Steve Keough

[{"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>Steve Keough completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Keough'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-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading-bio-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-199918-2023-08-15\" 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-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tSteve is a retired Navy Captain (Submariner). He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, then earned a Masters degree in Congressional Studies and a law degree (JD).\r\n<p>He currently teaches law at a law school in San Antonio, Texas.\r\n</p><p>--- He has been a part of the pro-democracy movement worldwide.\r\n--- In January 1979 he chartered a plane and rescued Americans and other personnel and their families when the Shah fell in Tehran, Iran.\r\n--- His father was one of the hostages in Iran, taken in November 1979.\r\n</p>\n---Steve has done Intellectual property law in China and sailed with the Taiwanese Navy. He speaks Mandarin.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading-key-message-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-199918-2023-08-15\" 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-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Immigration &amp; Border Issues: We have a Responsibility to keep the U.S. safe and a Duty of care to immigrants</li><li>Body Autonomy IS A BASIC RIGHT and IS HEALTH CARE: All U.S. citizens have a basic right to healthcare</li><li>Veterans' Rights are a Moral Imperative: We MUST do better by our veterans!</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading1-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading1-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tSteve Keough is personally passionate about immigration and border issues, healthcare for all, including body autonomy and veterans rights. He is a true progressive democrat and has spent his life fighting for pro-democracy movements around the world. <br/><br/>\r\nOn his website you will find a longer list of issues that he is fighting for today, such as LGBTQIA rights, human trafficking, foreign policy, gun safety, national security, trade, jobs, infrastructure, solidarity with unions, climate change and quality educational access for all.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading2-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading2-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThere are many great leaders, but one leader he particularly looks up to is President Lyndon B. Johnson, whom Steve met in the White House at the age of 9. President Johnson was initially a teacher, and in many ways he gave hope to all people. Steve believes in the framework of equality that was advocated by President Johnson's efforts in voting rights and education. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading3-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tSteve believes the most important characteristic for a leader is empathy. No leader can personally have every experience, but when people tell them about their pains, sufferings and aspirations, a good leader not only listens, but hears what is being said, and is able to translate that into actionable policy.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading4-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading4-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tSteve Keough has accumulated a lifetime of experience serving this nation. He has worked on behalf of the pro-democracy movement in other countries. He learned Mandarin Chinese in order to be able to work with the peoples of a region that is essential to the future of the world. He has served, as a civilian, appointed by multiple Presidents on the global Nuclear Threat Assessment. He currently works on intellectual property issues, which affect global trade and the maintaining of good American jobs. As a teacher, he is helping to train the next generation of lawyers. As a father of four daughters, he is an empathetic listener, a champion for equal rights and a strong proponent of body autonomy. He has visited many of the countries from which people are fleeing to come to our border. He has also made the effort and visited people in the refugee/asylum camps in Mexico, and heard their tragic and often horrific stories. As a Veteran, he continues to fight for the rights of those who have served and their families. He has a Master's Degree in Congressional Studies, and takes this job very seriously. Steve is uniquely qualified to not only be a Senator, but especially to represent the great state of Texas. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading5-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading5-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-199918-2023-08-15\" 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 a young paperboy, Steve remembers reading the daily tragic headlines about the Vietnam War.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading6-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading6-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tWhen he was 8 years old, Steve Keough was an early morning paper boy for the Burlington Free Press (VT) and delivered papers for 3 years. After the Naval Academy, his first job was as a submarine officer assigned to the nuclear submarine USS Sam Houston (SSBN-609). He served as a Strategic Weapons Officer for 2 years. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading7-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tOver the next 10 years, United States hegemony is most threatened by the rise of Fascism globally, and an expansionist China. In his lifetime, Steve Keough has spent time serving with the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, and as an Intellectual Property lawyer, who has trained Chinese lawyers in the modern global intellectual property system. Steve learned to speak Mandarin in High School and at the Naval Academy, and therefore understands not only the language, but also the Chinese culture. As a military officer, and as a civilian who worked on National Threat Assessment Matters, appointed by President Bill Clinton and continued under President George W. Bush, Steve has seen The People's Republic of China (PRC) becoming more confident in it's abilities to wield power globally. <br/>\n<p>Fascism is not just a word used to recall tyrants of the past. Modern world leaders are currently pursuing anti-democratic, fascist ideals, including a consolidation of power taken from the people and given to political cronies. President Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine is not the only example around the world of our need to constantly be vigilant and protective of democracies. Steve spent several years doing pro-democracy work in<br/>\r\nRussia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and has seen first hand the dangers of the rise in fascism.<br/>\n</p>\nAnd yet, the sleeping giant may be climate change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading8-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tSteve Keough believes that term limits already exist; they are called elections. Ironically, with \"term limits\", the electorate loses its voice. Professional staff spends a career helping elected officials. Every time a new official is elected, senior staff comes in to advise them. Imagine a world where senior level staff has more influence over policy than the elected officials. This can be how democracy loses it representation. <br/><br/><br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading9-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading9-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-199918-2023-08-15\" 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 Senate is designed to be the deliberative body in our democratic form of government. The perspective gained through the experiences of a lifetime is an important attribute of United States Senators. In fact, Senators who have represented the United States best, over time, are often referred to as senior statesmen/stateswomen of our Republic.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading10-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading10-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt is beneficial, but Steve believes it is most important for Senators to have pursued career paths their entire lives filled with service and a thoughtful advancement of American ideals. Being a Senator is not a consolation prize after a failed career in another industry. It is important that members of this deliberative body should reach this as a pinnacle of a career spent learning and living history, so that they can integrate this knowledge into a vision for the future of America. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading11-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading11-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tLike Robert's Rules of Order, the filibuster is one of the tools within the deliberative process that is neither good or bad in and of itself. Who wields this tool and when they decide not to use the tool is part of the strategy of working within the bounds of the democratic process. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading12-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading12-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-199918-2023-08-15\" 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 a young boy, Steve Keough lived in Burlington, VT, where his father was the superintendent of schools who worked closely with a young, up and coming democrat named Pat Leahy. After serving in several local elected positions, Pat became the Senator from Vermont. Steve followed his career, and admired the Senator's work on the Senate Agriculture and Judiciary committees. Leahy's life-long dedication to the Constitution and his focus on fairly representing the ideals of the Constitution, especially in his oversight of judicial nominations and the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, were inspirational to Steve's career. Steve led a career of service and eventually became a lawyer defending the Constitution in his own way. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading13-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading13-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tTed Cruz.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading14-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading14-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tAssuming the appointee is highly qualified and respected by his/her peers, a President should be allowed to nominate the people they choose for the position because elections matter. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading15-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading15-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-199918-2023-08-15\" 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 U.S. Senate was meant to be the deliberative body by the Constitution. It is important to make and maintain as many relationships as possible in order to be able to discuss issues in a civil and productive manner. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading16-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading16-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tSteve believes that engagement and finding common ground with other Senators is an essential element to Democracy and good governance. Sometimes, when \"getting to Yes,\" the wins come incrementally, and sometimes the opposition claims a few wins on their own along the way, and that is okay. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading17-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading17-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-199918-2023-08-15\" 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 investigative powers of Congress are an essential part of the checks and balances built into the U.S. Constitution. \"Investigative Powers\" are a tool used by Congress in order to have oversight of the government and to ensure that laws are being followed and resources of the government are being used wisely.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-199918-2023-08-15\" id=\"heading18-199918-2023-08-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-199918-2023-08-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-199918-2023-08-15\" 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=\"heading18-199918-2023-08-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-199918-2023-08-15\" 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\tAssuming the appointee is highly qualified and respected by their peers, a President should be allowed to nominate the people they choose for the position because elections matter. \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\nSteve Keough completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Keough's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Steve is a retired Navy Captain (Submariner). He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, then earned a Masters degree in Congressional Studies and a law degree (JD). He currently teaches law at a law school in San Antonio, Texas. --- He has been a part of the pro-democracy movement worldwide.\r\n--- In January 1979 he chartered a plane and rescued Americans and other personnel and their families when the Shah fell in Tehran, Iran.\r\n--- His father was one of the hostages in Iran, taken in November 1979. ---Steve has done Intellectual property law in China and sailed with the Taiwanese Navy. He speaks Mandarin. 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? Immigration & Border Issues: We have a Responsibility to keep the U.S. safe and a Duty of care to immigrants Body Autonomy IS A BASIC RIGHT and IS HEALTH CARE: All U.S. citizens have a basic right to healthcare Veterans' Rights are a Moral Imperative: We MUST do better by our veterans! What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Steve Keough is personally passionate about immigration and border issues, healthcare for all, including body autonomy and veterans rights. He is a true progressive democrat and has spent his life fighting for pro-democracy movements around the world. On his website you will find a longer list of issues that he is fighting for today, such as LGBTQIA rights, human trafficking, foreign policy, gun safety, national security, trade, jobs, infrastructure, solidarity with unions, climate change and quality educational access for all. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? There are many great leaders, but one leader he particularly looks up to is President Lyndon B. Johnson, whom Steve met in the White House at the age of 9. President Johnson was initially a teacher, and in many ways he gave hope to all people. Steve believes in the framework of equality that was advocated by President Johnson's efforts in voting rights and education. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Steve believes the most important characteristic for a leader is empathy. No leader can personally have every experience, but when people tell them about their pains, sufferings and aspirations, a good leader not only listens, but hears what is being said, and is able to translate that into actionable policy. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Steve Keough has accumulated a lifetime of experience serving this nation. He has worked on behalf of the pro-democracy movement in other countries. He learned Mandarin Chinese in order to be able to work with the peoples of a region that is essential to the future of the world. He has served, as a civilian, appointed by multiple Presidents on the global Nuclear Threat Assessment. He currently works on intellectual property issues, which affect global trade and the maintaining of good American jobs. As a teacher, he is helping to train the next generation of lawyers. As a father of four daughters, he is an empathetic listener, a champion for equal rights and a strong proponent of body autonomy. He has visited many of the countries from which people are fleeing to come to our border. He has also made the effort and visited people in the refugee/asylum camps in Mexico, and heard their tragic and often horrific stories. As a Veteran, he continues to fight for the rights of those who have served and their families. He has a Master's Degree in Congressional Studies, and takes this job very seriously. Steve is uniquely qualified to not only be a Senator, but especially to represent the great state of Texas. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? As a young paperboy, Steve remembers reading the daily tragic headlines about the Vietnam War. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? When he was 8 years old, Steve Keough was an early morning paper boy for the Burlington Free Press (VT) and delivered papers for 3 years. After the Naval Academy, his first job was as a submarine officer assigned to the nuclear submarine USS Sam Houston (SSBN-609). He served as a Strategic Weapons Officer for 2 years. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Over the next 10 years, United States hegemony is most threatened by the rise of Fascism globally, and an expansionist China. In his lifetime, Steve Keough has spent time serving with the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, and as an Intellectual Property lawyer, who has trained Chinese lawyers in the modern global intellectual property system. Steve learned to speak Mandarin in High School and at the Naval Academy, and therefore understands not only the language, but also the Chinese culture. As a military officer, and as a civilian who worked on National Threat Assessment Matters, appointed by President Bill Clinton and continued under President George W. Bush, Steve has seen The People's Republic of China (PRC) becoming more confident in it's abilities to wield power globally. Fascism is not just a word used to recall tyrants of the past. Modern world leaders are currently pursuing anti-democratic, fascist ideals, including a consolidation of power taken from the people and given to political cronies. President Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine is not the only example around the world of our need to constantly be vigilant and protective of democracies. Steve spent several years doing pro-democracy work in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and has seen first hand the dangers of the rise in fascism. And yet, the sleeping giant may be climate change. What are your thoughts on term limits? Steve Keough believes that term limits already exist; they are called elections. Ironically, with \"term limits\", the electorate loses its voice. Professional staff spends a career helping elected officials. Every time a new official is elected, senior staff comes in to advise them. Imagine a world where senior level staff has more influence over policy than the elected officials. This can be how democracy loses it representation. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? The Senate is designed to be the deliberative body in our democratic form of government. The perspective gained through the experiences of a lifetime is an important attribute of United States Senators. In fact, Senators who have represented the United States best, over time, are often referred to as senior statesmen/stateswomen of our Republic. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics? It is beneficial, but Steve believes it is most important for Senators to have pursued career paths their entire lives filled with service and a thoughtful advancement of American ideals. Being a Senator is not a consolation prize after a failed career in another industry. It is important that members of this deliberative body should reach this as a pinnacle of a career spent learning and living history, so that they can integrate this knowledge into a vision for the future of America. What do you think of the filibuster? Like Robert's Rules of Order, the filibuster is one of the tools within the deliberative process that is neither good or bad in and of itself. Who wields this tool and when they decide not to use the tool is part of the strategy of working within the bounds of the democratic process. Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? As a young boy, Steve Keough lived in Burlington, VT, where his father was the superintendent of schools who worked closely with a young, up and coming democrat named Pat Leahy. After serving in several local elected positions, Pat became the Senator from Vermont. Steve followed his career, and admired the Senator's work on the Senate Agriculture and Judiciary committees. Leahy's life-long dedication to the Constitution and his focus on fairly representing the ideals of the Constitution, especially in his oversight of judicial nominations and the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, were inspirational to Steve's career. Steve led a career of service and eventually became a lawyer defending the Constitution in his own way. Tell us your favorite joke. Ted Cruz. How would you evaluate a judicial nominee? Assuming the appointee is highly qualified and respected by his/her peers, a President should be allowed to nominate the people they choose for the position because elections matter. What kind of relationships would you build with other senators? The U.S. Senate was meant to be the deliberative body by the Constitution. It is important to make and maintain as many relationships as possible in order to be able to discuss issues in a civil and productive manner. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Steve believes that engagement and finding common ground with other Senators is an essential element to Democracy and good governance. Sometimes, when \"getting to Yes,\" the wins come incrementally, and sometimes the opposition claims a few wins on their own along the way, and that is okay. How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers? The investigative powers of Congress are an essential part of the checks and balances built into the U.S. Constitution. \"Investigative Powers\" are a tool used by Congress in order to have oversight of the government and to ensure that laws are being followed and resources of the government are being used wisely. What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet? Assuming the appointee is highly qualified and respected by their peers, a President should be allowed to nominate the people they choose for the position because elections matter.\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."}]