, or should, in today's hyper-partisan political environment. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? The United States Senate possesses many unique characteristics worth celebrating. Chief among its unique roles is providing advice and consent that helps check executive power and ensures broader consensus on decisions made; a focus on tradition and prestige that emphasizes collaboration, bipartisanship, and decorum not found these days in the U.S. House of Representatives; and equal representation for our 50 states. The Senate is also where we typically see greater political stability, more rational debate, and longer-term vision for the issues that challenge America free of the immediate pressure that comes in the House, where members stand for re-election every two short years. The Senate also has unique powers and responsibilities, including confirming presidential appointments, treaty ratification, and critical oversight over our judiciary and foreign policy. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, it clearly helps, for senators to have previous experience in government or politics - whether in elected office or on campaign and office or committee staff. What do you think of the filibuster? The filibuster is an important procedural tool in the United States Senate. It protects minority rights, promotes greater bipartisanship, and encourages deeper deliberation and more innovative compromise. While the filibuster has its downsides, such as fostering frustrating legislative gridlock, the filibuster is nonetheless an important tool worth preserving. Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I had the privilege of working for two remarkable U.S. Senators in my lifetime. Lawton Chiles and Bill Nelson brought integrity and dedication to their terms in the Senate, which I would seek to model myself after, with a heavy dose of party independence thrown in for good measure! Tell us your favorite joke. How many Republicans does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to change the bulb and two to stand around and reminisce about how good the old one was! How would you evaluate a judicial nominee? Fairly and objectively based on their commitment to the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Experience and political neutrality will be welcomed traits as well. What kind of relationships would you build with other senators? As an independent not beholden to either major political party, I would work long and hard to build bridges with senators on either side of the political aisle who are committed to good government and legislative solutions that might break the logjam on what Americans need to thrive and prosper in the decades ahead. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? All good laws in American history originated with compromise and collaboration. How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers? Objectively and fairly with determination to follow the evidence where it takes the U.S. Senate. Political motivation must not be present when such powers are employed. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? I just qualified for the office a few days ago so it is too early to list. What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet? I would look to the knowledge and respect for the rule of law in America and their dedication to the United States Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Ethics, transparency, and public service will also factor in deciding whether to confirm or oppose presidential appointees to a president's Cabinet. What committees interest you? America's greatest challenges lie in resolving the financial mess we face today. The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Budget, or Commerce, along with the Armed Services or Foreign Relations Committees, would be of greatest interest. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Financial transparency and government accountability are essential ingredients in building trust with the American people. They are not negotiable, in my opinion.\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>Everidge’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><big><b>Anchored by the foundations of our nation.</b></big><br/>\nI am a big believer in three documents that provide the foundation of our nation: The American Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. Too many of our elected officials seem to have forgotten what these sacred credentials of democracy mean to our citizens. I have not forgotten and have made them the anchor of my campaign for the U.S. Senate.\n</p><p>Throughout this campaign, I will provide specific information about how I intend to make these ideals a reality. This section lays out my detailed proposals on the issues, which I have grouped into three categories: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n</p><p><big><b>The Pursuit of a Better Life</b></big>\n</p><p><i><b>The American Dream: Helping Ensure Good Jobs with Fair Pay</b></i><br/>\nThis is job one for me. Nothing good happens for families or America without good jobs and a fair wage for a hard day’s work, regardless of one’s profession or the times we live in. The American middle class is vanishing; we must not let that happen. Learn how here. See my proposal for innovating American industry to help generate higher-paying jobs and what I mean when saying that. Also, see how I propose reinvigorating Florida’s vital film industry or advancing space exploration. By the way, generating higher-paying jobs must include rural priorities, which I am deeply committed to ensuring.\n</p><p><i><b>The American Dream: Safe and Affordable Housing</b></i><br/>\nI support President Biden’s proposed $10,000 tax credit for helping first-time home buyers and those selling their homes, which replenishes what is available to buy. I call on former President Trump to join us. See my proposal for ensuring the American dream for all who wish to share in it. Another barrier to home ownership affordability is the high cost of insurance in the state of Florida. My proposal for fixing this problem is found here.\n</p><p><i><b>The American Dream: A More Stress-less Retirement</b></i><br/>\nI strongly oppose and will fight any proposed cuts in Social Security and Medicare benefits that negatively impact today’s seniors as well as tomorrow’s. You paid into the system. These are your hard-earned benefits from a life of good work. The right to retire with dignity and security is without question in my book. Medicaid should be enhanced to help low-income seniors afford assisted living and full-time care when needed and be granted these benefits quickly when they apply for benefits they have earned. I also do not support and will not accept efforts to privatize Social Security or turn Medicare into a voucher system. I am committed to keeping these vital programs solvent not just for today’s seniors but for future generations as well. No compromise is required here to better protect these dignified retirement rights for our more elderly citizens.\n</p><p><i><b>The American Dream: Accessible Healthcare</b></i><br/>\nAmerican healthcare costs are out of control yet controllable. I have no problem with a healthcare system making money for its services. Still, you know changes are needed when you have a vastly different cost structure between rural and urban communities and domestic versus international markets, as with prescription drugs. To help broaden funding for healthcare systems and thus lower costs to consumers, I am proposing a medical innovation zone for area hospitals, and greater detail on my thoughts about healthcare policy can be found here.\n</p><p><i><b>A Stable Climate</b></i><br/>\nClimate change is real. It is a crisis for the world that America, in particular, cannot afford to ignore or deny any longer. We must develop new energy sources and technologies while improving our current technologies and energy sources. Our fragile environment must be protected and nurtured. See my strategies for combating climate change. See also my news release about speeding up help to climate-ravaged communities in Florida and my proposal for helping Puerto Rico rebuild after the 2017 hurricanes that wrecked that American Commonwealth island.\n</p><p><i><b>A Sound Education</b></i><br/>\nFederal support to provide free or greatly reduced tuition assistance to community colleges and trade schools will ensure that American workers and their families can earn more. Earning more, in turn, will help reduce our annual deficits, reduce our national debt, and make America a more prosperous nation.\n</p><p><i><b>Honoring Our Veterans</b></i><br/>\nWe Americans long ago made a sacred commitment to care for our veterans who have honorably served our nation. I strongly support funding and expansion of and greater access to VA medical services throughout Florida for our Sunshine State veterans. The number of homeless veterans profoundly and deeply troubles me and is unacceptable in a nation as wealthy as America. We have a moral duty to help our local communities provide shelter and transition services so un-housed veterans can find safe, stable housing when needed. Expanding mental health and addiction services so that veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related trauma can access the help they need when they need it must be a priority benefit, too. Expected veterans’ benefits must also include job training programs and educational opportunities so veterans can find good civilian jobs that take advantage of their skills and reduced waiting times for that much-needed care when called for at their medical centers of choice. My proposal for protecting our veterans’ benefits from Project 2025 and enhancing their quality of life is found here.\n</p><p><i><b>Infrastructure Improvement</b></i><br/>\nOur bridges, roads, rails, ports, and airports are falling apart before our eyes. Investment in infrastructure improvements and expansion must continue at an urgent pace. In doing so, we give Americans numerous opportunities to prosper from the resulting jobs.\n</p><p><big><b>The Pursuit of Liberty</b></big>\n</p><p><i><b>Protecting American Democracy and Protecting Florida</b></i><br/>\nJob one, here again. American democracy is under attack both from outside as well as from within our country. The rule of law has been ignored, insurrection has been on full and bloody display, and obstruction in the halls of Congress celebrated. Mountains of evidence make these attacks on democracy undeniable. My proposal for strengthening American democracy can be found here.\n</p><p><i><b>Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights</b></i><br/>\nI will fight to restore and preserve a woman’s health and reproductive rights nationally. It is imperative we ensure that women have the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from the government, whether it be federal or state, and enshrine those protections in federal statute once again making Roe v. Wade the undisputed law of the land. And while we are at it, women should receive equal pay for equal work.\n</p><p><i><b>De-regulated Over-regulation</b></i><br/>\nOur society is over-regulated. It is time to focus on reducing the size of our bureaucracy while also reducing and eliminating the red tape that makes American life more burdensome than it needs to be. My approach to de-regulating our over-regulated society is found here.\n</p><p><i><b>Flat Fair Tax</b></i><br/>\nA flat fair tax should replace our outdated progressive tax from the early 1900s that inspires people of wealth to pay substantially less of a percentage than the middle class and large corporations to pay nothing. The flat fair tax proposal I advocate could generate $1.46 trillion if there is a maximum 10% flat tax on individual income, with the average household income being approximately $74,500 and there being over 131 million households in America. This flat tax would take the burden off the middle class for generating income-related revenue, make the wealthy pay an equal percentage of their income, and assure that those under the federal poverty rate are paying $0 in taxes until they earn a higher income.\n</p><p><i><b>Balanced Budget</b></i><br/>\nAmerica cannot continue to live on borrowed money racking up trillions of dollars in debt with massive annual deficits approved by both major parties in Congress. Here is a proposal for balancing the federal budget.\n</p><p><i><b>Thoughtful and Consistent Foreign Policy</b></i><br/>\nAmerica has been in some difficult places overseas because we do not have a thoughtful and consistent foreign policy by which to govern our decisions when it comes to our allies as well as our enemies. I have a doctrine to propose.\n</p><p><i><b>Defensible Defense</b></i><br/>\nOur shores must be protected from foreign threats posed by nations and rogue players who would like to harm America. Investing in our defense will help ensure our peace, not to mention the ability of our citizens to live the lives they choose to pursue if we provide for a defensible, intelligent defense. Details on to better provide for America’s defense are found here.\n</p><p><i><b>Smarter U.S. Intelligence</b></i><br/>\nBy adopting key strategies and continuously innovating, we can strengthen our U.S. intelligence capabilities to more effectively and comprehensively address evolving threats and safeguard national security interests facing us every hour of the day. My thoughts on how we can make U.S. intelligence capabilities smarter.\n</p><p><i><b>Premium on Self-sufficiency</b></i><br/>\nBeing truly independent means that one puts a premium on self-sufficiency as Americans. That does not mean that a safety net is not made available for those truly in need. But it does mean we do everything possible to assure that American citizens are not so reliant on their government to subsist on a daily or long-term basis.\n</p><p><i><b>Funding More with Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships</b></i><br/>\nWith community engagement and local awareness, public-private-philanthropic partnerships can more easily tackle the strengths each sector requires to address complex social challenges more effectively and efficiently than any one sector could achieve alone. In my opinion, P4s are a viable option for funding future public projects and should be used expeditiously. See my proposal for using P4s to fund more public projects.\n</p><p><i><b>Second Amendment Right</b></i><br/>\nI am a gun owner and do strongly subscribe to our Second Amendment right to bear arms. I do embrace reasonable measures to ensure that the wrong people do not have easy and unfettered access to weapons they should not possess. The gun death rate in our state and our nation is unacceptable. Commonsense solutions such as safe storage, closing gun show sales loopholes, providing greater mental health services, while simultaneously protecting our constitutional rights, will save lives. Mass casualties, suicides, and gun-related murders, can be reduced and potentially eliminated with thoughtful, effective policies that manage this deadly crisis in our homes, our schools, our communities, and our state.\n</p><p><big><b>The Pursuit of Happiness</b></big>\n</p><p><b>When life and liberty are balanced, the pursuit of happiness is an easier path to travel.</b>\n</p><p><i><b>Discrimination</b></i><br/>\nI am and have been throughout my life opposed to discrimination of any kind, for any reason, anywhere. Discrimination contradicts anyone who believes in the American Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, or our Bill of Rights. Period. Hard stop. \n</p><p><i><b>An End to Division &amp; Culture Wars</b></i><br/>\nWe have become far too divided and politically polarized. The division and culture wars waged in state capitals and Washington must end. We are the United States of America, and it is time to act like we are united.\n</p><p><i><b>Live Life as You Want</b></i><br/>\nSo long as you live life without harm to others.\n</p><p><i><b>Immigration Reform</b></i><br/>\nAmerica is a nation founded and built by immigrants. But our borders are insecure, and the path to citizenship is muddied. Rational reform of our broken immigration system is decades overdue. I have a proposal for how we might reform immigration comprehensively and fairly.\n</p><p><i><b>States’ Rights and Ethical Government</b></i><br/>\nThe federal government has a proper role in America, but it must be managed and kept from being over-expanded. States’ rights are enshrined in our American Constitution and must be nurtured as our nation marches into the 21st century. A healthy debate on what is appropriate for the federal government to address and how it can be made more manageable will get us to decision points that will make America more secure. Balance and perspective must be our guideposts, and Florida must be a beneficiary. My proposal for ensuring states’ rights is found here.\n</p><p><i><b>Judicial Reform</b></i><br/>\nIt must be comprehensive, and it must be started now. My proposal for reforming our judicial ethics is found here. My thoughts on judicial and congressional terms limits is found here in the attached July news release following President Biden’s announcement.\n</p><p><i><b>Congressional &amp; White House Ethics Reform</b></i><br/>\nNothing is more critical that reforming the ethics of our legislative and executive branches of government. My proposal for those recommended reforms is found here.<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;\">—Ben Everidge’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Everidge’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Anchored by the foundations of our nation. I am a big believer in three documents that provide the foundation of our nation: The American Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. Too many of our elected officials seem to have forgotten what these sacred credentials of democracy mean to our citizens. I have not forgotten and have made them the anchor of my campaign for the U.S. Senate. Throughout this campaign, I will provide specific information about how I intend to make these ideals a reality. This section lays out my detailed proposals on the issues, which I have grouped into three categories: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Pursuit of a Better Life The American Dream: Helping Ensure Good Jobs with Fair Pay This is job one for me. Nothing good happens for families or America without good jobs and a fair wage for a hard day’s work, regardless of one’s profession or the times we live in. The American middle class is vanishing; we must not let that happen. Learn how here. See my proposal for innovating American industry to help generate higher-paying jobs and what I mean when saying that. Also, see how I propose reinvigorating Florida’s vital film industry or advancing space exploration. By the way, generating higher-paying jobs must include rural priorities, which I am deeply committed to ensuring. The American Dream: Safe and Affordable Housing I support President Biden’s proposed $10,000 tax credit for helping first-time home buyers and those selling their homes, which replenishes what is available to buy. I call on former President Trump to join us. See my proposal for ensuring the American dream for all who wish to share in it. Another barrier to home ownership affordability is the high cost of insurance in the state of Florida. My proposal for fixing this problem is found here. The American Dream: A More Stress-less Retirement I strongly oppose and will fight any proposed cuts in Social Security and Medicare benefits that negatively impact today’s seniors as well as tomorrow’s. You paid into the system. These are your hard-earned benefits from a life of good work. The right to retire with dignity and security is without question in my book. Medicaid should be enhanced to help low-income seniors afford assisted living and full-time care when needed and be granted these benefits quickly when they apply for benefits they have earned. I also do not support and will not accept efforts to privatize Social Security or turn Medicare into a voucher system. I am committed to keeping these vital programs solvent not just for today’s seniors but for future generations as well. No compromise is required here to better protect these dignified retirement rights for our more elderly citizens. The American Dream: Accessible Healthcare American healthcare costs are out of control yet controllable. I have no problem with a healthcare system making money for its services. Still, you know changes are needed when you have a vastly different cost structure between rural and urban communities and domestic versus international markets, as with prescription drugs. To help broaden funding for healthcare systems and thus lower costs to consumers, I am proposing a medical innovation zone for area hospitals, and greater detail on my thoughts about healthcare policy can be found here. A Stable Climate Climate change is real. It is a crisis for the world that America, in particular, cannot afford to ignore or deny any longer. We must develop new energy sources and technologies while improving our current technologies and energy sources. Our fragile environment must be protected and nurtured. See my strategies for combating climate change. See also my news release about speeding up help to climate-ravaged communities in Florida and my proposal for helping Puerto Rico rebuild after the 2017 hurricanes that wrecked that American Commonwealth island. A Sound Education Federal support to provide free or greatly reduced tuition assistance to community colleges and trade schools will ensure that American workers and their families can earn more. Earning more, in turn, will help reduce our annual deficits, reduce our national debt, and make America a more prosperous nation. Honoring Our Veterans We Americans long ago made a sacred commitment to care for our veterans who have honorably served our nation. I strongly support funding and expansion of and greater access to VA medical services throughout Florida for our Sunshine State veterans. The number of homeless veterans profoundly and deeply troubles me and is unacceptable in a nation as wealthy as America. We have a moral duty to help our local communities provide shelter and transition services so un-housed veterans can find safe, stable housing when needed. Expanding mental health and addiction services so that veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related trauma can access the help they need when they need it must be a priority benefit, too. Expected veterans’ benefits must also include job training programs and educational opportunities so veterans can find good civilian jobs that take advantage of their skills and reduced waiting times for that much-needed care when called for at their medical centers of choice. My proposal for protecting our veterans’ benefits from Project 2025 and enhancing their quality of life is found here. Infrastructure Improvement Our bridges, roads, rails, ports, and airports are falling apart before our eyes. Investment in infrastructure improvements and expansion must continue at an urgent pace. In doing so, we give Americans numerous opportunities to prosper from the resulting jobs. The Pursuit of Liberty Protecting American Democracy and Protecting Florida Job one, here again. American democracy is under attack both from outside as well as from within our country. The rule of law has been ignored, insurrection has been on full and bloody display, and obstruction in the halls of Congress celebrated. Mountains of evidence make these attacks on democracy undeniable. My proposal for strengthening American democracy can be found here. Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights I will fight to restore and preserve a woman’s health and reproductive rights nationally. It is imperative we ensure that women have the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions without interference from the government, whether it be federal or state, and enshrine those protections in federal statute once again making Roe v. Wade the undisputed law of the land. And while we are at it, women should receive equal pay for equal work. De-regulated Over-regulation Our society is over-regulated. It is time to focus on reducing the size of our bureaucracy while also reducing and eliminating the red tape that makes American life more burdensome than it needs to be. My approach to de-regulating our over-regulated society is found here. Flat Fair Tax A flat fair tax should replace our outdated progressive tax from the early 1900s that inspires people of wealth to pay substantially less of a percentage than the middle class and large corporations to pay nothing. The flat fair tax proposal I advocate could generate $1.46 trillion if there is a maximum 10% flat tax on individual income, with the average household income being approximately $74,500 and there being over 131 million households in America. This flat tax would take the burden off the middle class for generating income-related revenue, make the wealthy pay an equal percentage of their income, and assure that those under the federal poverty rate are paying $0 in taxes until they earn a higher income. Balanced Budget America cannot continue to live on borrowed money racking up trillions of dollars in debt with massive annual deficits approved by both major parties in Congress. Here is a proposal for balancing the federal budget. Thoughtful and Consistent Foreign Policy America has been in some difficult places overseas because we do not have a thoughtful and consistent foreign policy by which to govern our decisions when it comes to our allies as well as our enemies. I have a doctrine to propose. Defensible Defense Our shores must be protected from foreign threats posed by nations and rogue players who would like to harm America. Investing in our defense will help ensure our peace, not to mention the ability of our citizens to live the lives they choose to pursue if we provide for a defensible, intelligent defense. Details on to better provide for America’s defense are found here. Smarter U.S. Intelligence By adopting key strategies and continuously innovating, we can strengthen our U.S. intelligence capabilities to more effectively and comprehensively address evolving threats and safeguard national security interests facing us every hour of the day. My thoughts on how we can make U.S. intelligence capabilities smarter. Premium on Self-sufficiency Being truly independent means that one puts a premium on self-sufficiency as Americans. That does not mean that a safety net is not made available for those truly in need. But it does mean we do everything possible to assure that American citizens are not so reliant on their government to subsist on a daily or long-term basis. Funding More with Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships With community engagement and local awareness, public-private-philanthropic partnerships can more easily tackle the strengths each sector requires to address complex social challenges more effectively and efficiently than any one sector could achieve alone. In my opinion, P4s are a viable option for funding future public projects and should be used expeditiously. See my proposal for using P4s to fund more public projects. Second Amendment Right I am a gun owner and do strongly subscribe to our Second Amendment right to bear arms. I do embrace reasonable measures to ensure that the wrong people do not have easy and unfettered access to weapons they should not possess. The gun death rate in our state and our nation is unacceptable. Commonsense solutions such as safe storage, closing gun show sales loopholes, providing greater mental health services, while simultaneously protecting our constitutional rights, will save lives. Mass casualties, suicides, and gun-related murders, can be reduced and potentially eliminated with thoughtful, effective policies that manage this deadly crisis in our homes, our schools, our communities, and our state. The Pursuit of Happiness When life and liberty are balanced, the pursuit of happiness is an easier path to travel. Discrimination I am and have been throughout my life opposed to discrimination of any kind, for any reason, anywhere. Discrimination contradicts anyone who believes in the American Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, or our Bill of Rights. Period. Hard stop. An End to Division & Culture Wars We have become far too divided and politically polarized. The division and culture wars waged in state capitals and Washington must end. We are the United States of America, and it is time to act like we are united. Live Life as You Want So long as you live life without harm to others. Immigration Reform America is a nation founded and built by immigrants. But our borders are insecure, and the path to citizenship is muddied. Rational reform of our broken immigration system is decades overdue. I have a proposal for how we might reform immigration comprehensively and fairly. States’ Rights and Ethical Government The federal government has a proper role in America, but it must be managed and kept from being over-expanded. States’ rights are enshrined in our American Constitution and must be nurtured as our nation marches into the 21st century. A healthy debate on what is appropriate for the federal government to address and how it can be made more manageable will get us to decision points that will make America more secure. Balance and perspective must be our guideposts, and Florida must be a beneficiary. My proposal for ensuring states’ rights is found here. Judicial Reform It must be comprehensive, and it must be started now. My proposal for reforming our judicial ethics is found here. My thoughts on judicial and congressional terms limits is found here in the attached July news release following President Biden’s announcement. Congressional & White House Ethics Reform Nothing is more critical that reforming the ethics of our legislative and executive branches of government. My proposal for those recommended reforms is found here. [2] ” —Ben Everidge’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]