Republican Party of Minnesota
2006 Standing Platform

Section 1 – Creating Jobs and Economic Prosperity: Controlling Taxes,
Spending, and Regulation

Republicans believe that limited government is the best government and that
free enterprise is the best path to prosperity for all Minnesotans.
We support reducing taxes, spending and regulation to create business
opportunities for our hard-working families and businesses.

Therefore, we support:

A. Reducing the burden of existing taxation on our economy, supporting
President Bush’s tax cuts and making those cuts permanent; abolishing
federal and state capital gains taxes as well as taxes on marriage,
sickness, death, or inheritance; and keeping Internet access and sales
free of taxation.

B. Limiting the ability of Congress and the Legislature to use tax increases
as the first solution to every problem by requiring a supermajority vote
in Congress or the Minnesota Legislature to enact such increases; by a
state Constitutional amendment limiting growth in state spending to
inflation plus population growth; by requiring that all state surpluses be
returned to the taxpayers in proportion to the taxes paid; and adopting
a United States Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal
budget.

C. Reforming our tax systems, including our complex state property tax
system, abolishing the current IRS tax code and replacing it with a
simpler, fairer tax system that favors a national sales tax or a flat tax.

D. Dedicating all taxes, fees, and licenses from their revenue streams to
their appropriate program funding.

E. Maintaining the principle that sports, public broadcasting, entertainment
and the arts should be funded by users and voluntary donors and
requiring a voter referendum before increasing local sales taxes to
subsidize any professional sports stadium or ballpark.

F. A fair and honest competitive business environment and therefore we
oppose corporate welfare.

G. Allowing all Americans to invest some or all of their Social Security
payments, continuing to fulfill our obligations to older Americans, and
prohibiting Congress from using Social Security funds for any other
purpose.

H. Requiring that before any new government project or program is
initiated, that its purpose, cost and anticipated life be set forth and that
performance measurements and dismantling plans be established in
case the project or program does not meet expectations.

I. Adequately funding highway and bridge construction in Minnesota,
including constitutionally dedicating 100% of the Motor Vehicle Excise
Tax (MVET) to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and increasing
the use of general obligation bonds to fund highway projects; and
opposing any public funding of commuter rail or new light rail projects.

J. Equal access for non-union contractors to government and school district
projects, without mandating that contractors sign project labor
agreements.

K. The repeal of state and federal legislation that imposes mandated wage
rates on government and school district projects.

L. Requiring all school district elections, including, but not limited to board
elections and referenda, to be held in November on regular election
days.

M. No mandate imposed by any branch of government on any other unless
it includes the funds necessary to implement that mandate.

N. Public employee retirement fund deficits not be funded by taxes, fees or
borrowing from the public.

O. Legislation that abolishes government mandated employee benefits, and
enables small businesses to assemble and pool assets for the purpose of
funding employee health care insurance programs.

P. The right of clergy and houses of worship to support principles and
candidates without the threat of losing their tax-exempt status.

Section 2 – Preserving Civil Rights

The Republican Party, the Party that abolished slavery, believes that the
government should treat all of its citizens equally under the law. Therefore, we
advocate:

A. Adopting policies that reflect that every innocent human being, born and
unborn, has an inalienable right to life from conception to natural death.

B. Abortion without exception is wrong and should be opposed. We oppose
partial birth abortions and forced taxpayer funding of abortions or
abortion providers. Abortions performed on minors without parental
consent are wrong and should not be forced on the people of Minnesota
by their government.

C. Providing women considering abortions with information on alternatives
to abortion as well as on the emotional and physical repercussions of
abortion, including information on the pain felt by unborn babies, even
at early stages in pregnancy.

D. The U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions should be amended to restore
legal protection to the lives of innocent human beings from conception
to natural death.

E. The Republican Party of Minnesota should urge members of the
Minnesota House and Senate to introduce and support ‘right to life’
legislation that establishes ‘personhood’ at the time of conception.

F. Action should be taken leading to legislative guarantees and protection
of the father’s inalienable right to decide against any unilateral or
preemptive decision to terminate his child’s developing life.

G. Submitting to the people a vote on a Constitutional amendment to
overturn the Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision to force taxpayers to
pay for elective abortions.

H. Prohibiting U.S. promotion or funding of abortion in any nation.

I. Research and experimentation on fetal tissue or body parts obtained
through abortion must be banned, including the sale of such tissue or
body parts for any purpose.

J. Prohibition of all human cloning, whether reproductive or so-called
‘therapeutic’ cloning, and the use of human embryos or embryonic stem
cells should be prohibited.

K. Encouraging respect for our American heritage and our status as
American citizens rather than as members of any group; prohibiting any
forms of discrimination by government including preferences or quotas
for employment, student admissions and faculty hiring, or set-asides in
the awarding of government contracts; repealing all statutes which
require unequal treatment or special preferences for such groups; and
prohibiting the collection or storage of data on any person by any
government agency for the purpose of identifying and discriminating
among such groups.

L. Protecting charities, school, and hospitals run by religious organizations
from being compelled to provide services or information in conflict with
their beliefs and teachings.

M. Protecting the right to religious expression, including the display of the
Ten Commandments, in any public setting in which the freedom of
speech is protected.

N. Protecting personal privacy by prohibiting the use of Social Security
numbers for any purpose other than Social Security identification and
prohibiting the collection or release of any personal, financial, or other
private information by anyone without the express consent of the person
involved.

O. Legislation protecting the First Amendment right of private organizations
to set their own standards for membership and the right to maintain in
their policies those aspects that support their fundamental and legal
beliefs.

P. Amending the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee a citizen’s right to
keep and bear arms.

Q. Recognizing a responsible, competent citizen’s right to self-defense
through gun ownership and a ‘must issue’ carry permit system, while
removing the ‘duty to retreat’ in the face of attack, and that no law or
rule shall be enacted requiring the registration of firearms.

R. That all workers in Minnesota have the right to work without being
forced to join a union.

S. Supporting the right of employees to organize, to join a union or other
association, and to not have dues used to support political candidates,
and requiring unions to receive written permission from their members
before collecting funds for any political purpose.

T. Condemning religious, political, and ethnic persecution in any country,
specifically the oppression, slave labor, torture and murder of religious
believers.

U. In cases where public prayer is offered at government events, chaplains
and lay people be allowed to pray in the name of a specific deity.

V. Legislation prohibiting Federal, State, and local governments from taking
private property for commercial or recreational use by eminent domain.

W. Requiring informed opt-in consent of parents for newborn genetic testing
and for the Minnesota Department of Health to retain their children’s
DNA.

X. Legislation prohibiting the USDA, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health,
and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture from requiring federal and
state premise and individual identification on all livestock animals used
for small farm market, private, or individual use.

Y. That the lawful definition of a ‘Human Being’ shall be: ‘When the DNA
(Deoxyribonucleic Acid) of Mankind is joined.’

Section 3 – Educating our Children

Republicans believe that parents are responsible for their children’s education
and that parents, teachers and local school boards can best make decisions
about our children’s education. Therefore, we support:

A. A well-rounded knowledge-based curriculum to prepare our children to
be good citizens and to compete in the rapidly evolving economy of the
21st century, and emphasizing traditional values of hard work, honesty,
home and family, and respect for America’s religious and civic heritage,
including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

B. Making Minnesota’s education system more effective and efficient by
reducing the federal and state bureaucracies’ control.

C. A statewide testing system that emphasizes basic skills in an academic
curriculum.

D. Improving the quality of education by maximizing parental choice
through expanded support for charter schools, school choice programs,
parental rights to home school their children and more competitive and
accountable public school systems, and by preserving and expanding tax
credits, deductions, and school voucher programs.

E. Reforming tenure, limiting public school teachers’ right to strike and
restoring balance to the Public Employment Labor Relations Act. We
would institute pay for performance and periodic competency testing for
public school teachers in both the academic curriculum and the subjects
they teach.

F. Requiring sexual abstinence to be taught in public schools, that
premarital sex and extramarital sex is wrong, and that the use of
contraceptives is not safe sex. We oppose the dispensing of or referral
for birth control drugs and devices in schools. We oppose dispensing any
prescription drugs in schools without written consent of the parents.

G. Requiring the presence of the United States flag in all classrooms, the
daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and encouraging the
voluntary expression of religious beliefs and traditions by students.

H. Devoting the same emphasis to educating Minnesota’s gifted and
talented children that is now devoted to special education.

I. Protecting educators from disciplinary action for including discussion of
creation science, and adopting science standards that acknowledge the
scientific controversies pertaining to the theory of evolution.

J. State requirements for schools to notify parents in advance of
administering non-academic tests, and that notification must include an
accurate description of the content of the survey.

K. Retaining the current governance system for Minnesota Independent
School Districts rather than aligning school district boundaries with
county boundaries.

L. Eliminating education funding or discounts based on the number of
children who receive free or reduced meals.

M. Abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and all its unfunded
mandates and opposing any new state or federal laws which seek to
centralize educational authority at the expense of local school boards.

N. Mastery of the English language for all students and encouraging English
immersion instruction as a method to quickly achieve this.

O. Repealing teacher licensure rules based on the Profile of Learning and
replacing them with new licensure rules to be adopted based on new
state standards.

P. Holding all public schools, colleges and universities accountable to
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for all funds received
and spent.

Q. Making the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program be made available annually
in every Minnesota elementary and middle school.

R. Prohibiting public universities from imposing fees that support student
clubs and organizations without student consent.

S. Enacting Governor Pawlenty’s proposal that at least 70 percent of school
spending go to teachers and students and not to administration.

T. Requiring public universities to protect academic and intellectual
freedom of both professors and students.

U. The prohibition of universal mental health screening of students in K-12
schools, pre-schools, and in early infancy. We also oppose social and
emotional outcomes being incorporated into the school curricula.

V. Prohibiting the establishment of universal (mandatory for all children)
pre-school programs in the State of Minnesota.

W. Prohibiting state and federal support of International Baccalaureate (IB)
and the adoption of IB by local school districts.

X. Enforcement of existing laws prohibiting promotion of acceptance of
homosexuality, bisexuality, or transgenderism when they are discussed
in Minnesota public school classrooms.

Y. School districts and teachers including original sources showing the
important role of religion in our Nation’s founding when teaching history.

Z. Parents having the right to observe their child in the classroom.

Section 4 – Strengthening Families and Communities

The Republican Party recognizes the blessings that God has bestowed on this
great Nation. We declare our faith in Him and ask His continued guidance as
we work to preserve this government of “One Nation Under God”. We also
recognize the sanctity of human life and marriage, and the central role of the
traditional family in our society. Therefore, we believe that:

A. We need to change laws regarding marriage, divorce, adoption, child
support, welfare, taxes, and others, to encourage families to stay
together. Minnesota’s laws governing marriage should be amended to
offer a ‘Covenant Marriage’ option, entailing extensive pre-marital
counseling and limits on divorce. Parental privileges of fathers in child
custody issues should be restored to comply with the 14th Amendment of
the U.S. Constitution. Grandparents and other relatives should be
considered as the first option and the logical choice when children
cannot live with their parents.

B. We should amend the U.S. Constitution and the Minnesota constitution
to define marriage as the legal union between a man and a woman. We
oppose civil unions or their legal equivalents between same-sex couples.

C. Domestic partner benefits should not be publicly funded.

D. Racial preferences in adoption are wrong, and Minnesota should make it
easier and less costly for traditional married couples to adopt a child of
any race.

E. We should eliminate all state-sponsored gambling and oppose any
expansion of gambling in Minnesota.

F. Laws and regulations restricting the production, sale and promotion of
vulgarity, obscene material, especially to children, should be
strengthened, and pornography-blocking software should be installed on
all computers having internet access in publicly financed institutions.

G. Programs that reduce health care costs by introducing genuine market
competition into the system and eliminating state mandated coverage of
various illnesses and conditions. We oppose all proposals for socialized
(i.e., ‘single payer’) medicine, and support the repeal of MinnesotaCare,
and opposing programs that ration health care.

H. Parents have the right to all of their minor children’s health records,
including sexual health records without requiring their minor children’s
consent.

I. We should provide assistance to people in need primarily through
private charity, including faith-based programs, rather than government
welfare programs. Such programs should be encouraged through tax
credits at the federal and state levels with the objective of replacing as
much government-sponsored welfare with private incentives as possible.

J. We should adopt real welfare reform in Minnesota by requiring all able bodied
welfare recipients to work as a condition of receiving benefits, by
stopping the practice of offering cash incentives for unmarried welfare
recipients to bear children, and by requiring proof of legal in-state
residency as a condition of receiving aid.

K. Medicare reimbursement should not be determined by the location of the
provider.

L. Governmental interference with the practice of medicine should be
minimized, including not allowing any government ‘best practices’
legislation.

M. Minnesota should prohibit any medical procedure or therapy that would
deliberately cause or hasten death, including physician-assisted suicide
and depravation of food and water.

N. The federal government not establish a national identification system for
U.S. citizens.

O. The Minnesota legislature should pass legislation increasing the legal age
for gambling in Minnesota to 21 years of age.

P. All health care expenses should be fully tax deductible and expand
health savings accounts so that individuals can purchase and control
their own healthcare without going through a third-party payer.

Q. We should amend current gambling laws so that the State of Minnesota
be allowed to tax profits/revenue of tribal casino gambling in Minnesota.

R. The legal age to purchase tobacco in Minnesota should be raised to 21
years of age.

Section 5 – Protecting the Public’s Safety

Republicans believe that getting tough with violent and repeat criminals can
best reduce crime in Minnesota. Therefore, we support:

A. Establishing mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantially
higher sentences for repeat offenders, ending probation for violent
criminals, and establishing life sentences without the possibility of parole
for the state’s most dangerous sex offenders.

B. Building whatever new prisons are necessary to protect the public by
incarcerating violent criminals. Prisons are for the protection of the
public and the punishment of criminals and should not be designed for
recreation.

C. Re-instituting capital punishment for the most serious crimes.

D. Requiring criminals to provide complete restitution to victims and the
state for crimes committed, supporting victim’s rights and requiring
offenders to be held personally responsible, including juveniles.

E. Enforcing existing firearm laws, particularly those relating to violent
offenders, rather than creating new and unnecessary laws restricting the
use of firearms.

F. Crime legislation that applies to all offenders of a specific crime; and
oppose any legislation that would designate ‘hate crimes’ against specific
‘protected class’ groups.

G. The passage of Jessica’s Law in Minnesota to ensure that a child sex
offender be given a minimum sentence of 25 years without parole.

H. Police, in the course of their regular duties, will be instructed not to
ignore immigration status of non-citizens when said status is not in good
standing with relevant requirements as required by law.

I. That as a condition of parole, an inmate must have participated in Adult
Basic Education.

Section 6 – Strengthening the Rule of Law

Republicans believe that our legal system has been subject to abuse in the
form of frivolous lawsuits; excessive numbers of lawsuits; and lawsuits that are
intended to advance a political agenda, rather than adjudicate real
controversies. Therefore, we support:

A. Appointing judges who will exercise their authority to review, and when
necessary limit, excessive awards of damages and attorneys’ fees.

B. Limiting Attorneys’ fees in class action lawsuits and other cases where
plaintiffs receive insignificant damages, so that fees are not
disproportionate to any recovery obtained in the litigation.

C. Enacting federal legislation limiting any party’s liability in a civil case to
its fair share of the damages, as determined by the percentage of fault
assessed by the jury.

D. Empowering juries to determine that a suit was without merit, and in
such case requiring the plaintiff and his attorney to pay the defendant’s
attorneys’ fees and court costs.

E. Limiting prisoners’ ability to file frivolous lawsuits.

Section 7 – Enjoying and Protecting Our Natural Resources

The Republican Party believes that proper stewardship of our natural resources
and agricultural lands will best be achieved through sound science and
adherence to Constitutionally guaranteed property rights. Therefore, we
support:

A. Maintaining clean air, water and land by addressing only those threats
proven by peer-reviewed scientific research, using sensible and
economically reasonable solutions. We oppose radical environmental
proposals such as the Kyoto global warming treaty; we reject the
imposition of the United Nations environmental regulations, such as the
Rio biodiversity treaty, by any state or federal government agency
unless ratified by Congress.

B. Imposing the cost of environmental clean up on those who cause
pollution.

C. Following commonsense practices in forest, wetlands and wildlife
management and promoting multiple uses of natural resources in most
circumstances.

D. Free enterprise in the agricultural economy.

E. Encouraging technological advances in the creation, processing and use
of agricultural products and natural resources.

F. Opposing legislation that places statewide moratorium on feedlots and
logging roads since townships and counties should decide these matters.

G. Opposing federal ‘heritage area’ acts that would generically provide
funding and other opportunities for bureaucracies and other nongovernmental
organizations to use tax dollars to lobby and prepare for
regulation of our land and resources.

H. Adhering to the original intent of the 1978 BWCAW law and Public Law
91-661 in managing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and
Voyageurs National Park and opposing all attempts by the judiciary or
federal government to usurp constitutionally protected states’ rights.

I. Opposing cities annexing by ordinance without the approval of the
affective township residents.

J. That the federal government should be required to meet its obligations
to store spent nuclear waste.

K. That any form of municipal government be prohibited in condemning a
business or property through the process of eminent domain for the sole
purpose of increasing tax revenues rather than the general public good
or to take private property from one owner in order to favor another
private entity.

L. Compensating owners for property devaluation when government
regulations or other governmental actions cause a decline in property
values, and support reducing or restricting government ownership of our
land to no more than 40%.

M. That there be no net gain of land by the Minnesota DNR or nonprofit
land trusts and that all conservation easements should be limited to a
maximum of 21 years.

N. Support for the right of all commercial property owners to govern the
legal consumption of tobacco within their properties.

O. Adoption of an energy policy that encourages Research and
Development of alternative forms of energy by private initiative.

P. Expanding the use of nuclear power in Minnesota as a safe, cost effective
and environmentally sound solution to our growing energy
demands.

Section 8 – Making Government Better, Not Larger

Republicans want government to be honest, efficient and responsive to
individual concerns. Therefore, we advocate:

A. Returning governmental functions from the federal level to the state and
local governments wherever possible, consistent with the intent of the
Constitution. We believe that most government functions are carried out
more efficiently and with greater accountability at the state and local
level.

B. Reinstating a citizen legislature in Minnesota by holding legislative
sessions in alternative years unless the governor calls a special session.

C. Maintaining Minnesota’s two-house legislature, rather than adopting a
unicameral system.

D. Adopting codes of conduct for all Minnesota elected officials that require
resignation and loss of pension and benefits upon conviction of a felony
or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.

E. Ending Congress’ practice of coercing state and local governments by
withholding funds if states do not enact specific legislation, in all areas
where the Constitution does not give the federal government
jurisdiction.

F. Returning the Metropolitan Council to its original purposes of regional
planning and support, while eliminating, privatizing, or returning to state
and local governments all other Metropolitan Council functions.

G. Adopting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting the
desecration of the United States flag.

H. Reforming campaign finance laws so as to uphold all Americans’ rights to
free speech by allowing American citizens to donate their time or money
to political campaigns without limitation; requiring immediate and full
disclosure of all sources of campaign funding and repealing the Bi-
Partisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold).

I. Fair redistricting without gerrymandering and with Senate districts that
do not cross Congressional district boundaries.

J. Reinstating the constitutional separation of powers and opposing
legislation by executive order, judicial rulings, or unelected regulatory
agencies. We support the election and appointment of strict
constructionist judges, who adhere to the principles expressed in the
U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions.

K. Submitting to the people federal and state Constitutional amendments
for an effective recall procedure for all elected officials.

L. Adopting an initiative and referendum law that would allow the citizens
of Minnesota to vote on important issues.

M. Making English the official language in Minnesota and the Unite States of
America.

N. Eliminating the practice of vouching for individuals at polling places,
requiring that voters be registered at least 30 days prior to an election
and requiring that voters present a valid proof of U.S. citizenship and
state residency at the time of registration.

O. Enacting a system of open and competitive judicial elections and
opposing the replacement of the election system with an appointment
system or the ‘Missouri Plan’ (appointment followed by retention
election).

Section 9 — Defending America at Home and Abroad

Republicans believe that peace is best maintained through strong national
defense. Therefore, we support:

A. Continuing to rebuild America’s military forces to ensure that they are
well prepared, well armed, and adequate to protect our national
security.

B. Reaffirming our commitment to free market economics, including free
and fair international trade. We support maintaining commercial,
cultural, and diplomatic ties with a multitude of nations while
promoting American industry and commerce. We support trade policies
that will encourage nations to seek democracy, capitalism, and
individual freedoms for their citizens.

C. Developing and deploying defense systems, including Strategic Missile
Defense, to protect American from the dangers of terrorism and
weapons of mass destruction.

D. Deploying American forces overseas only to further American interests
or defend a faithful ally, and only under the command of American
officers. The United States does not surrender its sovereignty to the
United Nations or to any other international organization.

E. Strengthening our borders against the threat of terrorism and stopping
the flow of illegal immigrants, and deporting illegal aliens. We are
against amnesty for illegal aliens. We oppose any program that will
allow illegal aliens to remain in the United States.

F. That illegal aliens shall not be issued state driver’s licenses, permits, or
identification cards and that legal aliens shall not be issued these
documents for a period beyond their admission authorization time.

G. The reduction of legal immigrants to facilitate assimilation and
requiring extensive background checks before issuing visas.

H. Reaffirming our support of and commitment to our active duty military
members, Reserves, National Guard and veterans, including exempting
active duty military personnel from paying state income tax. Minnesota
law should recognize retired military persons as veterans.

I. An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution authorizing the payment
of bonuses to veterans of the global war on terrorism.

J. Opposing the Law of the Seas Treaty (L.O.S.T.)

K. Efforts to become less dependent on foreign oil including the
development, promotion, and conservation of all available fuel sources
including nuclear power and such as opening the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge to oil drilling.

L. Foreign aid to be in the form of American goods, commodities, and
services whenever possible.

M. Rescinding the permanent most favored nation status for China and
urging its expulsion from the WTO until it ceases its abuse of human,
civil, and religious rights, including its persecution of religious
believers.

N. The right of the State of Israel to exist and defend itself.

O. Children born to illegal aliens inside the U.S. do not obtain automatic
citizenship.

P. Denying foreign aid to any country that protects and supports
terrorists.

Q. President Bush's efforts to keep Americans safe and fight the Global
War on Terror. We support our troops and their mission. We oppose
calls to "cut and run" until the job has been completed.

R. Continuing to support our Nation’s effort to assist the Iraqi people and
the people of Afghanistan to develop democratic institutions in their
countries.

Commendatory

Since its inception, our party has embraced core American principles and
chosen extraordinary leaders. Those leaders – like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore
Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan – not only embodied the very best in Republican
values, but also led America to new triumphs of peace, prosperity,
achievement and spirituality. Today we are blessed with a new generation of
American and Minnesota leaders who proudly carry on those Republican
traditions. Therefore, we commend:

A. President Ronald Reagan was a man of great and unabashed faith. He
believed God had put this nation between these two oceans for a very
specific purpose. And that purpose was to be a beacon of freedom at
home and around the world. President Reagan’s optimism and values
were an inspiration to all Americans. We will forever remember his
confidence, his smile, his disarming wit, and the way he would lift
people’s spirits with just a wink. We owe eternal gratitude for his vision
and determination;

B. President George W. Bush, whose principled leadership in time of war
ensures that America at home is free and prosperous, and abroad
remains the beacon of hope and freedom for the rest of the world;

C. Governor Tim Pawlenty, whose visionary, energetic leadership has set
the course for hard-working Minnesotans to enjoy economic growth,
better schools, and a richer quality of life for generations to come;

D. United States Senator Norm Coleman and United States Representatives
Jim Ramstad, Gil Gutknecht, Mark Kennedy, and John Kline for their
outstanding leadership and work in the Republican majorities in the
United States Congress;

E. Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau;

F. Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer;

G. State Auditor Patricia Anderson;

H. Speaker Sviggum, Majority Leader Erik Paulsen, and the Republican
majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives; and

I. Senate Minority Leader Dick Day and the growing Republican caucus in
the Minnesota Senate.

2008 Missouri Republican Party Platform

"Leading Missouri Forward”

The Republican Party is the Party of Accomplishment

Missourians are hard working, honest and devoted to their families and communities.
The people of Missouri deserve a state government that reflects and honors those same
values. We are the party of accomplishment and leading Missouri forward. Our state's
greatness is born in the hearts of her people, nourished by loving families and strong
communities, and maintained through generations by the freedom to pursue our dreams.
Most of what is important in life we do willingly for ourselves and for each other,
without the government. We form our own families and raise our own children. We
choose what we want to do in life. We pray to our God as we choose. We form and join
the religious and civic groups that care for our neighbors in need and shape the direction
of our state. There are only a few things we need the government to do for us; but it
should do those things well and faithfully to help improve our quality of life.
Missourians deserve a fiscally responsible state government with a vision and the
effective leadership to guide us. We pledge to continue providing both the vision and the
effective leadership Missourians need.

WE BELIEVE that all of us are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights
including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is our fundamental belief that our
morals, our values and our culture are derived from Almighty God, and we are committed
to keeping it that way. To quote the Psalmist, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the
Lord." Psalm 33:12.

WE BELIEVE the strength of Missouri is in the hearts and homes of its citizens.

WE BELIEVE in the right of Missourians to be secure in their persons, their homes and
their communities.

WE BELIEVE government governs best when it governs least.

WE BELIEVE that all political power is vested in and derived from the people; that all
government of right originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is
instituted solely for the good of the whole.

WE BELIEVE the role of government should be "to ensure domestic tranquility, to
provide for the common defense and to promote the general welfare."

WE BELIEVE in the Republican Party as the best vehicle to build on the principles of
free enterprise, personal responsibility, economic opportunity, strong families, moral
values and sound, fiscally responsible government.

WE BELIEVE Missourians are safer, stronger and more optimistic with a Republican in
the White House.

WE COMMEND the efforts of elected Republican officials at all local levels. We
encourage their work to advance good government.

WE COMMEND the efforts of Governor Matt Blunt and Republican officials at the
state level. Without question, Missourians are better off with a Republican governor and
Republicans leading both chambers of the Legislature.

WE COMMEND the efforts of our elected Republican officials in Congress.

WE COMMEND President Bush for eight years of restoring real American values,
integrity, credibility, vision, strength and character to the White House.

Family

Families are the bedrock of Missouri. This question should measure every public policy:
Does it strengthen or weaken our families? Policies that strengthen our families should
be pursued. Those that would weaken the family structure must be discarded.

Educating Our Children

Education is a true vehicle of opportunity. The education of Missouri's children is much
more than the first fiscal priority mandated in the Missouri Constitution. It is our moral
imperative.

Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Efforts by Governor Blunt and the Republican Legislature to adequately fund public
schools.
• Efforts at the state and federal levels to adopt a fair system that grants parents the
ability to help their children escape failing schools and attend schools of their
choice.
• Quick action to address the urban education crisis that has already sacrificed the
futures of generations of young people.
• The foundation formula that funds education based on the needs of our children
rather than the taxing capacity of a school district.
• Education savings accounts that are tax exempt and may be used for meeting
education expenses for each individual or family member without penalty for
withdrawal.
• Policies that stress the importance of parents in the education system and allow and
encourage parents to play an active role in their local education system.
• The authority of parents as the primary educators of their children in all matters,
including morality and sexual responsibility.
• The primary role of parents to provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment as
well as the guidance, discipline and moral upbringing of their children.
• The fundamental right of parents to raise their children according to the convictions
of their family and faith, to be the primary authority to determine and direct the
nurturing, health care, education, guidance, discipline, and moral upbringing of
their children including, the ability to home-school or send children to faith-based
schools free of burdensome government regulations.
• Protecting children in our public schools and any public entity where computers and
the Internet are made readily available from pornography on the Internet, with local
entities choosing the proper filter.
• Rejecting the establishment of school-based clinics/health links that dispense
contraceptives and provide abortion counseling.
• Requiring the informed consent of a parent or guardian before providing health,
mental health or substance abuse treatment services to minor students in public
schools.
• Local school boards in their efforts to guarantee quality instruction and to remove
the rare unfit teacher.
• Empowering local school districts to determine how best to handle the teaching of
creationism and the theory of evolution.
• Encouraging people to use their real life experience to teach in elementary and
secondary schools.
• Republican success in increased funding for Missouri’s public universities and
colleges through the appropriations process and the Lewis and Clark Discovery
Initiative.

The Fundamental Right to Life

Civil rights for all citizens, regardless of race, color, religion or creed and including the
fundamental right to life for born and unborn children, the aged, the terminally ill and the
handicapped should be provided for in our laws and in our Constitution. We believe that
life begins at conception and reaffirm our support for a human life amendment to the
Constitution. We endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's
protections apply to unborn children, and encourage those institutions, including faithbased
initiatives, that take a proactive approach in teaching sexual responsibility
including abstinence to our young people.

Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Legislation overturning Roe v. Wade and the appointing of federal and state
judges that respect the sanctity of innocent human life.
• Current state law providing women seeking an abortion with information
regarding alternatives such as adoption, and increasing tax credits to encourage
adoption.
• Legislation requiring that a minor obtain parental notification and consent before
obtaining an abortion.
• An immediate end to partial birth abortions.
• Current state law that stops taxpayer money from being spent on abortions or
being given to organizations, which perform abortions or make abortion referrals.
• Legislation that prevents public employees from making abortion referrals.
• Current state law that ensures that abortion clinics meet the same Department of
Health standards required of comparable surgical facilities in the state.
• The continuing opposition to fetal tissue research and efforts to eliminate such
research within Missouri.
• The compassionate work of individuals and organizations that offer alternatives to
abortions by meeting the physical, emotional and financial needs of pregnant
women and those support systems necessary for legal adoption.
• Legislation to prohibit all human cloning.
• Missouri’s new law that prohibits abortion providers from providing presentations
or materials to public school classrooms.
• Legislation to define and standardize Missouri’s informed consent law, and to
prohibit and penalize coercion of women to have an abortion.
• Governor Blunt’s continued watch guard over public funds by weeding out and
ending any undisclosed program funding through abortion providers.
• Legislation to prohibit "assisted suicide."

Marriage

The traditional family is the foundation of our great history and critical to our future.
Building futures through hard work and personal responsibility are American values that
should be encouraged by government policy.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Missouri’s constitutional amendment approved by more than 70 percent of
Missourians clearly stating that only marriages between one man and one woman
will be valid and recognized, whether performed in Missouri or any other state or
nation.
• Efforts to promote healthy marriages.
• A permanent end to the marriage penalty in the tax code.
Comprehensive Health Security
Every Missouri citizen should be able to choose and access a health plan that meets their
needs at a price they can afford. Seniors deserve more health care choices and assistance
where needed and desired to enable them to access appropriate care and services,
including prescription drugs made more affordable under President Bush’s Part D
Prescription Drug Plan.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:
• Governor Blunt’s bold initiative to modernize and repair Missouri’s broken lowincome
health care program by reforming the broken system that was bankrupting
our state and replacing it with MO HealthNet that will provide greater access to
health care and make it more affordable by focusing on prevention and wellness
rather than just treating disease.
• Giving every American the ability to maintain a Health Savings Account (HSA),
and removing any requirement that individuals must obtain a high-deductible
insurance policy before opening up an HSA.
• Empowering Missourians to purchase their own personal health insurance
including legislation signed by Governor Blunt to allow small business owners to
join together to purchase quality, affordable health insurance for themselves and
their employees.
• Missouri’s legal reform law that stopped the abuse and misuse of Missouri's
judicial system through the filing of frivolous lawsuits and has allowed doctors to
remain in our state.

Faith

Missouri's many and diverse faith communities are critical to the rich fabric of our
society. Government has nothing to fear from people of faith and much to gain.
Faith communities should be embraced and allowed to offer assistance to those in
need without undue bureaucratic interference. The most powerful sources of charity,
virtue, and shared prosperity in our society are not found in government, but in
families, houses of worship, charities, and free markets. The Missouri Republican
Party believes in protecting the religious freedom of citizens. Governor Blunt's
FAITH-BASED MISSOURI initiative recognizes that in order for government
programs to be effective we must engage these springs of charity, virtue, and shared
prosperity by partnering with religious charities.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Freedom to practice religion, as an individual choice, including the ability to pray
in school.
• Protecting the acknowledgement of God in our public life.
• Keeping the phrase "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Keeping "In God We Trust" on our currency and in other public declarations.
• All efforts to honor and preserve America's religious heritage, including the
public display of the 10 Commandments or other religious symbols, and
remaining true to the principles upon which this nation was founded.

Freedom

Freedom is not America's gift to the world; freedom is God's gift to each individual.
America has a solemn duty to stand for freedom, at home and abroad, and a special
responsibility to help make the world a more peaceful place. Fighting for freedom in
foreign lands, helps prevent the necessity of fighting the enemies of freedom in our
homeland.
Homeland Security
Since September 11, 2001, America has made tremendous progress in protecting and
defending our homeland. We have improved the government's ability to protect our
infrastructure, guard our borders and patrol our skies.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Taking the War on Terror directly to the enemies of freedom.
• The continued work of the federal and state Departments of Homeland Security
and the increased coordination of the gathering and use of intelligence.
• The fair application of the Patriot Act as a means to provide law enforcement
authorities with the tools necessary to prevent terrorist attacks while protecting
our individual liberties.
• Greater security at our borders to prevent all illegal immigrants from entering our
country.
• Revamping the system of monitoring the status of all visas, including student and
work visas, and mandating better background checks on all aliens applying for
visas.
• All efforts to root out the agents of terror and protect Americans from the evils of
terrorism.
Strong National Security
Defending the nation against its enemies is the first and fundamental commitment of the
federal government. America must use its position of unparalleled strength and influence
to create a balance of power in the world that favors freedom.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:
• Committing the resources necessary to fight and to win the War on Terror,
including ongoing military and civilian operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Defending the peace by opposing and preventing violence by terrorists and outlaw
regimes both at home and abroad.
• Preserving the peace by fostering an era of good relations among the world's great
powers.
• Extending the peace by seeking to spread the benefits of freedom and prosperity
across the globe.
• A strong national defense that protects our strategic interests and those of our
allies.
• The expansion of all technologies, including the national missile defense system,
which will allow the United States to intercept any nuclear attack before it reaches
our borders.
• Increasing the size and strength of our armed forces.
• Improving the compensation provided to military personnel and providing better
benefits to their spouses and families.
• Honoring our commitment to all military personnel, veterans and their families.
• Maintaining and expanding each of our excellent military facilities in Missouri.
• A strong Missouri National Guard and Reserve as an element of the national
military structure and to provide support to civil authority, in time of emergency
or disaster.
• All troops deployed by the United States government.
• The integrity and independence of our U.S. troops under U.S. command.
• The military's courageous efforts, including the vision and determination of our
commander-in-chief, to protect us from the threat of global terrorism.
• The special relationship between our state and nation and our strong ally Israel.
Protecting Our Borders
America’s immigrants helped forge a nation built on a foundation of laws. We welcome
those who continue to look to America to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
but reject those who enter our country illegally in violation of our laws. Securing our
borders against illegal immigration must be a priority in the ongoing battle against
international terrorism and in our efforts to ensure that only law-abiding citizens receive
the benefits to which they are entitled.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:
• An immigration policy that does not include amnesty for illegal immigrants.
• Banning illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer benefits.
• Fair and effective efforts to assure that people who register to vote in our elections
are indeed citizens of the United States lawfully entitled to cast a ballot.
• Governor Blunt’s efforts to protect our citizens and state from illegal immigrants
through cooperative law enforcement and strict policies related to illegal
immigration.
• Empowering state and local law enforcement agencies with the authority,
responsibility, and resources needed to detain illegal immigrants within the course
of their regular duties.
• Punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Property Rights and the Environment

Landowners have the right to manage their property as good stewards of the land without
government interference. We believe the source of our riches is embodied in the
production of our foods and the protection of our environment. We realize the wealth of
our nation comes from the land and the conservation and wise use of our resources are
essential to the future of America. We understand that agriculture is Missouri’s largest
industry and we support the great work of all our farming families.
Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• The restricted use of eminent domain only in cases when it is necessary for the
benefit of the general public and only when full and adequate compensation is
provided to the property owner.
• Expansion of state law that already is providing reliable, affordable and
environmentally sound energy for America's future, reducing our dependence on
foreign sources of energy and responsibly provides for the development of our
domestic energy sources.
• Efforts to promote conservation and diversify our energy supply.
• Incentives to develop alternative and renewable energy sources.
• Policies and programs that enhance agricultural production.
• Value-added production and job growth by processing our raw agricultural
products in Missouri.
• A long-term agricultural policy that enhances Missouri family farms and their
ability to compete.
• A common sense approach to environmental policy by both the federal and state
governments that does not infringe upon the rights of landowners.
• Limitations upon excessive land use regulation and zoning that deny property
owners the fair use of their property.
• Environmental regulation premised upon sound free market principles and
elimination of environmental regulation that imposes excessive financial burdens
for tenuous incremental benefit.
• Policies that recognize that food production and environmental protection are both
essential to life in our society.
• Sound river management policies that do not threaten the flooding of farmland.
Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice
The Missouri Republican Party is committed to supporting our brave law enforcement
personnel and a fair and swift judicial system that protects us from those who would hurt
our families or threaten our communities. Missourians deserve protection from the
concerns and fears associated with crime and drugs. Our law enforcement officers are
putting their lives on the line every day to protect us. They need and deserve our help.

Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Appointment of federal and state judges who believe in the rule of law and
understand that the role of a judge is to interpret our laws, not make them.
• Preventing activist judges from violating the Missouri Constitution by imposing
burdensome taxes on hard-working Missourians.
• Opening the selection process for Missouri State Judges to the public in
accordance with the Sunshine Law.
• Requiring voter photo-identification to prevent voter fraud.
• Efforts to assure fair and honest elections, making sure all legally cast votes are
not diluted, but are counted so that all participants respect the integrity of the
election.
• Creating a more efficient and secure system of voting by our military personnel
which guarantees that those who are on the front lines have a say in governing our
country.
• Strict and swift prosecution of election fraud.
• Expansion of state laws that fully protect our children against sexual predators
such as the version of Jessica’s Law enacted by our Republican-led Legislature
and signed by Governor Blunt.
• Aggressive enforcement of existing laws related to child pornography and adultoriented
industries that target Missouri families and children, and further
development of law enforcement tools to protect Missourians from such
exploitation.
• Continued efforts to address the special concerns of spouses, children, older
people and others who become victims of abuse.
• An act of Congress mandating the supremacy and controlling authority of the U.S.
Constitution and federal law and the constitutions and laws of the several states
and prohibiting federal courts from according any United Nations or foreign court
declaration, law or precedent any weight or authority greater than such federal
and state constitutional and statutory authority.
• Restricting the transfer of power and sovereignty from our United States
government to foreign powers and international organizations.
• A prompt and fair vote by the United States Senate on all judicial nominees by the
president, according to the Constitution, without a minority of senators
obstructing the process through the improper use of the filibuster.
• Prohibiting the further expansion of gambling within Missouri beyond that
already authorized.
• Strict enforcement of current laws on gambling.
• Zero tolerance for illegal drugs and those who make, sell and distribute illegal
drugs.
• Preserving and interpreting the Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment
to the United States Constitution, in the manner intended by the founding fathers.
• State law allowing law-abiding Missourians to carry concealed firearms and other
Second Amendment protections such as the Castle Doctrine and the protection of
those rights during emergencies.
• The strict enforcement of existing gun laws but not the creation of new and
unnecessary gun control laws.
• Limiting frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
• Limiting government’s ability to over-regulate ownership of all guns and
firearms.
• Efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to enhance the enforcement
of obscenity and decency standards on television and radio, and to increase the
punishments for violators.
• Swift judgment and sure and appropriate punishment of those who are guilty, with
limits on the number of appeals.
• Capital punishment where called for and administered in a fair and constitutional
manner with all protection afforded by judicial review but without protracted and
frivolous appeals.
• Greater latitude for law enforcement officials to use incriminating evidence in the
courts.
• Protection of individual liberties guaranteed under the Constitution.
• Creating a consistent standard for trying violent juvenile offenders as adults.
• Making records of violent juvenile offenders available to school and local
authorities.

Free Enterprise and Fiscal Responsibility

The people should be taxed only to the extent necessary to provide a balanced budget
funding the essential functions of government in a manner that is simple, equitable and
uniform. Missouri families can be trusted to know how to spend their money more
wisely than government. Free enterprise and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand.
Creating high quality, family-supporting jobs must be a priority for state government
while at all times keeping taxes low.

Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Governor Matt Blunt’s Internet-based Missouri Accountability Portal that
provides Missourians with up-to-date access to information about state spending.
• Balancing the federal and state budgets without increased taxes.
• Reducing the overall combined tax burden.
• Eliminating the Death Tax.
• Eliminating the Alternative Minimum Tax.
• Using technology and improved management principles to deliver the highest
quality of government services at the lowest possible cost.
• Maintaining the current moratorium on Internet taxation.
• Expanding job growth by tying job creation and wages to robust economic
development.
• Opening new markets for Missouri products.
• Reducing government regulation and restrictions that prevent the creation of jobs
and the growth of Missouri businesses.
• Making the 2001 federal tax cuts permanent.
• Revitalizing Missouri’s urban communities through policies that encourage the
creation of jobs and economic opportunities in those areas.
• Streamlining of government services and utilities to avoid duplication at the city,
county and state level.
• Continuing to streamline state government at all levels by eliminating fraud,
waste and abuse.
• Performance of government functions at the level of government closest to the
people that can most efficiently perform the task.
• Keeping and enforcing the Hancock Amendment and electing officials who
respect its goals and principles.
• Policies that encourage Missourians to save and invest for their futures and their
children’s futures.
• The English as the Official Language Amendment (HJR 7) that will be on the
November 2008 ballot. We urge the voters of Missouri to approve the English as
the Official Language Amendment.

Future

The future belongs to those who prepare for it. As Republicans, we firmly believe
America and Missouri's best and brightest days are ahead of us. We are optimistic about
the future, confident of our abilities to shape for each succeeding generation a nation and
state that are far better than we now enjoy.

Therefore, the Missouri Republican Party SUPPORTS:

• Continuing efforts to build on our accomplishments on behalf of hard-working
Missourians including our commitment to a fiscally responsible government that
rejects tax increases, creates jobs, supports increased funding for education,
believes in a health care system that best serves all Missourians, remains
committed to the sanctity of human life, provides for the security of our citizens,
and helps ensure that Missouri families grow and prosper.
• Electing Republicans at all levels of government to further our ideals, values,
ideas and goals of creating a strong, lasting and vibrant state and nation.
• Continuing and expanding a grassroots network of like-minded individuals
unparalleled in our state’s history who support our cause and will carry forward
our mantel for generations to come so that all Missourians will benefit from our
good work and vision.

These are the principles that unite us as a Party and for which we proudly stand. We
invite all who share our vision and optimism for a brighter future to join us. Our solemn
pledge to each other, to the United States of America we love so much and to the future
of the Great State of Missouri can be found in the American's Creed:

"WE BELIEVE in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the
people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a
democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation, of many sovereign states, a perfect union,
one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and
humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. We therefore
believe it is our duty to our country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws;
to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies."

The 2008 Missouri Republican Party Platform Committee

Sen. Delbert Scott, Chairman Susan Eckelkamp, Vice Chairman
Gary Black Chuck Caisley
Kimberleigh Fernandez Donna Kirby
Judy Moskoff Doug Russell
Kelly Swanson Harvey Tettlebaum
Judy Zakibe
Copyright 2008 Missouri Republican Party. All rights reserved.
Paid for by the Missouri Republican Party, Dick Peerson, Treasurer

Nevada Republican State Platform 2008 - 2010

Preamble:

We believe that government is instituted solely to secure the life, liberty and
property of the citizens of the country, that the Declaration of Independence defines
the philosophical foundation of the country, that the Constitution of the United
States is the basic law governing the existence and operation of the U.S. Federal
Government and the first ten amendments describe its limits, and, as Thomas
Jefferson said, that the government that governs least governs best.

Federalism & Limited Government

1. We support less government, less taxes, less regulation and more self
determination.

2. All legislation, Federal Agencies, and public servants must adhere to a literal
interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and as instructed by the Tenth Amendment,
in conjunction with Article I, Section 8.
Patriotism

3. We recognize the importance of the national values expressed by our flag,
anthem, pledge-of-allegiance and other patriotic symbols that define us as a nation
and we believe that the words, “in GOD we trust,” should remain on our currency
and the words “under God” should remain in our Pledge of Allegiance.
Taxes and Government Spending

4. We support reform of Social Security, including establishment of private
retirement accounts and prohibiting use of its funds for any other purpose. All
citizens shall have the right to opt out of the system, but the government must honor
its commitments to those who have paid, are legally in the U.S., and remain in the
system. We propose the abolishment of the Windfall Elimination Tax when
computing Social Security Benefits. We oppose Nationalization of Healthcare.

5. We urge the Nevada Legislature to cut spending and avoid new taxes to
encourage strong economic growth. We support the Nevada Constitutional
Requirement of a 2/3 majority legislative vote to raise state taxes. We support
balanced state, local and federal budgets. We oppose unfunded mandates, Riders,
Ear-marks and Set-asides at both the state and national level. We support the
permanent elimination of the Federal Death Tax.
The Economy

6. We support a strong private minerals industry. We support the Nevada Mining
Association endorsed reform of the 1872 mining law and strongly oppose any laws,
regulations, ordinances or any other legally binding actions that diminish the ability
of the minerals industry to discover and or access minerals and mine them.

7. Fires are increasing because of the lack of livestock grazing. Therefore, livestock
grazing shall be increased immediately on Federal Lands.
Education

8. We support a parent’s right to choice in education including vouchers, charter
schools, and home schooling. We also support the elimination of the U.S. Dept. of
Education. We further oppose requiring licensure for parents who choose to home
school. We support the elimination of the No Child Left Behind law and require the
State of Nevada to replace the No Child Left Behind concept.
Family Values

9. We affirm the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of each human
being from conception to death and oppose cloning complete human beings. We
support the private development of adult stem cell research and we support all
efforts to stop human trafficking. We support the definition of marriage as only
between one man and one woman.
The Environment

10. We support initiatives to maximize the development of America’s domestic oil,
gas, coal, solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear resources, and the development of
alternative sources of energy to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. We
support granting local government more authority in decision-making regarding
water rights within their jurisdiction
Legislation

11. We demand the repeal of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 and
reaffirm the right of free political speech. We support legislation to require full
disclosure of all donations made to political candidates.

12. We support the repeal of the Federal Reserve Act and the return of the power of
minting and coining money to the Congress of the United States as so stated in the
Constitution. In addition we demand a return to a gold and/or silver backed
currency as provided for in the U.S. Constitution.

13. We demand that electronic voting only be allowed when uniquely numbered
receipts are provided to the voter and results are made publicly available showing
simultaneously all votes comprising the total by receipt number.
The Litigation Crisis

14. We believe in informing juries that it is their power and duty to decide on both
the law and the facts as they apply to each case so that justice is the main priority.
We support election of judges.
Immigration

15. We welcome legal immigrants from all nations, cultures and races. We demand
strict enforcement of all immigration laws by all levels of government. We demand
that the federal government secure our borders. We do not support amnesty,
government benefits or other special treatment for aliens who have or will enter the
United States illegally. We support English as the official language of the United
States and the printing of government materials in English only.
National Defense and Veteran’s Affairs

16. We support all of our men and women in the military who are serving both in
the United States and around the world and the missions of all U.S. troops around
the world. Be they active duty, National Guard, or reservist, they have our highest
admiration and respect. We support honoring veterans with education benefits and
we support a strong Veterans Administration subject to strong oversight and audit,
to assure veterans and families receive the care and support as promised.
Constitution, Bill of Rights and Protection of Rights

17. We believe that the First Amendment to the Constitution was intended to
prevent a state-sponsored religion rather than a separation of God from public life.
We affirm that the Second Amendment protects an individual right that should be
enforced as strictly as the rights protected by the First Amendment.

18. We support repealing the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act. We
support repeal of the federal act requiring a national ID card or other required
identity papers providing government with “big brother” intrusion into
constitutional freedoms.
US Sovereignty & trade

19. We support the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations. We
demand that Nevada join Montana, Idaho, Utah and other states in opposing the
North American Union (NAU) in withdrawing from the Security & Prosperity
Partnership (SPP), withdrawing from North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) and that Congress resume their duty of regulating Commerce with
Foreign Nations.
Public Lands

20. We oppose Federal legislation regarding public lands including wilderness in
Nevada counties unless approved by the county.
END

Oklahoma Republican Party
Grassroots Platform 2007
CONTENTS
I. FAMILY
Preamble
Marriage, Children & Adoption
Healthcare
Right to Life & Medical Ethics
Elderly
Religious Freedom
General

II. EDUCATION
Preamble
Philosophy
Curriculum
Administration
Higher Education

III. STATE
Preamble
Crime and Punishment
Environment
State Agencies, Departments & Legislature
Economic Development
Insurance
Roads & Highways
Election Reform
General

IV. FEDERAL
Preamble
Defense
Foreign Policy
United Nations
Constitutional Issues
Social Security
Agriculture
Immigration
Election Reform
General

V. TAXES & BUDGET
Preamble
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Budget

VI. ADDENDUM

Republican Party
Commendations
Condolences

Thank you to the members of The Platform Committee who gave two long Saturdays to produce this document. Co-Chairmen Senator Randy Brogdon, Dwayne Woodruff, and Joy Mohorovicic
John Boydstrom
andra Hodges
Ken Sellers
Mary Jane Calvey
Ed Jantzen
Phillip W. Smith
arol Chouinard
Keith Kisling
Sherri Smith
Clifford Cleek
Carolyn Kusler
Rebecca Sossman
Benita Coffin
Cecil Kusler
Wanda Srader
Bobby J. Coffman
B.J. Mantooth
Gail Stice
Porter Davis
Ron Markhum
Amanda Teegarden
Craig Dawkins
Don Mason, Jr.
Margo Tims
Robert Donohoo
Dr. Carolyn McLarty
Betty Wichert
Joe Hanning
Beverly Mitchell
Cheryl Williams
Terrie Hanning
Oma Gay
Nichols William Crozier
Dwayne Heitzman
Anita Parks
Ted Seaman
Debra Henley
Marceline Piper
John Greening
Ada Hill
English Piper
Dr. George Kendall
Denis Pence
Cynthia McMains
Harry Hanes
Joan Hanes
George Cox
Lowell Lebvre
Bill Edmonson
Mary Edmonson
Warren Paxton
Sally Paxton

I. FAMILY Preamble: Traditional marriage, consisting of one man and one woman, is designed to provide each family member’s physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and social needs. Both parents are needed to support and encourage happiness, health, and a good education for their children, creating the next generation of citizens who are constructive members of society. Multi-generational families foster mutual respect and cooperation while providing support for extended family members and forming enduring relationships. We believe God is the Author and Creator of human life and that each individual should be treated with dignity and compassion. We insist that any candidate receiving money and/or support from the Republican Party shall affirm and promote the Pro-Life concept.

A. Marriage, Children and Adoption

1. We affirm the state’s recognition that marriage between one man and one woman is a covenant relationship, instituted by God, not to be entered into casually, and is fundamental to our very existence and survival as a nation.

2. We believe that the family is the cohesive element that maintains social order and protects individual rights. The duty and privilege of nurturing our young people belongs to parents and the traditional family. We support the right of parents to rear, educate, discipline, nurture and spiritually train their children without government interference. We also support those who choose the vocation of Homemaking.
3. We support tax policies, enactment of legislation and public assistance policies that encourage a commitment to traditional marriage and strong families.
4. We support Federal and State legislation, including a Constitutional Amendment, which prohibit recognition of same-gender marriages, civil unions or domestic partnerships.
5. We believe that in order to encourage and protect family values, those promoting homosexuality or other aberrant lifestyles should not be allowed to hold responsible positions over children or other vulnerable persons.
6. Children are a special gift from God and their safety and protection are paramount. We support strict adherence to due process of law during child abuse investigations. We oppose the immediate removal of children from responsible family members unless abuse allegations are confirmed or the child is in immediate danger.
7. We believe extended traditional family members should be eligible for foster care payments if a child is being placed in foster care.
8. We support holding Department of Human Services and other State agents accountable and provide for civil and criminal penalties when agents are negligent or abuse their authority.
9. We encourage an adoption process that recognizes the rights of parents while maintaining safeguards for the children. Except for adoption by a qualified relative (as defined by existing law), we support adoption only by traditional families.
10. We believe marriage should not be entered into casually and not be allowed to be dissolved easily. Therefore we call for states to repeal “no-fault” divorce statutes.
B. Right to life and Medical Ethics:
1. We believe in the sanctity and value of human life from conception through natural death. We oppose abortion (including the use of RU-486 or other abortion-inducing drugs and partial birth abortion), infanticide, euthanasia, mercy killings, embryonic stem-cell research, cloning and the funding of such by the government. We support a Constitutional Amendment protecting innocent human life.
2. No person shall have nourishment and/or water withheld, unless that individual has signed a written legal directive.
3. We recognize that learning of an unexpected pregnancy is a life-changing moment; therefore, we desire that a mother-to-be have sufficient time to explore all options regarding this new life. We recommend at least a 14-day waiting period for a woman considering an abortion. We also strongly support and recommend that she be provided with:
a. Time-informed consent,
b. Information identifying the developmental status of the unborn child,
c. At least one ultra-sound,
d. Evidence indicating that the unborn child can feel sensations of pain,
e. The psychological and medical risks associated with abortion, including the link between breast cancer and abortion, and
f. Information on services available to mothers who choose to carry their children to birth.
4. As long as the unsafe practice of abortion continues, we insist that abortion clinics be required to comply with the same medical and safety standards required of hospitals.
5. As long as abortion is available, we support enactment of legislation to require parental notification and authorization at least 14 days prior to a minor receiving an abortion.
6. We believe in the teaching of abstinence as the only 100% effective way of preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
7. We support parental notification before a minor is given birth control information and/or contraceptives.
8. We support the right of obstetrical and gynecology residency programs to refuse to provide abortion training, and the individual’s right to refuse to perform or assist in abortions. We also support the right of hospitals and doctors to refuse to provide abortions.
9. We support the right of pharmacists to choose not to dispense abortion-inducing drugs.
10. We support legislation that prohibits using any unborn child for the purpose of harvesting and/or any service related to the donation or purchase/sale of organs and tissue.
11. We support the enactment of laws banning embryonic/fetal stem cell research and encourage adult stem cell, amniotic stem cell, and/or umbilical cord blood stem cell research.
12. We do not support unethical scientific experimentation.
13. We oppose the manufacture of human life through the process of cloning.
C. Healthcare
1. We support the development of a truly market driven, evidence-based, health care delivery system that replaces the employer and governmental third party payment systems.
a. Personal responsibility and education about maintaining health should be part of the system.
b. Options should include Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and/or Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) that can be voluntarily contributed to by an employer and/or the State.
2. We support the patient-family-doctor relationship and oppose nationalized medicine (“Hillary-care”).
3. We oppose all federal regulation of nutritional supplements as well as all international treaties, which do the same.
4. We believe parents should receive complete information and must give informed consent prior to their child, or themselves, receiving any immunizations.
5. We oppose any mandate requiring school age girls to be vaccinated with Gardasil, a new vaccine against certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer. The new vaccine’s long-term risks and costs are not yet clarified.
6. We support privatization of the Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs.
7. We recognize the rising cost in our heath care system resulting from third party payments. Therefore, we commend Congress for creating workable Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
8. We support allowing individuals, private groups, and small businesses the freedom to form collective purchasing groups for the purpose of acquiring health insurance.
9. We support allowing individuals and small businesses the same healthcare tax breaks as that of large businesses.
D. Elderly and Vulnerable
1. To encourage family members to care for their loved ones, we support tax incentives that help alleviate costs. 2. We support financial policies that do not penalize the elderly who choose to marry.
3. We support strict standards, which preserve the dignity of the elderly and vulnerable when in a retirement or nursing home. 4. We support vigorous prosecution of those who financially exploit or otherwise abuse the elderly and/or vulnerable.
E. Religious Freedom
1. Our Founding Fathers based our Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and early laws on the Bible and traditional Judeo-Christian ethics and values. We believe these documents are the basis for law, order and behavior, allowing individuals, including government workers and officials, the freedom to involve God in all activities according to their consciences.
2. We believe the religion clause of the First Amendment was meant to protect individuals’freedom of religion, not remove religion from public life.
3. We oppose any government oversight, harassment, licensing, or taxation of religious institutions and their ministries.
4. We support retaining the religious significance of national holidays and the display of religious symbols in public places and oppose the removal of such.
5. We strongly support federal and state legislation to encourage and preserve inscriptions, in or on, public buildings, and on our currency, that have reference to God; such as “In God we trust.”
6. We strongly support retaining the phrase “One Nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.
F. General
1. For the unity of our nation, we strongly encourage and support the establishment of English as the official language.
2. We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexual preference or lifestyle choices.
3. We believe that homosexuality is not a genetic trait, but a chosen lifestyle.
4. We support limiting welfare benefits to only citizens of the United States and legal residents, including military service members and their dependents. We believe in a welfare policy that promotes family unity, hard work, and individual responsibility.
5. We support drug testing for any person applying for or receiving any type of government aid. If illegal drugs are found to be present, all government assistance should be terminated until that person is drug free for at least six months. We believe anyone who is an habitual illegal drug user should not receive any type of government aid.
6. We believe in welfare reform to help those truly in need. We support programs including faith-based organizations that promote traditional marriage, stabilize marriages, abstinence education, decrease out-of-wedlock births, and encourage responsible parenting.
7. We call for individuals, families, churches and private organizations to take responsibility in meeting the needs of the citizens of the community.
8. We encourage rigorous enforcement of all anti-pornography laws. Government agencies or tax-supported institutions, especially libraries and public schools, should not provide access to pornography.
9. We affirm the right of private associations to admit or deny membership based on what these associations’conscience dictates.
10. We recommend the FCC strictly enforce rules and regulations, currently governing indecency, within visual media and all of the broadcast industry to include swift, severe and expensive penalties upon all parties involved.
11. We support citizens being active watchdogs on media, giving positive and negative feedback on shows by letter writing, supporting and/or boycotting advertisers.
12. We believe that government should not fund any organization that opposes the ideas and principles contained in the Republican Platform.
13. We appreciate Republican leaders who recognize that the family is the basic ingredient for a stable and strong community, city, state and country.

II. EDUCATION Preamble: We acknowledge our dependence upon Almighty God and ask His blessings upon our students and their parents, teachers and nation. It is the right and responsibility of parents to direct their children’s upbringing and education whether public, private, charter, or home school, without interference, regulation or penalty from the government.
The primary goal of public schools should be to teach proficiency in the basic subjects of phonics-based reading, written and oral communication, mathematics, sciences, traditional history, founding documents and Godly heritage of our nation, and critical thinking skills.
Locally elected school boards should have the authority to determine and implement all public school curricula, policies and procedures for their districts. We demand excellence and accountability from all tax-funded institutions of education in Oklahoma. The federal government has no constitutional role in education; furthermore, we support the creation of a free market education system. We believe Oklahoma students are among the best and brightest and deserve a quality education.
A. Philosophy
1. The traditional family unit, consisting of a (husband) man, (wife) woman and child (ren), is the foundation of our social structure. The Oklahoma Department of Education and various Boards of Regents should uphold and teach this definition of traditional family at all levels of public and higher education.
2. Funding of School to Work in any form should be eliminated. Individuals should have the right to choose their own education and career. We oppose any tracking system, which presumes to know what is best for the individual and economy to predetermine the occupations of students.
3. Parents and legal guardians, not the government, have the right and responsibility to educate their children. We support a parent’s choice of schools, including, public, private, parochial, charter or home schooling. We believe all parents should be allowed to use their education tax dollars for their family’s choice of schooling by the use of vouchers and/or tax credits.
4. Parents should have a right to exempt their children from required school vaccinations for medical reasons, religious reasons, or other reasons of conscience.
5. Parents have a Constitutional right to home school their children. We oppose any and all regulation of home schooling.
6. We affirm the right of students and teachers to the free exercise of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment, including: the right to wear and display religious symbols, voluntary vocal prayer, optional Bible and religious study, religious expression, and equal access to use school facilities for these activities.
7. The American flag should be displayed in the classroom. Students should start the school classroom by reciting the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, and be taught the history of and respect for our American flag.
8. We support parental access to examine and evaluate in advance, educational, assessment, psychological, medical, physical, and all records pertaining to their children.
9. Student participation in any program or counseling should be based upon prior written parental consent, without repercussion (opt in vs. opt out). Notification to parents should be clear, simple and descriptive.
10. The Ten Commandments should be posted in all public schools as a means of moral guidance along with our national motto “In God We Trust” and the Bill of Rights.
11. We oppose the deliberate misuse of Standard English and the revision of American history.
12. We believe in high educational standards with a goal of academic literacy. Promotion and graduation for all students in Oklahoma should be for demonstrated academic achievement. A high school diploma should represent a 12th grade level of proficiency in basic subjects.
13. Public Schools shall promote the Judeo-Christian worldview upon which our country was founded. Public Schools shall be prohibited from promoting other worldviews such as, but not limited to secular Humanism, New Age philosophy, deep ecology, reincarnation, psychotherapy, channeling, transcendental meditation, altered states of consciousness or any occult practice.
14. Computer technology and calculators should only be used after basic math and reading proficiency are achieved in order to reinforce, not replace, the learning of basic skills.
15. The imposition of National curricula, aptitude testing, and teacher certification or education standards on any Oklahoma school is not acceptable.
16. The Federal Department of Education should be eliminated and its functions transferred to the states, local communities, and parents.
B. Curriculum
1. Basic school curricula should include reading, composition, literature, mathematics, science, history, and government. Reading shall include phonics instruction, and composition shall include grammar and spelling instruction. Fine arts, foreign language, and physical fitness should also be included in school curricula.
2. American heritage should be taught in public schools and include representative government, limited government, lives and beliefs of the founders, influence of the Bible and religion on our laws and principles, and the concept of free enterprise. Students should study directly from the primary founding documents, which teach the distribution of power among three branches of federal government and between federal and state government.
3. We support high morals and “Character Education” as legitimate elements of public school curricula.
4. Where evolution is taught, intelligent design must be taught as well. The differences between fact and theory shall be included in instruction.
5. Local school boards should exercise their right to choose curricula and textbooks without state limitations.
6. Parents must maintain the right and responsibility to educate their children regarding sexuality and sexual conduct. Neither classroom instruction nor school-based health services shall usurp parental rights to direct sex counseling or to dispense contraceptives.
7. Federally mandated AIDS education shall hold to the following guidelines:
a. Neither homosexual nor extramarital sexual activity shall be presented as safe, nor shall they be presented as morally or socially acceptable behaviors.
b. AIDS shall be presented as incurable and fatal.
c. Abstinence or lifetime fidelity shall be presented as the only safe sexual practices.
d. All materials and instruction shall be open to prior parental review (opt in vs. opt out)
8. Fully informed parental consent shall be required for any psychological, medical or pseudo-psychological techniques including “values clarification”, “self-esteem,” or other social/emotional concepts.
9. We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in public schools.
10. Criteria for high school graduation shall be at least equivalent to the level of knowledge required for naturalized citizenship.
11. Multiculturalism promotes cultural segregation and should not be taught. We respect different cultures and affirm that U.S. citizens of any race, creed, or culture are fully Americans, not hyphenated Americans.
12. English, the dominant language of our nation, should be the primary language taught in public schools with other languages offered as electives.
13. We support curriculum that promotes national sovereignty and oppose one world government and global citizenship.
14. We oppose any and all federally mandated program, such as No Child Left Behind.
C. Administration and Management
1. The State school funding formula should be simplified and made more understandable and equitable.
2. Open student transfer, with receiving school approval, should be implemented.
3. Public school teachers should have the right to refuse to financially support any organization incompatible with their personal beliefs, goals, or objectives as educators.
4. We oppose all un-funded mandates.
5. Teachers should not be coerced to adjust standards for any failing students, including athletes.
6. A positive competitive spirit in all public school activities, including athletics and academics, should be encouraged.
7. Compulsory education should continue to be applied only between the ages of 8 and 16, as set forth in the Oklahoma Constitution.
8. High school seniors should not be required to attend a full school day if they have otherwise satisfied graduation requirements. The district should receive a full day’s financial credit by the State Department of Education for those seniors.
9. The Teachers Retirement Fund should be actuarially funded with full public disclosure.
10. Extensive background checks of prospective school employees are necessary, with the right of local school boards to refuse employment to anyone.
11. Unions must be limited to negotiate wages and conditions of employment. We believe that organizations should be denied tax-exempt status and all federal funds since they are labor unions and lobbying bodies. Any administrator who discriminates against any employee who refuses to join a particular union shall forfeit their credentials and/or teaching certification in Oklahoma.
12. Teachers, school administrators and the local school board should work together to set and implement policies that give teachers the freedom and authority to lawfully maintain order and discipline.
13. We believe the practice of “mainstreaming” special needs students is a detriment to the optimal learning of most students in the public schools.
14. We call for enforcement of Oklahoma statutes that prohibit teachers from striking during the school year.
15. Efforts should be initiated to merge teaching resources and better utilize the technical and educational resources available. School administrations should be allocated based on enrollment.
16. Local school districts should be able to place year-end excess monies into an interest bearing account, to encourage fiscal responsibility; and they should not be penalized by the State Department of Education for doing so.
17. We support public independent auditing of all public schools and institutions of higher education in Oklahoma.
18. We oppose national teacher certification.
D. Higher Education
1. We support meaningful reform in the structure of our higher education system, including:
a. Evaluation of all programs and elimination or reform of substandard programs
b. Control of grade inflation
c. Accountability of administrators to include performance evaluation
d. Reform of the faculty tenure system
e. Budgeting tied to comprehensive planning process with increases in funding directly related to specific goals and objectives listing expected improvements
2. We believe state appropriated higher education funds should support state citizens only.
3. Federal and state grants and other aid for higher education should be applied consistently and fairly without regard to marital status.
4. Students should be able to use taxpayer-funded scholarships, grants or other financial aid to obtain a degree in the field of their choice, including religious studies.
5. There should be a required course in phonics for elementary teacher certification, as well as for certification at all levels of reading and language arts.
6. We support an amendment to the Whistleblowers Act to specifically include higher education institutions.
7. College students should have a Students Bill of Rights to ensure their due process rights are protected.
8. The federal education programs should be consolidated and placed under the administration and funding of the state.
9. We support strict adherence to the law that required the majority of the nine-member Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (OSU) be actively engaged in farming or ranching.
III. STATE Preamble:
We believe all persons are responsible and should be held accountable for their actions. We believe in open and honest government with minimal intrusion, providing protection for all citizens with fair and equitable treatment; law enforcement and justice. We realize without economic freedom there is no political freedom. We believe the greatest incentive for the creation of wealth lies in the respect for private property rights and the free enterprise system is the best and most efficient distribution of resources.
A. Crime and Punishment
1. We favor strict law enforcement and punishment for all crimes, including the use of the death penalty when appropriate.
2. We believe the criminal should make restitution for crimes. We believe taxpayer money should not be used for victim restitution.
3. We believe that the judicial process should be completed in a timely manner.
4. We support legislation that would eliminate the filing of frivolous lawsuits by incarcerated persons.
5. We oppose all hate crime laws.
B. Environment & Water
1. The responsible use of natural resources is essential for the benefit for future generations. We support environmental regulations that are based on sound science, that respect the rights of property owners, and that do not impose unreasonable burdens our state’s businesses.
2. We strongly oppose the State of Oklahoma selling water rights to out-of-state buyers. We strongly oppose the use of eminent domain for any out-of-state water sale.
3. We believe that a sustainable supply of water for a local area should be a priority before any permit is granted which would transfer water outside a local basin or aquifer area. Water is a natural resource, not a commodity, and should be protected for use by local residents, agriculture, and industry.
4. We believe that water permits should not allow the withdrawal of water in large volumes such that the private property rights of other landowners are infringed.
5. We believe the definition of hazardous waste should exclude animal waste.
6. We support the right of states to provide water for present and future use in the next 100 years within their borders by state residents before they can be appropriated or designated for use in other states.
C. State Agencies, Departments, Legislature
1. We believe in open and honest government in the Oklahoma Legislature, all legislative committees, and state and county agencies. We oppose any exemptions to the current Open Meetings and Open Records Act. We support providing an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings laws and with audit findings.
2. We support external annual performance and financial audits and public disclosure of all financial records of public institutions including trusts, authorities, libraries, community foundations, all state retirement funds and teacher retirement funds.
3. We support consolidation of all state retirement systems under the same authority using the same formula for and providing the same cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for all members.
4. We believe that all state-tribal compacts and agreements should require the approval of both chambers of the Legislature in addition to the ten-member Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations.
5. We support legislation rescinding Oklahoma’s previous calls for a U.S. constitutional convention.
6. We support the use of eminent domain only for public use and support excluding agricultural land from the definition of “blighted”. We oppose the use of eminent domain for private purposes or increased taxes.
7. We support the fundamental right to own and to enjoy our private property, and we oppose restrictions or losses of that right.
8. We support fair, just, and timely compensation for property owners when governmental regulations limit property use.
9. We support the protection of all public employees, including higher education employees, by the Whistle Blower Act.
10. We believe that it is the responsibility of individual legislators to read and to be knowledgeable of all pieces of legislation prior to voting. We believe that all bills should be limited to one issue.
11. We oppose the final passage of any legislation before the full text has been written.
12. We believe governmental agencies should not require from any citizen information that is not essential to the direct performance of the agency’s operation or mandate.
13. We believe that real property should be acquired by the state only with revenue from duly assessed taxes because donations increase the size of government and the tax burden on citizens who must maintain that property.
14. We believe recipients of public assistance funds should pass drug tests to qualify.
15. We demand all elected and appointed officials aggressively uncover, remedy and prosecute all waste, fraud and abuse in government.
16. Any law or bill that restricts access to public records to any office in the county courthouse shall be removed from the books.
17. We support animal identification programs only if they are voluntary.
D. Economic Development
1. We believe that Oklahoma’s efforts to attract industry should be grounded upon the establishment of a favorable and friendly economic climate rather than upon tax and other governmental subsidies to individual businesses.
2. We support corporate and business laws and regulations to encourage businesses and economic development while reflecting free market principals.
3. We support open competition in all industries to encourage economic development.
4. We support strengthening Oklahoma’s Workers’Compensation system to make it more business friendly while protecting the rights of Oklahoma workers.
E. Insurance
1. We oppose no-fault insurance.
2. We oppose market interference by the State Legislature in setting insurance premiums.
F. Transportation
1. Roads and highways are essential for sustainable economic growth and development; therefore we support efficient and necessary spending on our state's roads and bridges.
2. We support the elimination of toll roads.
3. We support legislation requiring that all state fuel taxes go to the Department of Transportation.
4. We support the state and its citizens maintaining control of all transportation infrastructures instead of selling or leasing control of that right to foreign entities or other states.
G. Election Reform
1. We encourage centrally located polling places in each precinct, in order to make them more accessible to voters.
2. We support the consolidation of election dates, in order to conserve state money and to increase voter participation
3. We support requiring the Bureau of Vital Statistics to report, in a timely manner, any deaths reported to them to all affected state and county agencies, especially county election boards.
4. We support requiring voters to present their government-issued photo ID and voter registration card before voting.
5. We support a requirement that each vote cast in all elections be documented by a paper or other physical record.
6. We support less restrictive ballot access for all political parties and candidates.
H. State General
1. We support the implementation of "sunset laws."
2. We believe that outdated and irrelevant statutes should be repealed, in keeping with the philosophy of smaller government.
3. We believe that the size of state government should be reduced, in order to allow people to do those things that people can do best for themselves.
4. We support the adoption of English as the official state language and that all official documents and forms be printed only in English.
5. We believe that Oklahoma should ratify a proposed Federal Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution promptly upon its submission to the states.
6. We support Workers Compensation reform. We believe that the present court system should be changed to an administrative system.
7. We believe that the Oklahoma driver’s license should be required to reveal enough facial features to provide positive photo identification.
8. We support the repeal of mandatory fingerprinting or other traceable biometric information, and we oppose the maintenance of a biometric database, in connection with an application for a driver’s license or government ID.
9. We believe Oklahoma should “opt out” of the National Real ID Act.
10. We support term limits for all elected officers to be twelve years, excluding those already defined to a lesser term. 11. We believe that the judiciary should apply the law, and should not make law or policy by fiat. We support a strong review process for sitting judges. 12. We oppose non-funded mandates by the State Legislature. 13. We support strong enforcement of state and federal laws dealing with illegal aliens. 14. We support tort lawsuit reform.
15. We support the Death Warranty Deed Bill that allows the transfer of real property upon an owner’s death. This provides for filing a simple form in the County Clerk’s office that can be changed at any time before the owner’s death by a new filing.
16. We support elimination of abstracting as a function of property transactions, giving all functions to title companies.
IV. FEDERAL
Preamble The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land and should be interpreted according to the original intent of the founding fathers. We call for reaffirmation of our God-given rights enumerated in the first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights. The Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches, separate but equal, are bound by the powers granted them by the Constitution, which limits the powers of the federal government and protects individual rights from illegal and excessive encroachment by the government. We support foreign policy that acknowledges the sovereignty of the United States and places the interests and values of its citizens above those of the United Nations or any international organization. We believe in a strong national defense and support for our military.
A. Defense
1. We support maintaining a strong national defense and advocate “peace through strength.”
2. We support President Bush in his vigorous execution of the war on Islamofacism and it use of terrorism, both foreign and domestic, including preemptive use of force when necessary, as a vital part of our national defense.
3. We support the continued effort to pursue and bring to justice terrorists and the entities that harbor or support them.
4. We believe that adequate research and development of new weapons and defense technologies, including anti-ballistic missile systems, are a vital part of a strong national defense and should be fully funded.
5. We believe defense initiatives should protect against threats from weapons of mass destruction.
6. We support improved pay, living conditions and educational opportunities for our armed forces to aid in retention and recruitment.
7. We support defense spending to provide clean and state-of-the-art facilities, quality training, and the best equipment and technology for our armed forces.
8. We oppose the erosion of our military’s readiness through:
a. “Gender-norming” for training and promotion.
b. Co-ed basic training and housing.
c. “Sensitivity training” that supports or promotes the homosexual lifestyle.
d. Openly practicing homosexuals serving in the military.
e. Women in combat.
9. We oppose re-instituting the draft unless Congress declares war.
10. We oppose the use of U.S. military troops where they would not be under the leadership of American commanders.
11. We support an increase in veterans and survivors benefits and support the expeditious fulfillment of the promises, written and implied, of those benefits.
12. We support the military’s unrestricted use of their training areas and, we oppose relinquishing strategically essential U.S. military facilities worldwide.
13. We support the goal of securing our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and the enhancement of national defense against espionage and terrorist activity while ensuring the protection of individual lives, property and rights.
14. We believe any learning institution that inhibits the normal operations of ROTC or military recruiters should be ineligible for government funding.
15. We assert that the oath of allegiance sworn by all U.S. military personnel shall be upheld under all circumstances; and furthermore, we assert that no other oath shall replace or amend it.
16. We support the freedom of military chaplains to provide religious services, including the name of Jesus.
17. We believe the military, under the command of the President, is the best judge of the policies and procedures requisite to the fulfillment of the military’s constitutionally mandated function, including defining rules of engagement.
B. Foreign Policy
1. We support the revocation of “Permanent Normal Trade Relations” status and oppose admission to the World Trade Organization for any country that is a security threat to the United States.
2. We should support Israel politically, economically, geographically and militarily.
3. We do not support the normalization of diplomatic or economic ties with Cuba until a representative government has been instituted there.
4. We oppose any compromise of national sovereignty by treaties or trade agreements.
5. We oppose the sale of dual-use technologies by U.S. corporations not only to designated terrorist nations, but also to antagonistic nations.
6. We oppose monetary foreign aid. Foreign aid should be in the form of credits to buy goods made in the United States.
7. We support the protection of American intellectual property rights including access to our patents.
8. We oppose the creation of a common currency for North, Central, and South America, other than the U.S. dollar as authorized and issued only by the United States.
9. We oppose foreign control over any ports or bases in or around the United States or the Panama Canal Zone.
10. We support policies that protect all U.S. allies.
11. We support the import of medication from other countries in order to lower the cost, if U.S. standards are enforced.
12. We support equal access to global markets, as concerns U.S. agricultural products and elimination of unfair limits.
13. We oppose excessive trade deficits that are a threat to our economic stability, and our government should stop using them as a geo-political tool as a form of foreign aid.
14. We oppose the construction of a Transcontinental Super Corridor Highway (also known as NAFTA superhighway), The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, and the creation of The North American Union.
C. United Nations
1. We believe that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and that no other laws will supersede it, including conventions and resolutions, rulings, mandates or any other laws or policies written by the United Nations or any other international organization.
2. We oppose relinquishment of our national sovereignty to the United Nations, and oppose the action of any international organization that would supersede the rights of a United States citizen or conscript their person or property in any fashion.
3. We believe the United States should withdraw from the United Nations.
4. We believe the United Nations should be held accountable financially, ethically, and morally or the United States should withdraw from the United Nations. The United Nations operations should be fair and unbiased.
5. We oppose the United Nations’treaty entitled the Rights of the Child.
6. We oppose the Law of Sea Treaty because it would turn 7/10ths of the earth’s surface over to the United Nations.
7. We support the present Constitutional requirement that the President be native born.
8. Our founding fathers based the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, Bill of Rights and early laws on traditional Judeo-Christian Bible, ethics and values. We believe these documents are the basis for law, order and behavior, allowing individuals, including government officials, the freedom to involve God in all activities according to their consciences.
9. We oppose the adoption of any United Nations sustainable Development “Agenda 21” initiatives into the governmental planning authorities, policies, or body of law of the United States of America.
D. Constitutional Issues
1. We affirm our right, under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, to exercise our freedom of speech including religious speech. We believe the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause was intended to prevent a state-sponsored religion, not to separate God from our government or to remove religion from public life.
2. We support an amendment to the Constitution that will limit the institution of marriage to one man and one woman, thus prohibiting persons of the same gender from establishing the bonds of marriage under the laws of any of the several states.
3. We support the right under the Second Amendment for Americans to keep and bear arms; therefore, we oppose any attempts, whether by law or regulation at any level of government, to restrict any law-abiding citizen’s right to keep and bear arms.
4. We support the repeal of the Brady Bill.
5. We oppose any legislation that would require the use of trigger or other locking devices on firearms.
6. We support legislation that will protect gun manufacturers and retailers from lawsuits attempting to hold the manufacturers liable for criminal misuse of guns.
7. We oppose the assault weapons ban and any efforts to register firearms.
8. We believe the United States Constitution empowers the judiciary to interpret law, not make law or create law through judicial activism.
9. We oppose the use of parliamentary procedure to avoid voting on the confirmation of any judicial nominee.
10. We support the Tenth Amendment that states “the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
11. We affirm the other provisions enumerated in the Bill of Rights, including the right to due process and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, nor should private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
12. We support, recommend and encourage the display of religious symbols, including the Ten Commandments in public places.
13. We support capital punishment.
14. We support the effort to amend 42 U.S. Code Section 1988 of the Civil Rights Act to rescind the authority of judges to award attorney fees in cases brought to remove or destroy religious symbols.
E. Social Security
1. We believe that Social Security and government pension funds should be used only for the original purpose for which they were intended and taken off budget.
2. We support heightened security to safeguard individual Social Security numbers.
3. We support efforts to reform Social Security that will enhance its long-term stability. Taxpayers should have more ownership and control over individual Social Security accounts, including a percentage of their Social Security tax in private investments.
4. We support repealing the 1993 Clinton tax on Social Security benefits.
5. We support the inclusion of the Legislative and Judicial Branches as part of the same Social Security program and the elimination of their current retirement programs.
6. We support the efforts to reform and privatize social security.
F. Agriculture WE SUPPORT:
1. The immediate implementation of country of origin labeling on all whole food and fiber products.
2. Further study of genetically modified food products and the effects on food supplies.
3 The use of U.S. agricultural products for foreign aid instead of money.
4. The immediate enforcement of the Anti-Trust Laws by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture that affect the livestock packer concentration issue (1929 Stackers & Packers Act).
5. Reducing fuel taxes, both federal and state for agricultural use.
6. The ban on the reopening of the Canadian border until all USDA guidelines are met.
7. The urging of Congress to stay out of the free trade pacts – NAFTA, CAFTA and FTAA – as they threaten our national sovereignty.
8. Animal waste should be labeled as non-hazardous waste.
9. An effort to promote homeland security and food safety, and we strongly support only products “born, raised, slaughtered, and processed” or “sprouted, harvested, grown and processed” in this country to receive a U.S. label. We support country of-origin labeling for all food products.
10. The continuation of the USDA inspection of facilities utilized to appropriately process foods. WE OPPOSE:
1. Self-audit legislation monitoring large-scale swine and poultry producers.
2. Overly restrictive regulation of carbon and particulate matter emissions in the agricultural industry.
3. Animals being granted legal rights in the same fashion as human beings.
4. Our continued participation in the World Trade Organization and urge Congress to withdraw from the WTO 63. Budget cuts for the fiscal year 2007 budget for actual farm program payments.
5. A Compulsory National Animal Identification System (NAIS) administered at any level of government.
WE RECOMMEND
1. That the USDA appropriations be divided to accurately show the percentage of money set aside for agriculture.
2. Enhancement funds, already appropriated, be used to promote the export of agricultural products.
G. Immigration
WE SUPPORT:
1. Legal immigration. We appreciate and cherish the immigrants who have entered the country legally and gained their citizenship through hard work, determination, and an appreciation of our way of life and form of government.
2. Strict enforcement of current laws on illegal immigration with punishment to the full extent of the law and adequately funding the agencies responsible for their enforcement.
3 Securing our borders against potential enemies of the United States due to terrorism and economic concerns.
4. Efforts to track legal aliens and secure our nation’s borders.
5. The principle that one must have at least one parent as a U.S. citizen in order to be granted birthright citizenship.
6. A strictly regulated and enforced guest worker program.
7. Providing for asset forfeiture of unlawful aliens.
8. The method for determining the number of immigrants and temporary visa holders allowed in the United States should be revised to prevent an adverse effect on our national security, wages, housing the environment, medical care or schools, and that immigration preference be given to those possessing skills needed by our country.
WE OPPOSE:
1. Reconsideration of the amnesty issue known as “earned legalization”.
2. Illegal aliens being given the same rights as legal immigrants and U. S. Citizens, including entitlements, such as social security, health, education and earned income tax credits - even if they or their children have work or student status.
3. Non-citizens having the right to vote.
4. We oppose any amnesty or guest worker policy that does not require those individuals currently in the United States illegally to return to their native country. We further oppose a “path to citizenship that would grant citizenship to illegal aliens faster than to immigrants who have come to the United States through traditional, legal means.
H. Election Reform
WE SUPPORT:
1. Continuation of the Electoral College as prescribed by the U. S. Constitution.
2. Repeal of the Motor Voter Act.
3. Requiring the use of a government issued ID at polling places.
4. Stricter penalties for voter fraud.
5. Repeal of the bipartisan McCain/Feingold Campaign Reform Act.
6. Strict verification of voter eligibility when registering.
7. Adoption of Oklahoma’s voting system nationwide.
8. A call for the full disclosure, by political entities, of the sources of their funding.
WE OPPOSE:
1. Broadcast of projected and/or actual election results before all the polls have closed.
2. Same-day-voter-registration and postcard registrations due to the fact that these laws open the door to voter fraud and should be prohibited.
3. Campaign finance laws that restrict our First Amendment right to freedom of speech by excessively limiting private contributions and resources.
4. Voting via the Internet.
I. Federal General
WE SUPPORT:
1. Reduction of government red tape and regulations.
2. Elimination of government funding for the Public Broadcasting System, the National Endowment for the Arts, and National Public Radio. We believe they are fully capable of sustaining themselves in today's market and should be denied tax-exempt status.
3. Free, open and fair markets.
4. New national vision for space exploration, which expands the boundaries of our scientific knowledge, as well as increased funding or new technologies and new transportation systems to accomplish our goals,
5. Review and overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.
6. Abolishment of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Its powers, responsibilities, and authorities should be distributed to state policing agencies.
7. Abolishment of the Office of the Surgeon General.
8. Review and overhaul of the Environmental Protection Agency.
9. Review and overhaul of the Federal Department of Labor.
10. Abolishment of the federal minimum wage.
11. Repeal of federal legislation that requires paying prevailing union wages on government contracts.
12. Protection of public and private sector employee "whistle-blowers".
13. The Bush administration's enforcement of the Supreme Court's decision in "Communications Workers of America vs. Beck" regarding the refunding of union dues used for partisan political activity.
14. A constitutional amendment setting term limits for the U.S. Congress.
15. Equal rights and opportunity for all. Therefore, we believe affirmative action is more harmful, than beneficial.
16. The right of private associations to admit or deny membership based on what each association’s conscience dictates.
17. All crimes are wrong and shall be prosecuted accordingly regardless of race, color or creed of the victims or the accused. We therefore support the abolishment of „hate crimes’law, because by nature they are an infringement of conscience.
18. A Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to affirm legal protection for the unborn child.
19. Congress passing The English Language Act, which would make English our official language in the United States. We urge our congressional delegation to co-sponsor this bill.
20. Constitutional Amendment providing for appropriate line-item veto power for the President.
21. Passing a National Right-To-Work law.
22. Implementation of "sunset laws", "zero-based budgeting", and performance audits to require justification for government programs.
23. Severely restricting travel of governmental employees.
24. Opposition to the implementation of a "national identification card" for U.S. citizens.
25. Keeping the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. Currency and support leaving “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance.
26. Tort reform.
27. President Bush’s decision to allow federal funding for limited embryonic stem cell research only on existing lines.
28. The appointment of federal judges who will interpret the U.S. Constitution according to the intent of the Framers rather than create law through judicial activism. We encourage the Congress to use appropriate constitutional action to discourage judicial activism.
29. Limiting the expansion of new lands in tribal trust.
30. Stricter penalties for the use of stun guns in the execution of criminal acts.
31. Reform of welfare and any other federal/state entitlement programs to help those who are truly incapable of self support, and the removal of those who do not qualify.
32. A requirement for all able-bodied welfare recipients to work for the private sector or a government generated job.
33. Restoration of the policy allowing Scout Troops to meet on military bases.
34. Creation and enactment of a national energy policy to reduce dependence on foreign sources. We believe dependence on foreign energy sources is a national security issue.
35. The complete accounting of all MIAs and POWs that were engaged in military actions by the United States.
36. Development of domestic resources, renewable fuels, and research for alternative energy sources.
37. Reasonable expansion of oil and gas exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and in offshore areas where it is currently prohibited. We believe that the federal government should work to ease restrictions in the search for natural resources.
38. The expansion of oil and gas refining facilities.
39. That Congress should impeach all justices – including Supreme Court Justices – who step beyond the boundaries originally intended in our founding documents,
40. The process of habeas corpus for legal U.S. Citizens and oppose any part of any legislation which abrogates it.
41. Repeal the 16th Amendment, elimination of the IRS, lower federal spending, and an equitable low-rate consumption tax in place of the income tax.
42. The right of states to provide water for the present and future use in the next 100 years within their borders before water can be appropriated or designated for use in other states.
43. The repeal of Sarbanes-Oxley Law.
44. For the security of our nation, we strongly encourage and support the establishment of English as the official language, which nullifies Executive Order 13166, which forces many documents to accommodate foreign translations, which are unnecessary.
WE BELIEVE:
1. The government should be required to operate within a true and accurate balanced budget with the elimination of earmarks.
2. And support the government’s use of faith-based organizations and support a return of tax dollars to citizens so they can support the organization’s work.
3. That all official business at all levels of government be conducted and printed only in English, our nation's common language.
4. That legislation should come from legislative bodies and not the judiciary or regulatory agencies.
5. That former federal legislators should be restricted from working as lobbyists for a period of seven years following their last legislative term.
6. That whereas, Native Americans have been granted rights and privileges not afforded to other U.S. Citizens, we encourage our government to reconsider such special rights and privileges to make such more equitable with other citizens of the U.S.
7. The 911 commission’s investigation was concluded prematurely and should be re-opened.
8. That all governmentally mandated manuscripts should only be published in the official language of the U.S.
9. That the individual right of property supersedes the governmental prerogative of eminent domain.
10. That the constitution provides for a clear and distinct separation of powers amongst the three braches of government and any governmental action that tends to promote or allow one branch of government to practice the power or powers of the other branches of government is a violation of the limits placed on government by the people,
11. Individuals, families, churches, and private organizations should take responsibility in meeting the needs of the citizens of the community.
12. That while all crimes are abhorrent, any definition of a “hate crime” or harsher penalties based on those definitions are by their nature an infringement of the right of conscience guaranteed by the First Amendment.
WE OPPOSE:
1. Discrimination based on race, creed, disability or gender.
2. Socialized medicine.
3. The Kyoto Accord Treaty.
4. All congressional pay increases until the federal budget is balanced.
5. Statehood for the District of Columbia and allowing its representative a vote in Congress.
6. The vote of Congressman Boren against the so-called “troop surge.”
V. TAXES & BUDGET
Preamble
Because we as Republicans support the concept of private property, we view existing wealth and all income as belonging to the individuals and organizations that rightfully gained such property. Taxes are only valid where they provide for legitimate government functions, where they are the least amount necessary, where they are equitably derived, and where government agencies are hold to strict accountability for the efficient use of these funds. We urge government at all levels to lower taxes to stimulate economic growth. We support the promotion of free enterprise with minimal government intervention. We oppose double taxation such as the estate tax and any tax increases, fee increases, lottery or other revenue raising schemes to balance the budget. Federal, state and local budgets should be balanced by decreasing spending, eliminating fraud and duplication of services.
A. Federal, State and Local Budgets WE SUPPORT:
1. Requiring a balanced federal budget except in times of declared emergencies and progress toward reducing the national debt.
2. Reviewing of all federal, state, and local programs, the end to any found to be non-performing or consolidation of those found to be duplicative and as well as those inconsistent with the constitutions.
3. Reform of the congressional budget process that is out of control and laden with earmarks and other “pork barrel” spending.
4. Zero-based budgeting with transparency in government spending.
WE OPPOSE:
1. Any increase in the state fuel tax.
In order to reduce the burden placed on taxpayers from all levels of government
WE SUPPORT:
1. Reduction or elimination of taxes by federal or state governments that are returned at a lesser value because of waste, overhead, inefficiency, and bureaucracy.
2. Tax policies that promote personal savings.
3. Making retirement pensions, benefits, and savings tax-free to encourage financial independence and personal responsibility.
B. Federal Taxes WE SUPPORT:
1. Consideration of a more equitable form of taxation such as the Fair Tax Act (HR 25) and the repeal of the 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution that instituted the income tax.
2. Eliminating the marriage penalty, Capital Gains taxes, the Alternative Minimum Tax and double-taxation of dividends.
3. Tax and economic policies that encourage policies that encourage industry and agriculture to remain located in and expand n the United States of America.
4. Tax-Free and fee-free access to the Internet.
5. A 60% majority vote by Congress to increase taxes except for defense spending in time of declared war.
6. Making recent federal tax cuts permanent.
7. Changing the $3 donation check-off to the presidential campaign fund on the Federal income tax forms such that those who check this actually pay the $3.
8. Total deductibility of non-elective heath-care costs.
C. State Taxes WE SUPPORT:
1. Increasing the Homestead exemption to at least $5000.
2. Full funding for the liability of the Oklahoma Teacher’s Retirement Fund.
3. Eliminating taxes on qualified retirement plans.
4. Use of all vehicle fuel taxes and license fees for repair and maintenance of roads and bridges, as those taxes were originally authorized. Any tax or fee set up for a particular purpose should be used solely for that purpose or should be repealed.
5. Repeal of Title19, Section 6A in Oklahoma Statutes that ties ad valorum taxes to the compensation of elected or appointed officials and their employees.
6. Lowering or removing the state sales tax on food.
7. Both Senate Joint Resolution 11, the Stop Over Spending (SOS) initiative and Senate Bill 1 the Taxpayer Transparency Act, in light of its inability to rein in spending habits.
8. Simplification of the Oklahoma state income tax code, gradually eliminating it.
WE OPPOSE:
1. Reduction of the 12% penalties for late payments from oil and gas operations to royalty owners.
2. State tax on business inventory and fixed assets.
3. De-facto annual increase in assessed valuation of real estate.
VI. ADDENDUM A. Republican Party
1. In order to strengthen grassroots involvements in elections, we encourage State and County GOP organizations to consistently notify local media in advance of precinct meetings and to post caucus locations and times on the internet.
2. We encourage all Political Action Committees (PACs) controlled by elected officials to remain neutral in candidate recruitment and in all Republican Primary races.
3. We believe that grassroots reform begins with governance at the local level; therefore we urge counties to recruit and support Republicans for county and city offices in the courthouse and local governments throughout the state.
B. Commendations
1. We commend all of the women and men serving in the United States Armed Forces for defending our country.
2. We commend United States Senator Tom Coburn for truth and clarity, using values and common sense and providing statesmanlike leadership in our nation’s capitol.
C. Condolences
1. We express our condolences to the families and friends of those members of the Armed Forces who have given their lives to help guarantee the freedom of our nation and Americans around the world.

TEXAS 2008 STATE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM
PLATFORM COMMITTEE

PREAMBLE

PRINCIPLES

LOCAL AND STATE PRIORITIES

PRESERVING AMERICAN FREEDOM

LIMITING THE EXPANSE OF GOVERNMENT POWER

Limited Federal Powers

Constitutional Citations on Legislation

Law Enforcement

Preserving National Security

Patriot Act

Continuity of Government

Emergency War Powers

Elimination of Executive Orders

Inter-jurisdictional Agreements

Puerto Rico

Washington D.C

Census

Preservation of Republican Form of Government

Germane Contents Requirement

Constitutional Convention

Affirmative Action

Reparations

Annexation

Property Forfeiture

Eminent Domain

Homestead Protection

Environment, Property Ownership, and Natural Resources

Livestock and Pet Locations

Free Speech for the Clergy

Government Regulation of Religious Institutions

Restore Constitutional Integrity in the Legislative Process

REFORMING THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Direct Election of State Judges

Visiting Judges

Jury Reform

Qualified Juror Service

Administrative Justice

Judicial Restraint

Remedies to Activist Judiciary

Judicial Nominees

State Bar Requirements

Statutory Authority for Regulation

RESTORING INTEGRITY TO OUR ELECTIONS

Protecting Union Member’s Dues

Candidate Eligibility

Voter Registration

Electoral College

Voting Rights

Felon Voting

Protecting Active Military Personnel’s Right to Filing Date for Primary Election
Fair Election Procedures

Residency Requirements

Water Districts

Campaign Finance Reform

Enforcing the Platform

Platform/Legislation

Conflicts of Interest

Lobbying Limitation

Legislative Accountability

AWOL Legislators

Governor’s Veto

Public Integrity Unit

Term Limits

Filibuster

Rosebush-Blocker Rule

November Election

HONORING THE SYMBOLS OF OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE

Ten Commandments

Pledge of Allegiance

American English

Flag Desecration

Symbols of American Heritage

Confederate Widows Plaque

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES, PROTECTING LIFE AND PROMOTING HEALTH

CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

Family and Defense of Marriage

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage Licenses

Homosexuality

Texas Sodomy Statutes

Pornography

Ethics in Broadcasting

PROTECTING INNOCENT HUMAN LIFE

Party Candidates and the Platform on Protecting Innocent Human Life

Partial Birth Abortion

Right To Life

Choose Life

Parental Consent

Protection of Women’s Health

Alternatives to Abortion

RU 486

Morning After Pill

Gestational Contracts

Unborn Child Pain Protection

Unborn Victims of Violence Legislation

Abortion Clinics

Abortion Requirements for Hospitals

Conscience Clause

Fetal Tissue Harvesting

Stem Cell Research

Human Cloning

Patient Protection

Gene Manufacturing

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Age of Consent

Child Care

Child Support and Visitation

Adoption

Foster Care

ASSISTING FAMILIES TO SELF SUFFICIENCY

Welfare Reform

DFPS Accountability

Social Security

Government–Sponsored Gambling

Caring for Our Mentally Disabled Citizens

EMPOWERING FAMILIES TO DIRECT THEIR HEALTH CARE

Health Care Choice

Competition in Healthcare

Health Care and Nutritional Supplements

Texas Medical Board

AIDS / HIV

Americans with Disabilities Act

Immunizations

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN

Parental Rights in Education

Local Control

State Board of Education

Textbooks and Curricula

Parental School Choice

Funding of Education

Transparency

U.S. Department of Education

No Child Left Behind

Private Education

Juvenile Daytime Curfew

Government Regulation of Religious Institutions

Sex Education

Early Childhood Development

Children with Special Needs

Classroom Discipline

Support for Classroom Teachers

Traditional Principles in Education

Multiculturalism

Basic Standards

Social Promotion

Knowledge-Based Education

School Surveys and Testing

Bilingual Education

Educational Entitlement

Religious Freedom in Public Schools

Theories of Origin

Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools

Higher Education

College Tuition

Public Higher Education Accountability

Gambling and Education

School Health Care

School District Lawsuits

PROMOTING INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM AND PERSONAL SAFETY

INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM

Right To Keep and Bear Arms

Freedom of Access Act

Judeo-Christian Nation

Safeguarding Our Religious Liberties

Religious Institutions

Faith-Based Opportunities

Electronic Privacy

Personal Confidentiality

Equality of All Citizens

Boy Scouts of America

PROTECTING CITIZENS FROM CRIME

Prison Reform

Sentencing Reform

Crime Shouldn’t Pay

Capital Punishment

Juvenile Justice

Child Abuse

Unborn Victims of Violence

Sexual Assault

Addictive Behaviors

Property Seizure Without Due Process

Speed Limits

STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY

GOVERNMENT SPENDING

Fiscal Responsibility

Unfunded Mandates

Downsizing the Federal Government

Balanced Budget

Government Services

Waste and Fraud in Government Contracts

Congressional Retirement System

Congressional Pay Raises

Faith-Based Charities

Repeal of Fee Award Act

Corporate Welfare/Business Subsidies

Sunset Laws

Government Lobbying

Budget And Appropriations Process

Earmarks

Rural and Volunteer Fire Departments

TAX BURDEN

Federal Tax Reform

Tax Deduction for Private and Home school

Maintain Home Mortgage Deduction

Permanent Tax Cuts

Telecommunications

State Tax Reform

Revised Franchise Tax

Sales Tax and Tax Visibility

Property Taxes

Appraisal Cap

Internet Taxation

Tolls on Existing Roads

Global Warming

UNITED STATES ENERGY STRATEGY

United States Energy Strategy

Alternative Energy Sources

Clean Energy

BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY

Frivolous Lawsuits

Usury Laws

Right-to-Work

Small Business

Workers’ Compensation

Minimum Wage

Prevailing Wage Law

Incentives for Retention of Domestic Operations

RESTORING AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY AND LEADERSHIP

DOMESTIC

S.A.V.E. U.S.A.

Border Security

Civil Defense

Federalization of Police

Foreign Military Bases on American Soil

Foreign Control of US Interests

Homeland Security

National Defense

Legal Immigration

Illegal Immigration

Enforcement of Immigration Law

Birthright Citizenship

NASA

Support of Our Armed Forces

Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) and the North American Union

Trans-Texas Corridor

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Foreign Policy

MIA’s and POW’s

China

Cuba

Taiwan

War on Terror

Israel

Hamas

Iraq

Iran

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Kashmir

One World Government Organizations

International Monetary Fund

International Trade

Import Restrictions

American Patent Rights

Sudan

United Nations

2008 STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM
PLATFORM COMMITTEE

Kirk Overbey, Chairman SD 8 Candace Noble SD 16 Elizabeth Case SD 24 Johnnie B. Rogers SD 1 Pat Smith SD 9 Elaine Cook SD 17 Rick Miller SD 25 Mark Dorazio
SD 2 Pam Derr SD 10 Kyleen Wright SD 18 Richard J. Whitmore II SD 26 Grace Fernandez SD 3 Donald Baum SD 11 Kathy Rogers SD 19 Art Martinez de Vara SD 27 Patricia Garza SD 4 Tony Sims SD 12 Paul Stockard SD 20 Richard Moore SD 28 Mallory Miller SD 5 Malcolm Green SD 13 Matthew Cowan SD 21 Gale Sayers SD 29 Malcolm McGregor SD 6 Brian Bishop SD 14 Larry Garner SD 22 Jeb Leutwyler SD 30 Deon Starnes SD 7 Fran Jolly, Secretary SD 15 Nelda Eppes SD 23 Ed Hickson SD 31 Skip Huskey

PREAMBLE

Throughout the world people dare to dream of freedom, of opportunity, of a beautiful country in which to grow, to raise their family, to worship God in their own way without fear. The embodiment of the Conservative Dream in America is Texas. Our Texas. It is we who strive to protect our culture from destruction, our children from predators, and our dear country from those who would waste it. It is we who preserve the embattled conservativetraditions that have made our nation the greatest in history. It is we who have upheld human dignity and opposed buying or selling of human life in slavery or in test tubes. We know that free people and free markets can solve the challenges that plague or threaten all Americans.

We are the party of ideas, of innovation, the party of the Information Age. We are the bottom-to-top party of the people, not the top-to-bottom party of the state.

We are the Republican Party of Texas. We offer specific, concrete, creative yet prudent change. God bless Texas and God bless America.

We respectfully submit that the grass roots of this Party have properly written its platform, with ideas and planks drawn from neighborhood precincts across our State. This platform is indeed the heart and soul of our Party. We encourage all Republican candidates and officeholders to champion these critical issues clearly and forthrightly before the people of Texas and America.

We thank our officeholders for already putting into law the following former plans: Jessica’s Law; Seat Belts for School Buses; the Defense of Marriage Act; the banning of most government funding of human embryo stem cell harvesting; and giving school districts the ability to pool insurance.

PRINCIPLES

1. We respect and cherish the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and our Founders’ intent to restrict the power of the federal government over the states and the people. We believe self-government, based on personal integrity of a proper moral foundation, is the best government. This is best balanced with limited civil government, coupled with public trust, to provide collectively for the people those services not efficiently achieved individually.

2. We believe that human life is sacred, created in the image of God. Life begins at the moment of fertilization and ends at the point of natural death. All innocent human life must be protected.

3. We believe that good government is based on the individual, and each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized. We believe equal opportunity is a right and a privilege but equal outcome is not. We insist that no one’s rights are negotiable and that individual freedom demands personal responsibility.

4. We believe that government spending is out of control and needs to be reduced. We support fundamental, immediate tax reform that is simple, fair, and fully disclosed.

5. We believe that traditional marriage is a legal and moral commitment between a natural man and a natural woman. We recognize that the family is the foundational unit of a healthy society and consists of those related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property,

6. We believe that a well-educated population is fundamental to the continued success of our Republic; and that parents have the right, as well as the duty, to direct their children’s education. This right should include choices among public, private, home and religious schools. Competition improves education.

7. We believe that the future of our country depends upon a strong and vibrant private sector unencumbered by excessive government regulation.

8. We believe that a strong America ensures a free America. While we recognize that our nation is the primary leader in the global community, we must also vigorously protect the sovereignty of the United States.

9. We believe in peace through strength. We take a principled stand to preemptively defend the citizens of the United States against all foes, foreign or domestic, whose goal is to destroy our American way of life. Freedom is never free, and we honor all those who have served our nation to protect our liberty, especially our men and women in uniform, who unselfishly and courageously defend our country.

10. We believe all Americans have the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities. We support enforcement of the laws through the Courts imposing swift and sure justice with stiff penalties, truth in sentencing, and respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens, while opposing judicial activism.

LOCAL AND STATE PRIORITIES

Over the next two years, the Republican Party of Texas encourages its officeholders and grassroots to work towards enacting the following:

• Promote adult stem cell research with public funds, and prohibit public funds for research that destroys human embryos.

• No Mandates Without Funding – reduce the indigent healthcare burden for counties and local government.
• Truth in Sentencing – fully inform juries as to the actual length of the sentence.
• Judicial Sentencing – empower our judges to assign punishment in felony cases.
• Law enforcement should make Child and Sex Abuse and Methamphetamine Drug Manufacturing their top priority. Stricter sentencing for Methamphetamine traffickers is needed.
• Protect the authority of the State Board of Education to manage the Permanent School Fund and control textbook content; expand the cap on charter schools; and remove funding for bilingual education.
• Abolish the School Property tax – we can fully fund public schools using surplus revenue, existing budget resources, consumption taxes, and funds released by cutting unnecessary expenditures.

PRESERVING AMERICAN FREEDOM
LIMITING THE EXPANSE OF GOVERNMENT POWER

Limited Federal Powers – We support state sovereignty reserved under the Tenth Amendment and oppose mandates beyond the scope of federal authority. We further support abolition of federal agencies involved in activities not originally delegated to the federal government under a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Constitutional Citations on Legislation – We urge that all bills presented in Congress include citations to the authorizing constitutional provision, cost to implement, and impact on the family.

Law Enforcement – We:• Support limitation of criminal jurisdiction of federal law-enforcement agencies in accordance with Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution.

• Understand most crime is local, and the states, reserve law enforcement authority under the Tenth Amendment.
• Oppose expansion of federal law-enforcement authority and use of military against citizens.

Preserving National Security – We believe terrorism is the greatest threat to international peace and to our safety. We urge our national leadership to protect our Constitutional rights and swiftly wage successful war on terrorists; to eliminate aid to any nation threatening us or aiding terrorists or hostile nations; to spell out consequences for terrorist activities and to publicly support other nations fighting terrorists; to reasonably use profiling to protect us; to prosecute national security breaches; and to revise laws or executive orders that erode our essential liberties. Patriot Act - We urge review and revision of those portions of the USA Patriot Act, and related executive and military orders and directives that erode constitutional rights and essential liberties of citizens.

Continuity of Government – We oppose appointing members of Congress to fill large vacancies, depriving our right to elect our own representatives.

Emergency War Powers – We charge the President to cancel the state of national emergency and charge Congress to repeal the War Powers Act and end our declared state of emergency.

Elimination of Executive Orders – We demand elimination of presidential authority to issue executive orders and other mandates lacking congressional approval, as well as repeal of all previous executive orders and mandates.

Inter-jurisdictional Agreements – We oppose inter-jurisdictional agreements with any state that prevent the Governor from controlling the military, police, other emergency management personnel, and State of Texas resources. We call for repeal of all such measures.

Puerto Rico – We urge Congress to call for a vote in Puerto Rico to decide between statehood and independence.

Washington D.C. - We strongly oppose making the District of Columbia a state.

Census – We oppose the Census Bureau’s obtaining data beyond the number of citizens residing in a dwelling, and we oppose statistical sampling adjustments in the “mid-decade” census. We urge that U.S. citizens who, because of religion or conscience, are compelled to withhold their full response to any census question, be held guiltless.

Preservation of Republican Form of Government – We support our republican form of government in Texas and oppose Initiative and Referendum.

Germane Contents Requirement - All language in any bill must be germane to the title of the act.

Constitutional Convention – We oppose any constitutional convention to rewrite the United States Constitution. We demand the Legislature rescind its 1977 call for such a convention. We call upon other states to rescind their votes for such a convention.

Affirmative Action – Inasmuch as the Civil Rights Movement argued against using race as a factor in American life, affirmative action reintroduces race as a powerful force in American life. The Republican Party of Texas believes in equal opportunity for all American citizens without regard to race or gender. To that end, we oppose affirmative action because:
1. We believe it is simply racism disguised as a social virtue.
2. We believe that policies that lower standards on the basis of race or gender create a disincentive to excellence and thereby encourage mediocrity.
3. We believe that rights belong to people – not groups; therefore, we reject the notion of group-rights and policies that grant preferences based on race or gender. Policies of this type apply a blanket remedy before specific acts of discrimination are proven; thus, such policies compound one injustice with another.
4. Affirmative action falsely casts those who advocate merit as racist.
5. Affirmative action casts doubt on minority achievement making such achievement as seemingly unearned. We believe that true minority
advancement will come from a demand for personal responsibility, accountability and competitive excellence.

Reparations - We oppose any form of reparation based on discriminatory criteria.
Annexation – All parties in annexation proceedings should be guaranteed these referenda: Residents of an area to be annexed may vote on annexation, and voters of the jurisdiction proposing annexation must authorize the proposal.

Property Forfeiture – We support strengthening present restrictions on use of civil forfeiture laws and assessing penalties to reimburse injured parties for costs accrued if property is returned to its original owner.

Eminent Domain – We support limiting the definition of eminent domain to exclude seizing private property for public or private economic development or for increased tax revenues. Taking of property should result in immediate compensation to the owner.

Homestead Protection - We support continuance of Texas’ homestead protection.
Environment, Property Ownership, and Natural Resources – We reaffirm our belief in the constitutional concept of the right to own property without governmental interference. We believe that property ownership is the source of the nation’s wealth; free enterprise forms the foundation of our collective wealth; local stewardship of our natural resources is best; sound science trumps politically correct science; groundwater is a vested ownership right; the state should not abridge or deny our inalienable property and mineral rights; in state control of state resources; in opposing nationalization of lands and watersheds; in opposing conservation easements on our natural resources administered by organizations unaccountable to voters; in opposing vast acquisition of Texas land by government agencies to protect endangered species; in allowing states to consider costs when comparing emission control techniques; in election of the Texas

Commission on Environmental Quality chairman; and in eliminating the Endangered Species Act.

Livestock and Pet Locations - We oppose a mandatory national animal identification system requiring registration of all animals, of animal owners and their properties, including GPS coordinates. We urge repeal of HB 1361.

Free Speech for the Clergy – We urge change of the Internal Revenue Code to allow a religious organization to address issues without fear losing its tax-exempt status. We call for repeal of requirements that religious organizations send government any personal information about their contributors.

Government Regulation of Religious Institutions – The state should have no power over licensing or training of clergy. The State should withdraw all imposed regulations. Restore Constitutional Integrity in the Legislative Process – We call upon the U.S. congress to pass legislation to restore Constitutional integrity in the legislative process demanding Single Issue Legislation that prohibits the current practice of inserting into otherwise unrelated legitimate legislation funding for or federal regulations for special interest issues into virtually every piece of legislation.

REFORMING THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Direct Election of State Judges – We support our right to select our judges by direct vote.

Visiting Judges – We support legislation prohibiting judges defeated by the electorate from serving as visiting judges, or acting as judges in any capacity, until such time they are reinstated by the electorate through a subsequent election.

Jury Reform – We support the right to privacy and security of prospective jurors during jury selection. Courts must show relevance of questions asked of jurors and perform a balancing test between the prospective juror’s right to privacy and lawyers’ need to know. Either party in a criminal trial should have a right to inform jurors of their right to determine facts and render a verdict

.
Qualified Juror Service – Jury service should be limited to registered voters.
Administrative Justice – Citizens have a right to full participation in administrative law processes.

Judicial Restraint – We urge Congress to adopt the Constitutional Restoration Act and support the principle of judicial restraint, which requires judges to interpret and apply rather than make the law. We support judges who strictly interpret the law based on its original intent.

We oppose judges who assume for themselves legislative powers.

Remedies to Activist Judiciary – We call Congress and the President to use their constitutional powers to restrain activist judges.

We urge Congress to adopt the Judicial Conduct Act of 2005 and remove judges who abuse their authority. Further, we urge Congress to withhold Supreme Court jurisdiction in cases involving abortion, religious freedom, and the Bill of Rights.

Judicial Nominees – We urge Republican Senate leadership to ensure that a record vote is taken on every judicial nominee.

State Bar Requirements -- Attorneys who obtain their law degree through learning by electronic means or U.S. mail, from an accredited school of law, should be allowed to take the Texas Bar Exam.

Statutory Authority for Regulation – Defendants charged with violating a governmental regulation should have the right to see the enabling law.

RESTORING INTEGRITY TO OUR ELECTIONS

Protecting Union Member’s Dues – We support legislation requiring labor unions to obtain consent of the union member before that member’s dues can be used for political purposes.

Candidate Eligibility – A candidate running for office should be required to reside within the geographical boundaries of the office sought.

Voter Registration – We support restoring integrity to the voter registration rolls and to reducing voter fraud. We support repeal of all Motor

Voter laws; re–registering voters every four years; requiring photo ID of first time registrants; proof of residency and citizenship, along with voter registration application; retention of the 30-day registration deadline.

Electoral College – We support the Electoral College.

Voting Rights – We support equal suffrage for all citizens of voting age who are not felons. We oppose any identification of citizens by race, origin,
or creed and oppose use of any such identification for purposes of creating voting districts.
Felon Voting – We affirm the Constitutional authority of state legislatures to regulate voting, including disenfranchisement of convicted felons
.
Protecting Active Military Personnel’s Right to Vote – We urge the Texas Secretary of State and the U.S. Attorney General to ensure that voting rights of our Armed Forces will neither be denied nor obstructed.

Filing Date for Primary Election – We urge changing the Election Code date of filing for the March primary from January 2 to the second Monday in January.

Fair Election Procedures – We support modifications and strengthening of election laws to assure ballot integrity and fair elections. Specifically, we support a federal or state government-issued photo ID at in-person voting; increased scrutiny and security in balloting by mail; prohibition of internet voting and any electronic voting lacking a verifiable paper trail; prohibition of mobile voting; prosecution for election fraud with jail sentences; repeal of the unconstitutional “Help America Vote Act”; and assurance that each polling place has a distinctly marked and if possible separate location for Republican and Democratic primary voting.

Residency Requirements - We support legislation that determines residence in accordance with common-law rules, as recognized by the courts, except as otherwise provided by the Texas Election Code.

Water Districts – We urge the Legislature to allow voters the ability to recall elected officials of an irrigation district, fresh water supply district, municipal utility district, or any other special purpose district.

Campaign Finance Reform – We urge immediate repeal of the McCain-Feingold Act.

Enforcing the Platform – The Republican State Chairman and county chairs are responsible for implementing this platform by requiring party candidates to indicate their positions on platform planks before their acceptance on the ticket and to make such information available on the Party website. The SREC should seriously consider candidates’ positions on the Party platform before granting support. Platform/Legislation - We urge the Legislature to permit a political party to require each of its candidates to indicate their position on each platform plank before their acceptance on the primary ballot. Publication and distribution of candidate responses should be permitted.

Conflicts of Interest – We support all legislation prohibiting influencing or voting of any elected official or appointee where a conflict of interest exists. No such official should represent paying clients before a state agency.

Lobbying Limitation – We support legislation to prohibit former officials and government employees from lobbying for a foreign government and/or any business for five years after leaving public service. We support legislation to prevent lobbying by any organization receiving federal grants except that relating to its tax status.

Legislative Accountability – We support rules requiring that all votes on bills cast in the Texas House and Senate be record votes freely available to the electorate.
AWOL Legislators – We urge the Texas House and Senate to compel attendance of absent members and penalize those who attempt to bust the quorum by leaving the state or hiding within it.

Governor’s Veto – We urge a Constitutional amendment permitting the Legislature to return for a three-day session in response to the governor’s veto.

Public Integrity Unit – We urge the Legislature to secure the impartiality and probity of the Travis County Public Integrity Unit, by transferring its powers and funding to an impartial statewide elected judicial entity.

Term Limits – We urge Congress, the Legislature, and the Republican Party to establish reasonable term limits.

Filibuster - We support return to the traditional Filibuster in the U.S. Senate.

Rosebush-Blocker Rule - We oppose the Rosebush-Blocker rule in the Texas Senate.

November Election – All public elections, except for primary elections, should be held in November.

HONORING THE SYMBOLS OF OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE

Ten Commandments – We oppose any governmental action to restrict, prohibit, or remove public display of the Decalogue or other religious symbols.

Pledge of Allegiance – We support adoption of the Pledge Protection Act. We also demand that the National Motto “In God We Trust” and National Anthem be protected from legislative and judicial attack.

American English – We support adoption of American English as the official language of Texas and of the United States.

Flag Desecration – Any form of desecration of the American Flag is an act of disregard for our nation and its people and penalties should be established for such.

Symbols of American Heritage – We call upon governmental entities to protect all symbols of our American heritage from being altered in any way.

Confederate Widows Plaque - We call for restoration of plaques honoring the Confederate Widow’s Pension Fund contribution that were removed from state buildings.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES, PROTECTING LIFE AND PROMOTING HEALTH
CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

Family and Defense of Marriage - We support the definition of marriage as a God–ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage.

We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage.

We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse.

We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married.

We advocate the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families.

We call upon Congress to completely remove the marriage penalty in the tax code, whereby a married couple receives a smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.

Marriage and Divorce - We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be protected at all levels of government.

We urge the Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws. We support Covenant Marriage.

Marriage Licenses - We support legislation that would make it a felony to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple and for any civil official to perform a marriage ceremony for such.

Homosexuality – We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.”

We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits.

We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values

Texas Sodomy Statutes - We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.
Pornography – We urge our governmental bodies to enforce laws regarding all forms of pornography. We urge more stringent legislation to prohibit all pornography including virtual pornography and operation of sexually–oriented businesses.

Ethics in Broadcasting - We call upon the Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licenses of stations that air programs and advertisements in violation of existing laws and FCC guidelines.

PROTECTING INNOCENT HUMAN LIFE

Party Candidates and the Platform on Protecting Innocent Human Life - We implore our Party to support, financially or with in-kind contributions, only those candidates who support protecting innocent human life. Further, we strongly encourage the State Republican Executive Committee to hear and recognize the longstanding and overwhelmingly consistent voice of the grass roots and revise its by-laws to make this action binding on our Party.

Partial Birth Abortion – We oppose partial birth abortion. We recommend that Congress eliminate from all federal court jurisdictions all cases involving challenges to banning Partial Birth Abortion.

Right To Life – All innocent human life must be respected and safeguarded from fertilization to natural death; therefore, the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.

We affirm our support for a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution and to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protection applies to unborn children. We support the Life at Conception Act.

We oppose the use of public revenues and/or facilities for abortion or abortion–related services. We support the elimination of public funding for organizations that advocate or support abortion.

We are resolute regarding the reversal of Roe v. Wade. We affirm our support for the appointment and election of judges at all levels of the judiciary who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.

We insist that the U.S. Department of Justice needs to prosecute hospitals or abortion clinics for committing induced labor (live birth) abortion. We are opposed to genocide, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. We oppose legislation allowing the withholding of nutrition and hydration to the terminally ill or handicapped. Until our final goal of total Constitutional rights for the unborn child is achieved, we beseech the Texas Legislature in consideration of our state’s rights, to enact laws that restrict and regulate abortion including:
1. parental and informed consent;
2. prohibition of abortion for gender selection;
3. prohibition of abortion due to the results of genetic diagnosis
4. licensing, liability, and malpractice insurance for abortionists and abortion facilities;
5. prohibition of financial kickbacks for abortion referrals;
6. prohibition of partial birth and late term abortions; and
7. enactment of any other laws which will advance the right to life for unborn children. Choose Life - We ask the Legislature to provide Texans opportunity to purchase "Choose Life" license plates.

Parental Consent - We call on the Legislature to require parental consent for any form of medical care to minors. We urge electoral defeat of judges who through judicial activism seek to nullify the Parental Consent Law by granting bypasses to minor girls seeking abortions.

We support the addition of a legislative requirement for the reporting of judicial bypasses to parental consent on an annual basis to the Department of State Health Services and such reports shall be made available to the public. Further, we encourage the Congress to remove confidentiality mandates for minors from family planning service programs operating under Title X of the Public Health Services Act and Medicaid.
Protection of Women’s Health - Because of the personal and social pain caused by abortions, we call for the protection of both women and their unborn children from pressure for unwanted abortions. We commend the Texas Legislature for the passage of the Woman’s Right to Know Act, a law requiring abortion providers, prior to an abortion, to provide women full knowledge of the physical and psychological risks of abortion, the characteristics of the unborn child, and abortion alternatives.

We urge the state government and the Department of State Health Services to ensure that all abortion providers are in compliance with this informed consent law and to ensure that all pregnancy centers and other entities assisting women in crisis pregnancies have equal access to the informational brochures created by the Department of State Health Services Alternatives to Abortion –

We urge the Department of State Health Services to provide adequate quantities of The Woman’s Right to Know Resource Directory to anyone that works with pregnant women.RU 486 –

We urge the FDA to rescind approval of the physically dangerous RU-486 and oppose limiting the manufacturers’ and distributors’ liability. Morning After Pill –

We oppose sale and use of the dangerous “Morning After Pill.”

Gestational Contracts - We believe rental of a woman’s womb makes child bearing a mere commodity to the highest bidder and petition the Legislature to rescind House Bill 724 of the 78th Legislature. We support the adoption of human embryos and the banning of human embryo trafficking.

Unborn Child Pain Protection - We support legislation that requires doctors, at first opportunity, to provide to a woman who is pregnant, information about the nervous system development of her unborn child and to provide pain relief for her unborn if she orders an abortion.

Unborn Victims of Violence Legislation –

We urge the State to ensure that the Prenatal Protection Law is interpreted accurately and consider the unborn child as an equal victim in any crime, including domestic violence
Abortion Clinics - We propose legislation that holds abortion clinics to the same health regulations as other medical facilities and that subjects clinics to the same malpractice liabilities. We oppose any public funding for Planned Parenthood or other organizations/facilities that provide, advocate or promote abortions.

Abortion Requirements for Hospitals - We propose legislation that entitles hospitals to refuse to perform abortions because government has no moral authority to require such an abortion.

Conscience Clause -- We believe that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, any employees of hospitals and insurance companies, health care organizations, medical and scientific research students, and any employee should be protected by Texas law if they conscientiously object to participate in practices that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs, including but not limited to abortion, the prescription for and dispensing of
drugs with abortifacient potential, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, eugenic screenings, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the withdrawal of nutrition and hydration.

We call on the Texas Legislature to pass legislation to strengthen and clarify the current conscience clause in the Occupational Code to include the above-mentioned persons and practices.

Fetal Tissue Harvesting - We support legislation prohibiting experimentation with human fetal tissue and prohibiting the use of human fetal tissue or organs for experimentation or commercial sale. Until such time that fetal tissue harvesting is illegal, any product containing fetal tissue shall be so labeled.

Stem Cell Research - We oppose any legislation that would allow for the creation and/or killing of human embryos for medical research.

We encourage stem cell research using cells from umbilical cords, from adults, and from any other means which does not kill human embryos.

We oppose any state funding of research that destroys/kills human embryos. We encourage the adoption of existing embryos.

We call for legislation to withhold state and/or federal funding from institutions that engage in scientific research involving the killing of human embryos or human cloning.

Human Cloning - Each human life, whether created naturally or through an artificial process, deserves protection. We confirm that somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is the process by which a human being is cloned, and that SCNT creates a unique human being with the same properties of a human embryo created through the union of sperm and egg.

We seek a ban on human cloning for reproductive purposes (where a cloned human embryo, created through SCNT, is implanted in a womb and the human clone is birthed).

We also seek a ban on research cloning (where a cloned human embryo, created through SCNT, is created, grown in the laboratory, and then destroyed when its stem cells are extracted for research purposes). Furthermore, criminal penalties should be created and experimenters prosecuted who participate in the cloning of human beings. No government or state funding should be provided for any human cloning.

Patient Protection – We support patients’ rights by calling on the state legislature to amend the Advance Directive Act to establish due process of law and ensure that a physician’s decision to deny life saving treatment against the patient’s will or advance directive is not due to economic or racial discrimination or discrimination based on disability.

We also support the passage of legislation to amend the Advance Directive Act by requiring hospitals intending or threatening to withdraw life-sustaining treatment against the patient’s wishes or their advance directive to continue all treatment and care for such patients pending transfer to another facility. Gene Manufacturing –

We support a ban on research that alters human DNA in living human beings at any stage of life, including the altering of artificial, manufactured, and natural genes and chromosomes.

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

Parental Rights and Responsibilities - We believe that parental rights and responsibilities are inherent and protected by the United States Constitution. Local, state, or federal laws, regulations, or policies shall not be enacted that limit parental rights in the rearing of both biological and adopted children.

The Party supports the Texas Parental Rights Restoration Act to amend this statute and restore the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.

We unequivocally oppose the United States Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which would transfer jurisdiction over parental rights and responsibilities to international bureaucracies.

Support of Parental Authority - We support parental authority and the teaching of moral values in the home. We oppose school–based clinics and/or youth impact centers located at, sponsored by, or funded by any state agency or public school district, whether or not they dispense condoms and contraceptives or refer, aid, or advise minors to have abortions.

Age of Consent - We support raising the age of consent for consensual sex to 18 years.

Child Care - We oppose any government regulations that will adversely affect the availability, affordability, or the right of parents to choose childcare.

Child Support and Visitation - We support equity between responsible parents in child support, custody, and visitation rights and costs, as well as the strengthening of laws designed to protect children from abuse. No parent/grandparent should be denied court ordered visitation, because of jurisdictional disputes between states. We also believe that no homosexual or any individual convicted of child abuse or molestation should have the right to custody or adoption of a minor child, and that visitation with minor children by such persons should be prohibited but if ordered by the court limited to supervised periods.

Adoption – We support reducing the time, bureaucratic interference and cost of adoption. The law should assure mothers of a choice in selecting a traditional home for their children at the time of terminating their rights for adoption. We oppose mandatory open adoption and adoption by homosexuals.

Foster Care - We support eliminating bureaucratic prohibitions on corporal discipline and home schooling in foster homes to help alleviate the shortage of foster parents.

ASSISTING FAMILIES TO SELF SUFFICIENCY

Welfare Reform - Texas should continue to reduce the number of welfare recipients by enacting tough welfare reforms; denying benefits to illegal aliens, and encouraging partnerships with faith based institutions, community and business organizations to assist individuals in need. The current system encourages dependency on government and robs individuals and generations of healthy motivation and self respect. Welfare reforms should require recipients to work, learn, train, and remain substance abuse free in exchange for benefits not exceeding two years. Welfare cards should be confined to food and vital essentials, not cigarettes, lottery purchases, or alcohol or drugs of any kind. Prisoners should be removed from welfare rolls.

DFPS Accountability - We support the appointment of local elected officials to review charges of abuse of discretion by the Department of Family and Protective Services with respect to intervention into the family unit. It is imperative that this local board have the authority to recommend appropriate corrective and disciplinary action as needed. We believe that only law enforcement officers may remove a child from his or her home or school when there is an immediate danger to the child’s physical health or safety. All other removals of a child shall be pursuant to a court order. No child may be interviewed by the state without video or audio recording of the interview, and the recording shall become evidence. DFPS/CPS will require the tipster to identify themself by name and contact information to the agency. This information will be kept confidential, and the tipster will be notified by the agency that false information will be prosecuted and that false tips will be subject to a fine. A family shall have the right to learn of their
accuser with a judicial order. Only findings determined in open court and by trial may be retained by the State.

Social Security - We support an immediate and orderly transition to a system of private pensions based on the concept of individual retirement accounts, and gradually phasing out the Social Security tax. We insist that Social Security benefits be non–taxable. To protect the Social Security System, its funds should not be co–mingled or spent with general revenues or invested in private or public corporate stock.

We support Americans being allowed to purchase directly, and hold directly as part of their tax-deferred retirement and educational savings plans, United States Treasury obligations, personally managed investment accounts, and tax-free equities. Individuals, who qualify for Social Security benefits, including school teachers, should receive all of the benefits for which they are entitled without penalty, for any reason including earned, passive or portfolio income. To protect freedom and privacy, government and private institutions should not require Social Security numbers as ID. Application for Social Security numbers should not be required before the age of consent.

Government–Sponsored Gambling –

We continue to oppose government–sponsored gambling as a means of financing state government.

Government–sponsored gambling has had a devastating impact on many Texas families. Moreover, we oppose any further legalization, government facilitation, or financial guarantees relating to any type of gambling including casino, riverboat, video lottery terminals (VLTs), slot machine, video keno, eight-liners, multi-state lotteries, and other games of chance including on Indian reservations.

We support the repeal of the state lottery, and enforcement of existing laws and regulations related to gambling. Caring for Our Mentally Disabled Citizens - We urge the Legislature to continue funding and operating all state schools for the mentally disabled, increase training standards of state school employees, and ensure efficient funding and quality of service.

EMPOWERING FAMILIES TO DIRECT THEIR HEALTH CARE

Health Care Choice – We support market-based, private sector initiatives to improve the portability, quality and affordability of healthcare.

We support consumer choice of providers. We encourage immediate expansion of medical savings accounts. We recommend that the State of Texas make available to all citizens through the Internet, the exact price paid for specific health care items covered by Medicaid and paid for by the Texas taxpayer.

Competition in Healthcare - Free market principles and competition shall be encouraged in health care, especially allowing each trained health care professional to practice to the extent of their education.

Health Care and Nutritional Supplements –

We deplore any efforts to mandate that vitamins and other natural supplements be on a prescription– only basis, and we oppose any efforts to remove vitamins and other nutritional supplements from public sale. We support the rights of all adults to their choice of nutritional products. We strongly favor legislation recognizing legitimate alternative health care choices.

Texas Medical Board – We call upon the Legislature to transform the TMB and enforce rules that: reaffirm the sacredness of the patient-doctor relationship, eliminate anonymous complaints, eliminate anonymous witnesses, mandate due process in all proceedings, and shall consider members to be in a conflict-of-interest if working for pharmaceutical companies and/or hospitals while serving on the TMB board.

AIDS / HIV - We recognize that the preventable diseases of AIDS and HIV infection represent a threat to human health. We view with compassion all people infected with HIV. We call for appropriate levels of research to find a cure for the disease and ask that the government give full disclosure of the causes. However, because AIDS represents such a severe threat to both the health and economic well–being of our citizens, we insist that the epidemic be de–politicized and that as a society, we take all appropriate steps to protect our citizens from this epidemic. All people, no matter what disease they may contract, are worthy of deep respect as humans; however, behavior has personal and social consequences.

We call upon the United States Public Health Service and all states to declare HIV a “dangerous, yet preventable, infectious, communicable disease.” It should be legally reported in the same manner as any communicable disease. We oppose the needle exchange and bleach kit programs.

We urge the return to the requirement of blood testing in order to obtain a marriage license with the previous reporting responsibilities to prevent the spread of dangerous, infectious, and communicable diseases.

Americans with Disabilities Act –

We support amendment of the Americans with Disabilities Act to exclude from its definition those persons with infectious diseases, substance addiction, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, homosexual practices and mental stress, thereby reducing abuse of the Act. Immunizations - All adult citizens should have the legal right to conscientiously choose which vaccines are administered to themselves or their minor children without penalty for refusing a vaccine. We oppose any effort by any authority to mandate such vaccines or any medical database that would contain personal records of citizens without their consent.

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN

Parental Rights in Education – The right of parents to raise and educate their children is fundamental. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from any special or bilingual education program. We urge the Legislature to enact penalties for violation of parental rights.

Local Control – We support choice in public education and believe that quality education is best achieved by encouraging parental involvement, protecting parental rights, and maximizing local control. District superintendents and their employees should be made solely accountable to their locally elected boards. We support sensible consolidation of local school districts.

State Board of Education –

We support an elected State Board of Education (SBOE) with authority over the Texas Education Agency, selection and termination of the Commissioner of Education, and textbook adoption. The SBOE must retain constitutional authority over the Permanent School Fund. The state should offer subject-area teacher certification without additional educational requirements for individuals who hold a baccalaureate in their field or professionals who have equivalent life experience in a field. We urge that the Legislature repeal Education Code 28.008 and 28.009 and that the legislature instead work within the established framework of the Texas Education code and the authority of the State Board of Education.

Textbooks and Curricula – The SBOE must have sole authority over textbook content and state adoption, and this process must include public hearings. We urge the Legislature to give the State Board of Education authority to establish textbook adoption standards.

We oppose the replacement of textbooks by laptops. We support competitive pricing as part of the textbook selection process by independent school districts and oppose standard maximum pricing schemes.

Parental School Choice –

We encourage the Governor and the Texas Legislature to enact child-centered school funding options – which fund the student, not schools or districts – to allow maximum freedom of choice in public, private or parochial education for all children. As a prerequisite, we urge passage of a constitutional amendment prohibiting imposition of state regulations on private and parochial schools.

Funding of Education –

Educating Texans is a priority to Texas taxpayers. In order to prioritize education spending, it is necessary to maximize the percentage of school funds that are directed toward instructional purposes.

We urge the Legislature to direct expenditures to academics first (books, desks, and teachers), then to non-academic activities; to provide funding for state mandates on local districts; and to not increase state taxes.

Transparency –

We support legislation requiring all school districts to post their check registers online or made readily available to the public.

U.S. Department of Education –

The Federal Government has no constitutional jurisdiction over education. We call for abolition of the U. S. Department of Education and prohibition of transfer of any of its functions to any other agency.

No Child Left Behind - The No Child Left Behind Act has been a massive failure and should be abolished.

Private Education – Parents have the fundamental right and responsibility for educating their children, and the state should not have power to force any parent or guardian to send their children to public school. Parents or guardians may choose to educate their children in private school without government interference of any kind. Home education is legally recognized as private education.

We urge the Legislature to require cities and counties to exempt private school students from daytime curfew ordinances. We urge the Legislature to require University Interscholastic League (UIL) to open participation to private schools.

Juvenile Daytime Curfew –

We oppose Juvenile Daytime Curfew which puts undue stress on students who have a legitimate reason to be out of school and their parents.

Government Regulation of Religious Institutions –

The state should have no power over the licensing of clergy or religious institutions for training clergy. The curriculum, faculty, and boards of religious institutions should be determined only by the institution. We call on the State to withdraw all imposed regulations.

Sex Education –

We recognize parental responsibility and authority regarding sex education. We support policies that mandate parental notification and consent before any sex education program is presented to their child. Parents must be given an opportunity to review the material prior to giving their consent. We oppose any sex education other than abstinence until heterosexual marriage. Early Childhood Development – We believe that parents are best suited to train their children in their early development and oppose mandatory pre-school and Kindergarten. We urge Congress to repeal government-sponsored programs that deal with early childhood development.

Children with Special Needs –

We advocate equal educational opportunity for all students and the requirement that children with special needs be educated commensurate with their abilities.

Classroom Discipline –

We recommend that local school boards and classroom teachers be given more authority to deal with disciplinary problems. We urge the Legislature, Governor, Commissioner of Education and State Board of Education to remind administrators and school boards that corporal punishment is effective and legal in Texas.

Support for Classroom Teachers –

We recognize the need to attract competent teachers; to get teachers involved in educational planning and program development; to minimize reports and paperwork; to support teacher incentives through monetary and recognition rewards; and to empower teachers to remove disruptive students.

Traditional Principles in Education –

We support school subjects with emphasis on Judeo-Christian principles upon which America was founded and which form the basis of America’s legal, political and economic systems.

Multiculturalism –

We support teaching the principles articulated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that we be judged not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character and we celebrate positive contributions to our society by members of all cultural groups without emphasizing their differences. We favor strengthening our common American identity and loyalty instead of multiculturalism that emphasizes differences among racial and ethnic groups.

Basic Standards –

We favor improvements on the quality of education and a return to the traditional basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic with sufficient discipline to ensure learning. We support standardized testing to ensure minimal standards are met. We advocate the elimination of the TAKS test.

Social Promotion –

Students should master basic, minimum skills before advancing.

Knowledge-Based Education –

The primary purpose of public schools is to teach critical thinking skills, reading, writing, arithmetic, phonics, history, science, and character as well as knowledge-based education, not job training. We support knowledge-based curriculum standards and tests. We support successful career and technology programs, but oppose mandatory career training. We oppose Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and similar programs. Further, because of an aging U.S. population and global competition, and because much of today’s education teaches children to be employees or perhaps at best managers for employers, we encourage the teaching of entrepreneurial skills and investment skills.

School Surveys and Testing –

Public schools should be required to obtain written parental consent for student participation in any test or questionnaire that surveys beliefs, feelings, or opinions in the areas of sexual activity, drug and alcohol use, religion, political persuasion, or other areas of morality.

Bilingual Education –

We demand abolition of bilingual education. The best method is an “English Immersion Program.” All students must pass recognized standard tests that verify each student’s English ability for their grade level before advancing.

Educational Entitlement –

We encourage legislation that prohibits enrollment in free public schools of non-citizens unlawfully present in the United States, whether or not such illegals pay or offer to pay tuition for such education
.
Religious Freedom in Public Schools –

We urge school administrators and officials to inform Texas school students specifically of their First Amendment rights to pray and engage in religious speech, individually or in groups, on school property without government interference. We support and strongly urge Congress to pass a Religious Freedom Amendment, which provides: “Neither the United States nor any State shall prohibit student–sponsored prayer in public schools, nor compose any official student prayer or compel joining therein.” We urge the Legislature to end censorship of discussion of religion in our founding documents, and encourage discussing those documents.

Theories of Origin –

We support objective teaching and equal treatment of strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories, including Intelligent Design. We believe theories of life origins and environmental theories should be taught as scientific theory, not scientific law. Teachers and students should be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these theories openly and without fear of retribution or discrimination of any kind.

Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools – Students should be taught flag etiquette and should be led daily in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Texas Pledge, the National Anthem, and other patriotic songs to ensure that the loyal and patriotic spirit of Texan and American heritage is preserved.

Higher Education –

We reaffirm support of public and private institutions of higher learning. We advocate an equal standard for public college admission based on merit and ability. We urge the legislature to ensure equal access to grants and scholarships to all Texas high school graduates, including privately educated students. All Texas students should be given acceptance priority over out-of-state or foreign students. We oppose the
10% automatic admissions rule.

College Tuition –

We recommend three levels of college tuition: In state requiring proof of Texas legal citizenship, Out of State requiring proof of US citizenship, and, nonresident legal alien. Non-US citizens should not be eligible for state or federal grants.

Public Higher Education Accountability –

We support a system of accountability in Texas Public universities. We support binding audits by the State Comptroller of all public universities and a complete review of the tuition deregulation law for the purpose of validating whether it is accomplishing its stated goal.

Gambling and Education –

We strongly oppose any gambling to fund public education.

School Health Care –

We urge legislators to prohibit reproductive health care services, including counseling, referrals, and distribution of condoms and contraception through public schools. We support the parents’ right to choose, without penalty, which medications are administered to their minor children. We oppose medical clinics on school property except higher education and health care for students without parental consent.

School District Lawsuits –

We support legislation authorizing Independent School Districts threatened with lawsuits by organizations, such as the ACLU, or sued to certify the lawsuit to the Attorney General of Texas to represent the Independent School District in the suit where the issue is of significant statewide import, and the Attorney General of Texas agrees to take the case.

PROMOTING INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM AND PERSONAL SAFETY INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM

Right To Keep and Bear Arms –

We urge the Legislature and Congress to repeal all laws that infringe on the right to bear arms, and to reject any monitoring of gun ownership, and all excessive taxation or regulation of guns and ammunition. We support a ten-year minimum mandatory sentence without parole for felonies committed with firearms. Stiff penalties should be enacted for frivolous lawsuits against legitimate firearms manufacturers. All gun owners are responsible for safely storing and operating firearms. We believe the Legislature should enact legislation: allowing: Concealed Handgun License holders to carry concealed weapons on publicly owned institutions of learning; and, preventing employers from prohibiting Concealed Handgun License holders from storing their concealed handgun in their vehicle while on a company parking area, and removing civilliability from property owners who do not prevent Concealed Handgun License holders from carrying on their premises. We believe that FFL holders should be free from harassment, and license revocations and denials against firearm dealers based on violations consisting of largely inconsequential recordkeeping errors and encourages the ATF to consider lesser gradation of sanctions for such errors.

Freedom of Access Act –

We urge repeal of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Law. Those who assault peaceful protesters acting under
the Constitution should be vigorously prosecuted. Picketing and literature distribution do not fall under the RICO Act.

Judeo-Christian Nation – As America is a nation under God founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we affirm the constitutional right of all individuals to worship in the religion of their choice.

Safeguarding Our Religious Liberties – We affirm that the public acknowledgment of God is undeniable in our history and is vital to our freedom, prosperity and strength. We pledge our influence toward a return to the original intent of the First Amendment and toward dispelling the myth of separation of church and state.

Religious Institutions –
We urge Congress to sanction any foreign government that persecutes its citizens for their religion.

Faith-Based Opportunities –

We urge the Legislature to increase ability of faith-based institutions and other organizations to assist the needy, and to reduce regulation of such organizations.

Electronic Privacy –

We believe all law-abiding citizens should be free from government surveillance of their electronic communications except in cases directly involving national security. Except for non-citizens, we further oppose any national ID program, including the Real ID Act and the use of Radio Frequency Identification Chips (RFID) on humans.

Personal Confidentiality –

Necessary dissemination of personal information among government entities must be safeguarded with the threat of criminal penalties. Legislation should provide redress to anyone denied service for refusing to provide such information.

Equality of All Citizens –

We deplore all discrimination. We also deplore forced sensitivity training and urge repeal of any mandate requiring it. We urge immediate repeal of the Hate Crimes Law.

Boy Scouts of America –

We support the Boy Scouts of America and reject any attempt to undermine or fundamentally change the ideals of the organization.

PROTECTING CITIZENS FROM CRIME

Prison Reform –

We believe our prison systems should emphasize protection of society and punishment of offenders, ever mindful of their human rights. The state should assist offenders who desire reform. Prisoners should be required to perform meaningful work. Prisoners should not have access to private information of any citizen. We support alternative methods of prison administration. We support prohibiting prisoners from initiating
frivolous lawsuits. No extraordinary medical care, including organ transplants or body part replacement, should be performed on prisoners at taxpayer expense.

Sentencing Reform –

We urge parole boards to administer punishment according to the intent of the sentencing courts. We also call for disclosure to juries of their rights and powers; of prior convictions of the defendant; and of the actual time likely to be served before parole. We believe punishment should be assessed in proportion to the crime and should be a deterrent. We support imprisonment for life without parole for habitual felons. Convicted criminals should make restitution to their victims. A minimum education level should be established by law for all parolees. No inmate with a history of drug abuse should be eligible for parole before completing treatment.

Crime Shouldn’t Pay –

No convicted criminal should be allowed to profit from sale of rights to their story for books, movies, etc., while incarcerated, on parole, or on probation.

Capital Punishment –

Properly applied capital punishment is legitimate, is an effective deterrent, and should be swift and unencumbered.

Juvenile Justice –

Juvenile justice reforms should continue, including private programs, “boot camps,” and trying juveniles as adults when appropriate. We condemn incarcerating juveniles and adults in the same facility.

Child Abuse – We recognize the family as a sovereign authority over which the state has no right to intervene, unless a parent or legal guardian has committed criminal abuse. Child abusers should be severely prosecuted. However, we oppose actions of social agencies to classify traditional methods of discipline as child abuse. We support enactment of a homicide-by-abuse statute that provides punishment for abusing a child to death without intent of killing. We support requiring compliance by publicly funded private agencies with laws requiring reporting of instances of any kind of abuse as a condition of receiving such funding.

Unborn Victims of Violence –

We believe a person who injures or kills an unborn child should be subject to criminal and civil litigation, whether the child dies in the womb or is born alive.

Sexual Assault –

Punishment options for rape should include death. Adults convicted of sexual molestation of a minor should receive mandatory prison sentences without probation or parole. We support increasing the penalty for failure to report child sexual assault cases, and we urge vigorous prosecution of such failure. We urge the Legislature to eliminate from the child sexual assault law the “affirmative defense” when there is less than
36 months of age difference.

Addictive Behaviors –

We encourage state and federal governments to severely prosecute illegal dealers and manufacturers of addictive
substances and pornography. We urge Congress to discourage export of such substances into our country. Faith based rehabilitation programs
should be emphasized. We oppose legalization of illegal drugs. We support an effective abstinence-based educational program for children. We
oppose any “needle exchange” program. We urge vigorous enforcement of our DUI laws.

Property Seizure Without Due Process –

We oppose seizure of private property without due process. Neither law enforcement agencies nor their parent organizations should be allowed to benefit from such seizures. Speed Limits – We support highway speed limits based only on safety standards.

STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY

GOVERNMENT SPENDING

Fiscal Responsibility –

We urge state and federal legislators to reduce spending. We urge a commission composed of citizens and business owners to identify cost savings and reductions in state government. We also support a “cap” on government spending at all levels, with adjustments based only on average family income and population change.

Unfunded Mandates –

We oppose all unfunded mandates by the federal and state governments including unreasonable requirements on voluntary emergency response personnel. State mandates without full funding should be included in the government body’s annual increase spending limits.

Downsizing the Federal Government –

We support downsizing of the federal government in order to re-establish states’ rights. We further support abolishing agencies whose activities are not delegated to them under original intent of the Constitution. Any congressional act establishing a new program should contain a provision that eliminates one or more programs of equal or greater cost. We support a sunset provision law at the federal level.

Balanced Budget –

We support full disclosure of all “on” and “off” budget spending. We demand that Congress vote only for balanced budgets, and that Social Security funds never be used to balance the budget. A budget surplus should never be used to increase spending. We support zerobased budgeting.

Government Services –

We support privatization of government services when beneficial to the taxpayer.

Waste and Fraud in Government Contracts –

We urge the Attorney General of the United States to investigate fraud and misuse of funds in government contracts, prosecuting those found responsible. All government contracts should be awarded by competitive bids. We support repeal of the Davis Bacon Act. We call upon the Legislature to allow that the award of construction contracts, that are bid with performance and payment bonds, be awarded to the lowest bidder.

Congressional Retirement System –

We recommend that the Congressional retirement system be abolished.

Congressional Pay Raises –

We support elimination of the independent pay raise committee and recommend that all pay raises be passed just as all other bills. We support separation of congressional pay raises from pay raises of all other government officials so they may be voted as separate bills with recorded votes.

Faith-Based Charities –

We oppose any restrictions by the IRS or any other government rules on taxpayer contributions to faith-based charities. We support new incentives to encourage more faith-based charitable contributions from all taxpayers.

Repeal of Fee Award Act –

We support repeal of the Civil Rights Attorneys’ Fee Awards Act, which pays attorneys fees to sue the government and to suppress freedom of religion.

Corporate Welfare/Business Subsidies –

We oppose all corporate welfare that supports continued inefficient businesses. We encourage our government to allow a free market economy to prevail both domestically and internationally.

Sunset Laws – We support the Texas Sunset Law.

Government Lobbying –

We oppose paying lobbyists with tax dollars.

Budget And Appropriations Process –

We demand that Congress institute reforms that eliminate unethical politicization of appropriations. We oppose trading of votes based on pork sharing, and promises of financial and other help during reelection campaigns. We oppose state funding of
programs without legislative approval.

Earmarks –

We call upon all Senators and Representatives to take appropriate action to block any bill containing earmarks, to produce bills with wording that will not allow any earmarks to be added after a final vote is taken, and, to shepherd through the two houses of Congress changes in their procedures that will delete the practice of earmarking and any similar technique that allows spending without a consensus approval.

Rural and Volunteer Fire Departments –

We urge Congress to overturn the rules of the U. S. Department of Labor restricting volunteerism by paid firefighters and emergency medical technician personnel.

TAX BURDEN

Federal Tax Reform –

Federal tax reform is required and any reform should support free enterprise, economic growth, be simple and fair and support job retention in the United States. The Internal Revenue Service is unacceptable to U. S. taxpayers! We urge that the IRS be abolished and the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution be repealed. We further urge that the personal income tax, alternative minimum tax, inheritance (death) tax, gift tax, capital gains, corporate income tax, and payroll tax be eliminated. We recommend the implementation of a national retail sales tax, with the provision that a two-thirds majority of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate is required to raise the rate. Such reforms will encourage investment and economic growth. Such a sales tax plan must ensure that no one in America pays taxes of any kind on the necessities of life, ensuring opportunity and quality of life for low- and fixed-income Americans. We believe every tax at every level should be a separate and clearly visible billing to the taxpayer, regardless of type of tax, and of calculation method, so we support tax visibility in all forms.

Tax Deduction for Private and Home school –

We support a federal tax deduction for expenses incurred for all private and home schooling.

Maintain Home Mortgage Deduction –

We support unlimited deduction of home mortgage interest for income taxes.

Permanent Tax Cuts –

We urge the recent income tax reductions be permanent.

Telecommunications –

We support removal of regulatory roadblocks to greater investment in telecommunications infrastructure.

State Tax Reform – We believe strongly and urge the Legislature not to create any new tax or to increase any current taxes or fees. We strongly oppose creation of a state income tax or state property tax. We support a constitutional amendment providing a two-thirds super majority of both houses to increase any taxes or fees.

Revised Franchise Tax –

The Party calls upon the Texas Legislature to repeal the revised franchise tax. If revenues are required to replace this tax and wasteful spending has been addressed, the Legislature should look to a broad-based, consumption tax first.

Sales Tax and Tax Visibility –

Every tax at every level should be a separate and clearly visible billing to the taxpayer. A sales tax is the simplest and most visible, stable, and equitable.

Property Taxes –

We favor abolishing property taxes. Until ad valorem taxes are abolished, we recommend that property valuations be fixed for not less than three years following each revaluation. Appraisal Boards should be elected. We urge four board members be elected by commissioners court precinct, and one member elected county-wide.
Exemption of Inventories from Property Taxes – Because of the regressive nature and impossibility for fairness, we urge outright repeal of property taxes on inventory for resale which would spur economic growth sufficient to offset the revenue loss from such tax exemptions through increased sales taxes and other revenues from the resulting increased business activity.

Appraisal Cap –

We support capping the annual increase in real property appraisals at 3% and strongly support a reduction in the margin of error in the property value study to 90% in place of the current 95%. We call upon the Texas Leg to eliminate the property value study

Internet Taxation –

We oppose any taxation of the Internet.

Tolls on Existing Roads –

We support the legitimate construction of toll roads in Texas, but we oppose converting existing state and federal roads to American owned toll roads without voter approval.

Global Warming – We oppose taxes levied and regulations imposed based on the alleged threat of global warming.

UNITED STATES ENERGY STRATEGY

United States Energy Strategy –

The foundation of our United States Energy Strategy must be to eliminate dependence on foreign sources for energy. Regulation and rulemaking must be cooperative, preserving the economy while promoting environmental preservation. We encourage Congress to: not support windfall profit tax; repeal oil and gas severance and production taxes; stop promulgation of unnecessary environmental regulation; and promote all energy production including ANWR, offshore California, and the East Coast, while minimizing environmental impact.

Alternative Energy Sources –

We strongly support creation of new technologies and markets wherein the U.S.A. can pursue real energy independence, but we oppose subsidizing alternative fuel production.

Clean Energy –

We support cooperative regulation and rulemaking that preserve jobs and the economy, while promoting responsible conservation. We support cleaning the air and water with smarter and affordable pollution control.

BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY

Frivolous Lawsuits –

We support further reform to discourage frivolous lawsuits. We oppose the abusive use of class action lawsuits.

Usury Laws –

The Party calls upon Congress to immediately enact usury laws that apply to all creditors on all consumer credit products.

Right-to-Work –

We oppose the Employee Free Choice Act and any action that eliminates the secret ballot. Every worker should have freedom to work in their preferred job without being forced to join or pay dues to any organization. Our Right-to-Work Law has provided this freedom and a good climate for industrial expansion, higher employment, and a stable management-labor relationship. We encourage adoption of a National Right-to- Work Act.

Small Business –

We urge the federal and state legislatures to mitigate the impact of regulations on small businesses and to ensure that such businesses are adequately represented in the regulatory process.

Workers’ Compensation –

We urge the Legislature to resist making Workers’ Compensation mandatory for all Texas employers.

Minimum Wage –

We believe the Minimum Wage Law should be repealed.

Prevailing Wage Law –

We urge the federal legislature to repeal the Prevailing Wage Law.
Incentives for Retention of Domestic Operations - We support incentives and deregulation to encourage capital investment to ensure retention
and creation of jobs in America.

RESTORING AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY AND LEADERSHIP

DOMESTIC

S.A.V.E. U.S.A. –

We support seven key steps to secure America.

S – Secure America’s border; Northern, Southern, and ports.
A – Abolish Adjustment of Status in the United States.
V – Vigorously enforce immigration laws using federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
E – Eliminate government benefits to illegal aliens.
U – Unimpeded deportation process.
S – Stop employment of illegal aliens.
A – Amend legal immigration rates to more sustainable levels.

Border Security –

“Order on the borders” is basic to solving complex issues of illegal immigration. All means must be deployed immediately to prevent illegal aliens, organized crime and potential terrorists from crossing the border. Secure American borders by any means necessary

Civil Defense –

We support a national and local civil defense system. We urge Congress to rescind all gun laws infringing upon our constitutional rights. Federalization of Police – We support having only local control over our police forces.

Foreign Military Bases on American Soil –

We oppose relinquishing United States supremacy to any foreign powers on our soil. We urge Congress to prohibit all foreign or international military bases within the United States.

Foreign Control of US Interests – We oppose sale, transfer, management or ownership of critical U.S. interests by foreign or international entities. Foreign owned properties and income shall be subject to all US laws.

Homeland Security –

We urge the Homeland Security Department to strengthen our national intelligence gathering; further enhance inter-agency coordination of intelligence; pass critical information on to local and state agencies; protect constitutional rights of all citizens; provide adequate protection of high profile targets for terrorists; enhance airport and port-of-entry security; use random selection and terrorist profiling in searching individuals; provide for armed guards and pilots on commercial aircraft; authorize the Navy and Coast Guard to board and search vessels entering U.S. waters from foreign ports. We further urge Congress to provide expert training of airline pilots for protection against terrorist attack.

National Defense –

We continue to encourage and support funding for a strong national defense; continued development and funding of ballistic missile and space based weapons systems maintaining our military’s effective combat strength sufficient to defend our nation’s borders and its strategic interests; avoiding new arms control agreements with any nation not complying with previous agreements; never deploying the military except against invasion or threat to our vital interests, which may include pre-emptive action; and expiration of special emergency war powers unless renewed by Congress in six-month intervals.

Legal Immigration –

One nation, one flag, one language, one loyalty America is a country of immigrants, we should insist that any immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself/herself to the United States. He/she shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else. This is predicated upon the fact that the person is in every facet an American, and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance. Anyone who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t American at all. We have room but for one flag, the American Flag. We have room for but one language here and that is the English language. We have room for but one sole loyalty and that is loyalty to the American people. (Teddy Roosevelt, 1907)

Illegal Immigration –

No amnesty! No how. No way. Illegal aliens have committed a criminal act. We oppose illegal immigration, amnesty in any form, or legal status for illegal immigrants. We support an end to the “catch and release” policy; criminal penalties and aggressive enforcement for those who knowingly employ illegal workers; expeditious hearings on deporting non-violent illegal immigrants; suspending automatic U.S. citizenship to children born to illegal immigrants; elimination of federal funding to cities with “sanctuary” laws; empowering state and local law enforcement agencies with authority and resources to detain illegal immigrants; rejection of non-verifiable foreign-issued cards as valid identification; strict prosecution of any entity involved in phony identification documents; elimination of day labor work centers; elimination of laws requiring hospitals to give non-emergency care to illegals; elimination of social security benefits or government funding to illegals for education, housing or business loans; preventing any foreign entity from using our judicial system to enter the United States; strong document verification prior to issuance of a Texas drivers license; withholding federal highway funds from any state issuing drivers licenses to illegal aliens; and aggressive prosecution of persons smuggling humans across our borders.

Enforcement of Immigration Law –

We support strict and immediate enforcement of all immigration laws.
Birthright Citizenship –

We call on the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of these United States to clarify Section 1 of the 14th amendment to limit citizenship by birth to those born to a citizen of the United States: with no exceptions.

NASA – We support appropriate funding for NASA and the Texas Aerospace Commission. We also support private sector research and development of space technology.

Support of Our Armed Forces –

We encourage all Americans to support the brave and patriotic men and women of our armed forces. They should be paid a wage sufficient to prevent them from ever needing food stamps and that encourages retention. We strongly recommend that all our armed forces remain commanded only by the Commander-in-Chief and his subordinate commanders; upgrading, modernizing and maintaining the equipment, weapons, and vehicles for the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of our armed forces; the continuation of the all volunteer armed forces, the recruitment and advancement of military personnel based on the needs of the military and the qualifications of the person; disqualification of homosexuals from military service; immediate discharge of HIV positive individuals; separation of men and women in basic training; exclusion of women from ground and submarine combat roles; provision of full military honors for burial of veterans; restoration of all veteran benefits without an offset for disability pay; health and disability benefits equal to active military for national guard and reserves; passage of a “new” G.I Bill that fully funds expanded educational scholarship opportunities for honorably separated Veterans; restoration of full lifetime health benefits to retired military and their families; and assurance that military and civilian voters displaced by their service be afforded full opportunity for their votes to be counted; and the expeditious construction of a Veterans Museum in Texas.

Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) and the North American Union–

We strongly oppose and call on Federal and State officials to place high priority on the withdrawal of the United States from the Security and Prosperity Partnership and the formation of the North American Union.

Trans-Texas Corridor –

We emphatically oppose the Trans-Texas Corridor in any form or manner. We call for full investigation of any public officials authorizing any form of eminent domain for the Trans-Texas Corridor and foreign funding.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Foreign Policy –

We support the spread of a representative form of government and free market enterprise. We also support and encourage private humanitarian aid to developing countries. We support continued favorable treatment of proven allies, and censure of adversarial entities that seek destruction of other countries or harbor terrorists. No United States treaty shall permit any foreign entity to control our citizenry. No foreign entity that consistently votes against our interests or is openly hostile to our nation shall receive U.S. aid.

MIA’s and POW’s –

We urge our government to continue to seek and act upon all information concerning our military personnel and other citizens carried as Missing in Action or Prisoners of War.

China –

We strongly recommend removal of Permanent Normal Trade Relations status for Communist China until North and South Korea sign a peace treaty; China significantly improves its policies on human rights; China ceases persecution of Christians; China ceases aggressive behavior toward all neighbors; China ceases transferring nuclear, biological, and chemical technology to Iran, Pakistan and North Korea. We further urge imposition of trade sanctions against Communist China for interfering in United States political campaigns.

Cuba –

We support continuing the Cuban embargo.

Taiwan –

We urge full recognition of Taiwan with a “One China, One Taiwan Policy.” Being a long-time ally of the United States as well as an independent and sovereign nation, we call upon the President and the U.S. State Department to strongly support the people of Taiwan.

War on Terror –

There is no substitute for Victory! We commend and support the Bush Administration’s current policy regarding our military operations fighting the War on Terror and confronting radical Islamist terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries around the world. We believe our military forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, in particular, should not be prematurely withdrawn from the conflicts until victory has been secured and both countries are able to sustain peace with limited assistance from the United States. There should be no “time-table” applied to the withdrawal of our forces. We also support keeping Guantanamo Detention Center for terrorist detainees. We oppose any plan to close Guantanamo and to bring detainees into the U.S. for Court trials.

Israel –

We believe that the United States and Israel share a special long-standing relationship based on shared values, a mutual commitment to a republican form of government, and a strategic alliance that benefits both nations. Our foreign policy with Israel should reflect the special nature of this relationship through continued military and economic assistance and recognition that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths. We believe that the US Embassy should be located in Jerusalem. In our diplomatic dealings with Israel, we encourage the continuation of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, but oppose pressuring Israel to make concessions it believes would jeopardize its security, including the trading of land for the recognition of its right to exist. We call on the U.S. to cease strong arming Israel through prior agreements with the understanding of delivering equipment to them to defend themselves in exchange for future diplomatic concessions, such as giving up land to the Palestinians on the West Bank. We support the continuation of non-recognition of terrorist nations and organizations. Our policy is based on God’s biblical promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel and we further invite other nations and organizations to enjoy the benefits of that promise.

Hamas –

Palestinians shall not receive American aid as long as Hamas is their elected government. We should withdraw all financial support to Hamas and other elected terrorists. We should not reward terrorism by allowing a Palestinian state carved out of historical Israel.

Iraq –

We support our military strategy and the democratically elected government in Iraq in order to avoid tyranny and provide stabilization of the Middle East. We support continued economic and security assistance to Iraq. There should be no timetable for pulling out of Iraq or Afghanistan.

Iran –

We encourage the President to do whatever is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring and/or developing nuclear weapons.

Afghanistan –

The conflict in Afghanistan is not over. We support our continued military operations to prevent the resurgence of Taliban forces. We admonish Afghanistan to uphold fundamental human rights of its own people, including freedom of religion.

Pakistan –

We support the stabilization of the Pakistani government as a strategically in the war on terror.

Kashmir –

We acknowledge that India and Pakistan seek a strong friendship with the United States and encourage both nations to resolve the Kashmir dispute for the Kashmiri people.

One World Government Organizations –

We oppose a one-world government in direct opposition to our basic principles and eroding our sovereignty.

International Monetary Fund –

We demand Congress stop funding the IMF and any other international financing agencies.

International Trade –

We favor fair international trade. We oppose taxation and regulation of American industry that makes American products uncompetitive. We oppose free trade expansion at the expense of national security and sovereignty. We call for withdrawal from agreements that compromise our sovereignty and security. We urge sanctions against nations that disrupt free trade, bar or excessively tax American products, violate human rights, or engage in technological espionage. We urge repeal of international trade agreements that do not promote free trade, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and cessation of negotiations of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. All foreign trucks and drivers operating on American roads must meet American safety standards.

Import Restrictions –

We urge Congress to require all imported products and by-products to conform to all U.S. standards.

American Patent Rights –

We support protecting our inventors, enforcing our patent laws, and strengthening penalties for patent law violations by foreign entities.

Sudan –

We urge censure of the Sudanese government for supporting atrocities against ethnic minorities in Darfur.

United Nations –

We believe it is in the best interest of the citizens of the United States that we immediately rescind our membership in, as well as all financial and military contributions to, the United Nations.

We will:

1. support legislation similar to “The American Sovereignty Preservation Act”, which would remove the United States entirely from the control
of the UN;

2. demand that Congress ratify no more, and rescind any existing treaties that compromise the United States Constitution;

3. support immediate recall of our military forces from UN initiated engagements, and restore them to their traditional mission of defending the liberty and freedom of the people of the United States of America;

4. support an amendment to the United States Constitution stating, “a treaty that conflicts with any provisions of the Constitution shall not be of any force or effect”;

5. urge our Texas Senators to unalterably oppose any agreement or treaty that seeks to establish an International Criminal Court (ICC), make the United States a participatory party to such a court; recognize the jurisdiction of such a court within the United States or upon any native-born or naturalized citizen of the United States; and

We oppose:

1. UN control of any United States land or natural resources;

2. the use of Presidential Executive Orders to implement UN treaties, thereby circumventing our elected Congress;

3. any attempt by the federal government, or the UN, to directly or indirectly tax United States citizens for UN support;

4. a UN resolution that would force the United States to adopt gun control measures by treaty;

5. the placement of the UN flag and emblem on public property or in government facilities;

6. payment of any debt allegedly owed to the UN;

7. Any attempt to grant veto power over the sovereignty of the United States to set national defense priorities, wage effective war, and negotiate peace in terms favorable to our vital interests; and

8. Ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST).

We urge Congress to evict the United Nations from the United States and eliminate any further participation.

MINORITY REPORT CONCERNING SCHOOL CHOICE

We, the members of the platform committee which signed this document, respectfully ask to strike the current platform plank titled Parental School Choice:

SD 10 Kyleen Wright
SD 2 Pamela Derr
SD 4 Tony Sims
SD 30 Deon Starns
SD 17 Rick Miller
SD 18 Richard Whitmore
SD 12 Paul Stockard

Platform for State of Iowa 2008 With trust in God, and in fidelity to generations past and generations to come, we respectfully submit this platform to the State Convention. Preamble As Republicans we continue to uphold the principles of individual responsibility and liberty, adherence to traditional moral standards, a strong national defense, a free enterprise system, and respect for the sanctity of human life. We believe in retaining the original intent of our Founding Fathers as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We believe high moral character is a necessity of public servants. The highest standard of character should be embodied in both private and public life. We encourage the proliferation of these principles and their passage to future generations. Planks 1. A Right to Life We believe life, from conception to natural death, is a sacred gift from the Creator and thus is an inalienable right as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Therefore: 1.1. We affirm that every innocent person, including the unborn child, has the God-given and Constitutional right to life beginning at conception and ending at natural death 1.2. We reaffirm our support for an amendment to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Iowa that protects innocent human life from conception to natural death. 1.3. We oppose using public revenues to fund abortions or organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, which advocate abortion. 1.4. We commend those who provide alternatives to abortion by meeting the needs of mothers and offering adoption services. We furthermore support their right to perform the services in a manner that does not violate their values. 1.5. We support a ‘Woman’s Right to Know Law’ whereby performers of abortions must provide complete factual information to the pregnant woman about the complications of abortion, the biological development of the unborn, fetal pain, and the availability of alternatives to abortion. 1.6. We support legislation requiring that upon completion of informed consent as outlined in “Woman’s Right to Know Law” there shall be a three (3) day waiting period before any abortion services can be provided. 1.7. We support legislation requiring consent by a parent and/or legal guardian before a minor child receives an abortion or any other reproductive services and products. Such law should require proof of identity of the parent in order to protect children from continued abuse by sexual predators who pretend to be the parent taking their child for an abortion. 1.8. We support the reversal of Roe vs. Wade. 1.9. We support the use of non-embryonic stem cells to advance modern medical research. We oppose somatic cell nuclear transfer (human cloning), embryonic stem cell research, human fetal-tissue research from induced abortions, and the commercial use or sale of fetal parts. 1.10. We strongly urge that the 2002 Human Cloning Ban, which was repealed in the 2007 Iowa Legislature, be reinstated. 1.11. We believe euthanasia, assisted suicide, and infanticide are murder. 1.12. We support the ban of partial birth abortion. 1.13. We oppose the removal, by order of a court or state agency, of fluids or nourishment from those who are either acutely or terminally ill. We believe the decision should be left to the family or conservator. 1.14. Whereas DNA evidence is allowed in our Judicial system as proof of identity, we believe that DNA proves that a fetus upon conception, has DNA separate, from his parents, identifying him as a separate individual, with all the rights endowed him by the Constitution of the United States, that among these are the right to life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 1.15. We believe in “conscience clause” legislation so that no physician, pharmacist or other health care provider can be penalized for refusing to prescribe, dispense or participate in the procurement of abortion or anything contrary to the conscience of the health care provider. 1.16. We support the confidential statistical reporting of abortion procedures to the State Health Department by all doctors and facilities performing abortions in Iowa. 2. Agriculture We believe that preservation of the family farm, primary producers of produce, crops and livestock, is vital to the economic condition of our communities, state and nation. Family farms should be allowed to operate as free, independent, responsible producers and not be encumbered by onerous regulations. Therefore: 2.1. We call for the abolition of the Federal Department of Agriculture, returning control back to the state and local governments. 2.2. We support limiting governmental regulations of agriculture that maintain quality products, value environmental safety, and allow for economic viability. 2.3. We believe Iowa’s agricultural industry is vitally important to America’s food supply, renewable fuels industry and the ability of our next generation to choose farming as a career. 2.4. We support voluntary programs at the state level that provide tax credits to install targeted conservation programs in order to achieve improved water quality in impaired watersheds. 2.5. We oppose a moratorium on new livestock farms. 2.6. We believe in state initiatives that will sustain the family farm. 2.7. We encourage the use of cost effective bio-fuels. 2.8. We oppose any and all federal agricultural subsidies. We support tax breaks and tax credits for bio-fuel technology and production. 2.9. We support local control of agricultural zoning practices. 2.10. We believe animal husbandry decisions and production practices should be decided by individual farmers, not the state or federal government. 2.11. We believe that all defendant parties (including but not limited to county governments and DNR) should be compensated by the losing complainant for all costs incurred in contesting invalid complaints relating to farming and animal feeding operations. 2.12. We believe that strict criminal and civil penalties should be imposed upon individuals or organizations that, under the guise of protection of animals, willfully destroy, vandalize or terrorize legitimate businesses, people or personal property. 2.13. We support a national policy to protect agricultural producers from unfair international market practices and that recognizes a farmer’s right to form business relationships that can reduce financial risk and provide income opportunities for farm families. 2.14. We oppose the creation of a mandatory federal funding for National Premise I.D. registration and the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). 2.15. We support the "Country of Origin" labeling on food products. All foods imported by the United States must be held to the same standards of enforcement as those foods produced in the United States. 2.16. We oppose the filing of “nuisance” lawsuits by anyone who knowingly moved into areas zoned as agricultural. 2.17. We oppose efforts to control consumer food choices through selective taxation of any agricultural commodity, to include meat, dairy, or any other agricultural product. 2.18. We support bio-technical agriculture and any effort to open worldwide markets to bio-technical products. 2.19. We support increased efforts to convert and incorporate farm products into value-added products. 2.20. We support the promotion, public awareness, and tolerance for standard farming practices, increased preservation of farmland, and efforts to preserve Iowa’s agriculture industry. 2.21. We support maintaining the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture as an elected office and not as an appointed one. 2.22. We support environmental practices for the Missouri and Mississippi rivers that take into account the importance of their use in shipping raw materials and agricultural commodities. 2.23. We support an increase in the availability of agricultural land through a reinstatement of the Homestead Act. Lands made available through the reinstatement of the Homestead Act, shall only be made available to natural persons who are U.S. citizens. Homesteaders must themselves live on and work the land for a period of ten (10) years before securing title. 3. Business and Economic Development We believe that less government is better government. We support every reasonable effort on the part of all governments and taxpayers to limit taxing and spending. We believe that the purpose of taxation is to fund the constitutionally mandated functions of government, not to “redistribute the wealth," or to fund ever increasing social programs. We believe social problems are best handled by private groups or benevolent organizations, not by the government. We should strive to have fewer government restrictions, fewer government employees and lower taxes. Therefore: 3.1. We believe environmental problems can be solved more efficiently with innovation and technology than with more litigation and more government regulation. 3.2. We believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative are essential to economic opportunity, growth and prosperity. 3.3. We support Iowa’s Right to Work law. 3.4. We support a concerted effort that encourages the development of small businesses in Iowa. 3.5. We call for the reduction of the corporate tax rate to encourage business development and growth in Iowa. 3.6. We call for the repeal of all mandatory minimum wage laws. 3.7. We affirm the right of the employer to hire and fire as they see fit. 3.8. The United States must do more to strengthen and balance our international trade policies and ensure its presence and competitiveness in the world market. We support the continuation of free trade and insist on fair trade. 3.9. We support the 1988 Supreme Court Beck decision prohibiting workers from being required to pay any part of their union dues or agency fees for political purposes or non-bargaining activities. 3.10. We support specific, finite periods for all programs at every level of government and tying government funding to periodic program evaluation. 3.11. We support the repeal of the Davis-Bacon Act, which increases costs and reduces competition for federally financed construction. 3.12. We believe that the Federal Reserve System should be phased out and our currency then returned to the gold and/or silver standard. 3.13. We believe that landlords should have the same rights as other business owners. Non-payment of rents should be considered a “theft of service.” 3.14. We believe that all individuals and business owners have the freedom to choose the quality of air in their home and establishments. 3.15. We call for the reduction of the corporate tax rate and we call for the elimination of the capital gains tax. 4. Education We believe parents, not the government, are responsible for and should be fully in charge of the education of their children. We believe that in order for our educational system to be successful, it must be accountable to the parents of the community. Therefore, parents should be afforded as many options as possible including private, home or alternative based education. We do not believe that more money ensures better education. We believe reimbursement is due families who choose non-government education since they pay taxes as well as tuition. Therefore: 4.1. We advocate choice in education and we support the parental right to choose public, private, home or alternate education for their children without government interference. 4.2. We oppose all legislation from any level of government, including ratification of international treaties that would interfere with or restrict educational choice. 4.3. We support equitable tax relief for families whose children do not attend government schools. 4.4. We support parental rights legislation stating that parents have the right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. 4.5. We believe the biblical account of Creation and the supporting scientific arguments should be presented to all students as part of a well-rounded curriculum. 4.6. We recommend that educators stress abstinence outside of marriage as the surest way to prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and associated psychological problems. We oppose the distribution of condoms and other contraceptives in government schools. 4.7. We support voluntary prayer in government schools and the use of the Bible as a textbook. 4.8. We support displaying the Ten Commandments and the American flag and the Iowa flag along with the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in its entirety in government schools and classrooms. 4.9. We propose abolishing “No Child Left Behind” and returning control of education back to local communities. 4.10. We reject the mandate that there be a core curriculum enforced on all education systems. 4.11. We call for the abolition of the Federal Department of Education, and the removal of this position from the Cabinet. In addition, we support downsizing the Iowa Department of Education. We believe that control of education should be left to the parents, teachers and local school boards. 4.12. We believe that teachers’ salaries should be based on performance rather than solely on tenure. We support programs that reward superior teachers and outline procedures to remove ineffective educators. 4.13. We oppose compulsory preschool and any proposal to change the age at which children are required to attend school. 4.14. We recommend that local school boards require all high school students to take a course in personal finance with emphasis on personal debt, savings and investments. 4.15. We oppose the promotion of homosexual life styles in government schools. 4.16. We oppose the teaching of sex education in any form, at any grade level without written parental consent. 4.17. We believe the goal of education is the development of knowledgeable and responsible individuals; therefore, we are committed to excellence in undergraduate education, and call for a priority emphasis on systematic intensive phonics, reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, objective science, and the true history of the United States of America. 4.18. We support English as the official language in the government education system. 4.19. We recommend that tax-funded libraries include creation science and religious texts and materials. 4.20. We support criminal background checks and periodic drug testing for teachers, administrators, staff and volunteers in government schools 4.21. We believe in equal access to payroll deduction for other government school collective bargaining units, such as Professional Educators of Iowa. 4.22. We believe government school textbooks, curriculum and guest speaker agendas must be made available to anyone requesting this information. Parents should have the right to have their children “opt out” of any special event or non-core class without negative impact on their child’s class or academic standing. 4.23. We believe government schools and public libraries must control access to objectionable content (print, audio, or video) by minors in keeping with acceptable community standards. 4.24. We support fast-track teacher certification to allow competent professionals to teach in our schools. 4.25. We believe educators at all levels should be required to have comprehensive communication skills in English. 4.26. We support adding knowledge of illegal immigration status to the mandatory reporting requirements for educators at all levels. 5. Energy and Transportation We believe a dependable, accessible and affordable supply of energy is essential to the economic strength and security of the United States. We believe access to an adequate transportation infrastructure is necessary for a free market economy to succeed. Therefore: 5.1. We support the goal of energy independence within the United States. 5.2. We support the development and production of domestic renewable fuels. 5.3. We support tax incentives to stimulate private research for alternative fuels. 5.4. We support exploration and drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the outer continental shelf. 5.5. We believe that, with appropriate safeguards to protect the environment, exploration for and utilization of oil in Alaska, the balance of the United States and offshore should be supported and encouraged rather than impeded or prevented in order to reduce our dependence on foreign source oil. 5.6. We support the deregulation of the building and operation of oil refineries to encourage expansion to meet our needs. 5.7. We support giving tax credits to homeowners and builders who incorporate alternative energy sources in their homes. 5.8. We support improving the rail system to meet the increasing need to move products, materials and passengers at a more efficient cost. 5.9. We support reasonable deregulation and expansion of nuclear energy. 5.10. We support the continued use and expansion of coal as a source of energy. 5.11. We call for the abolition of the Federal Department of Energy, returning the control to the state and local governments as it was prior to the Carter administration. 5.12. We oppose foreign ownership or control of toll roads, highways, public access roads or harbors. 5.13. We oppose the conversion of any existing Iowa interstates, highways and thoroughfares into toll roads. 6. Family Values In keeping with the reality that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, and that our nation’s foundation and subsequent blessings flow from adherence to and respect for the Judeo-Christian ethic, we affirm the following: 6.1. Traditional, marriage-based (one male and one female) families are intrinsically procreative and thereby essential to a stable, thriving, and lasting civilization. Therefore, public policy must always be pro-family, encouraging marital and family commitment, while also supporting parental rights and responsibilities. 6.2. We support an amendment to the Iowa Constitution stating that “To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” 6.3. We support an amendment to the United States Constitution stating that “Only marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized in the United States, and that neither the Federal government, any state government, or the political subdivisions thereof may create or recognize a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals.” 6.4. We encourage adoption of children by heterosexual married couples consisting of one man and one woman. 6.5. We oppose adoption by same-sex couples. 6.6. We believe access to sexually explicit material, especially on the Internet, poses a serious threat to our families and children. Therefore we must strengthen and enforce our laws to protect our families and children. 6.7. We believe in the sanctity of marriage and call upon the Iowa Legislature to rescind “no-fault divorce” laws. 6.8. We believe that parents are responsible for their children and we support the rights of parents to discipline and protect their children. 6.9. We uphold the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance, with references to the Creator as presently written, and believe that it is constitutional and does not violate separation of Church and State, but ensures freedom of religion and not from religion. 6.10. We oppose any law, ordinance or policy that would approve the practice of homosexuality. 6.11. We strongly oppose the UN "Convention on the Rights of the Child." 6.12. We call for the repeal of sexual orientation in the Iowa Civil Rights Code and we oppose any other legislation or executive order granting rights, privileges, or status for persons based on sexual orientation. 6.13. We believe the father of a child, born or unborn, has the same rights and responsibilities as the mother in all matters regarding the child. 7. Government We believe the primary purpose of government is to protect the inalienable rights of life and liberty and, beyond its constitutional functions, there is nothing that can be done by government as efficiently as it is done by the people of this great Republic. We believe the people have the ability, the dignity and the right to make their own decisions and to determine their own destiny without encumbrance or interference from government. We call for a return to limited government at federal, state and local levels, allowing for maximum personal and economic freedom. Therefore: 7.1. We call for a dramatic reduction to the size and scope of government at all levels. We believe the federal government should be strictly limited to the eighteen enumerated powers in the United States Constitution and that all others should be left to the States and to the people in accordance with the Tenth Amendment. 7.2. We strongly oppose judicial legislation and call upon judges at all levels to adhere, strictly, to the original intent of the United States Constitution and their respective state constitutions. We further support the use of constitutional impeachment processes to remove those judges who do not uphold the United States Constitution or their respective state constitutions. 7.3. We call for the appointment of strict constructionist judges to the Supreme Court. 7.4. We call for the replacement of the current Social Security System with a new private and voluntary retirement investment program. 7.5. We support line item veto authority for the President of the United States. 7.6. We oppose government ownership of any gambling facility or activity including lotteries. 7.7. We believe “In God We Trust” should be on the face of all United States currency and coin. 7.8. We believe before voting on a bill, congressman and senators must first have a working knowledge of the full bill. 7.9. We believe candidates running as Republicans for any local or state office should be required to complete and return to the Republican Party of Iowa a signed questionnaire indicating whether the candidate agrees, disagrees or is undecided about each plank of the current party platform. 7.10. We call for the repeal of the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Act. 7.11. We support the First Amendment rights of ministers and clergy. We oppose the civil and criminal prosecution of ministers exercising their First Amendment rights. 7.12. We support the repeal of the same day voter registration for all local, state, and federal elections. 7.13. We support proof of citizenship and residency as requirements for voter registration. We believe voters should be required to present a valid, State of Iowa approved picture I.D. before voting. 7.14. We oppose one world government and all world government imposed bodies. 7.15. We oppose foreign interests employing lobbyists to solicit the Congress or the President of the United States. 7.16. We call on our courts to interpret and apply the First Amendment as the framers intended. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a state religion and permits the exercise of religious freedom. Neither the courts nor government agencies should misuse or misunderstand the First Amendment so as to create a barrier to the free voluntary expression of religious belief. 7.17. We oppose statehood for the District of Columbia. 7.18. We believe prayer in public institutions should not be prohibited. 7.19. We believe that voluntary prayer shall be allowed on all public property. 7.20. We believe the Supreme Court should reject all foreign amicus briefs seeking to influence American law; should ignore foreign constitutions and laws in interpreting American law and the United States Constitution; should cease citing foreign court rulings for precedence when interpreting American law; and should protect our sovereignty. 7.21. We call for an end to all forms of affirmative action. 7.22. We believe the State of Iowa should immediately discontinue funding "Vision Iowa" projects. 7.23. We believe that all elected officials must be bound by and subject to the same laws, rules and regulations as the general public. 7.24. We believe that all entities spending public monies must be required to follow generally accepted accounting principles. 7.25. We believe that all mandated programs must be fully funded by the mandating government body. 7.26. We support sunset laws requiring all federal and Iowa agencies to expire automatically after a stated number of years unless renewed by law. 7.27. We demand that all Republican national organizations stay out of primary elections in all states. Contributions to the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee should not be spent for the purpose of defeating Republicans in primary elections. 7.28. We oppose the use of Presidential singing statements to modify the interpretation, execution, or otherwise alter the intent of congressionally passed legislation and call on Congress to sanction any President engaging in this unconstitutional expansion of executive power. 8. Health and Human Services We believe that healthcare is best provided by the private sector, and that universal or government healthcare will reduce the quality and availability of care. Hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers should be accountable to patients– not to politicians, insurance bureaucrats or HMO Administrators. Further, we believe people are healthier, happier and more productive when they have the freedom and responsibility to provide for themselves and their families without government interference. Therefore: 8.1. We support consumer based / non-government solutions to our healthcare needs. 8.2. We support the privatization of Medicare and its prescription benefits. 8.3. We believe HIV/AIDS should be classified as a communicable disease, not a disability, and treated as such under current law. 8.4. We support felony prosecution of any HIV/AIDS carrier who willfully exposes another person. 8.5. We support mandatory reporting of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases by all infected healthcare professionals and support patient access to the results of those tests. 8.6. We support the right of all health care and mortician professionals to have knowledge of the AIDS/HIV status of patients prior to providing services. 8.7. We support the realignment of the allocation and reimbursement of Medicare. Reimbursements to Iowa should be fair. 8.8. We believe that to be eligible for social security retirement benefits one must have paid in, or be the spouse of one who has paid in, for a minimum of 40 quarters, and must be a legal citizen of the United States. 8.9. We encourage innovation in the treatment of diseases at the research and bedside levels, as well as encourage continued American investment in pioneering science that will result in better treatments to prevent and lessen the toll of chronic disease. 8.10. We believe our health care system should refocus on keeping people healthier through disease prevention and care management, and encourage self-management and prevention. 8.11. We believe health care providers should be able to offer reduced billing rates to the poor, uninsured or under-insured without facing sanctions for “billing fraud” from insurance companies or the government. Health insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid should not receive discounts that the uninsured private citizens are unable to access. 8.12. We support making tax breaks currently provided to businesses for health insurance be made available to all citizens. We also support allowing the current Health Savings Accounts signed into law by President Bush to be funded by all individuals no matter what type of insurance or lack of insurance that they may carry. 9. Immigration and Homeland Security We believe that Congress should establish an immigration policy that furthers the cultural, social, and economic interests of the United States, and that a sound immigration policy coupled with vigorous enforcement of immigration laws is essential to securing our homeland. 9.1. We believe only United States citizens or legal immigrants are entitled to constitutional protections or government services. 9.2. We support empowering local and state governments in cooperation with federal agencies in identifying and processing illegal immigrants. 9.3. We call for English to be designated as the official language of the United States. 9.4. We believe English should be the official language of both the State of Iowa and the federal governments. 9.5. We propose heavy monetary fines against employers and businesses that willfully hire illegal immigrants. We propose criminal penalties for repeat offenders and willful non-compliance. 9.6. We support an increase in the number of visas for highly educated immigrants or those with special skills. 9.7. Illegal immigrants who commit felonies should be deported. 9.8. There should be a transient worker visa program making it easier for law enforcement to identify legal workers in the United States. 9.9. We insist that the Iowa Legislature follow the lead of the state of Oklahoma which adopted Oklahoma House Bill 1804 which addresses the illegal alien problems dealing with identity theft, terminates public assistance benefits to illegal aliens, empowers state and local police to enforce federal immigration laws, and punishes employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. 9.10. We call on the Iowa Legislature to enact legislation similar to that of the Legal Arizona Workers’ Act. 9.11. We support the use of the E-Verify verification system to confirm immigration status. 9.12. We support building a fence to protect the United States’ borders from illegal immigrants. 9.13. We call for the immediate pardon of border agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean and any other border agents wrongly imprisoned while protecting our United States borders. 9.14. We assert that the Constitution of the United States grants “birthright Citizenship” only to those children born to a parent or parents who are citizens of the United States and not to those children of visiting foreigners, those here on work visas, or illegal aliens. 9.15. We are opposed to sanctuary cities and/or states, and they should not receive federal funding. 9.16. We believe the census at the end of each decade, which is used to determine representation according to population, should be used only for the reapportionment of current citizens and legal immigrants. 9.17. We believe there should be a death penalty for someone caught and convicted of carrying out a terrorist attack on U.S. soil where there was a death or the intent to cause death. 9.18. We support Section 287(g), “Delegation of Immigration Authority” under the “Immigration and Nationality Act,” a joint effort between local, state, and federal agencies to enforce existing laws. 9.19. We oppose driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. 9.20. We oppose any and all nationally based I.D. systems and call for an immediate repeal of the “Real I.D. Act”. 9.21. We support a legal test case asserting an interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution that children born to illegal immigrants do not automatically become United States Citizens. 9.22. We support the continued use of Guantanamo Prison as long as needed. 10. Law and Justice We believe justice is grounded in personal rights in balance with public safety. We believe the role of government is to uphold the law and maintain order, to protect the innocent, resolve disputes and punish crime. We support fundamental tort reform to reduce lawsuit abuse. 10.1. We assert that the Constitution of the United States of America is the highest law of the land and cannot be superceded by any international law, treaty or agreement. 10.2. We believe the language in the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence is as relevant today as when it was penned. Any attempts to revise or deviate from the original intent of said documents must be vigorously opposed. 10.3. We support a parental rights amendment to the United States Constitution stating that parents have the right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. 10.4. We support the current wording of the Pledge of Allegiance. 10.5. Eminent domain should be used solely for public use with the burden of proof upon those attempting to take property; therefore we support legislation preventing the seizure of private property for economic development purposes. 10.6. We reject the efforts of the Iowa District Courts to redefine “marriage” in the state of Iowa by granting a “divorce” to two females who were granted a “civil union” in the state of Vermont. The court lacked authority to recognize such a relationship because Iowa Code Section 595.2(1) defines that “only marriage between a male and a female is valid.” We censure Judge Jeffrey Neary of the Woodbury County District Court for his attempt to legislate by judicial fiat. 10.7. We strongly believe in the Second Amendment, which guarantees individuals the right to keep and bear arms without government intervention, and support the repeal of current laws that infringe upon our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. 10.8. We support “right to carry” laws and a “shall issue” permit system with national reciprocity among states to all legally qualified applicants. 10.9. We support the repeal of state and federal “hate crimes” legislation, since it is an attempt to criminalize the perceived thoughts and/or beliefs of persons rather than obtain justice based on action(s) alone. 10.10. We support reinstating the death penalty in Iowa. 10.11. We support federal legislation to make cyber terrorism a federal felony. 10.12. We support enforcement of existing federal, state and local obscenity and pornography laws. 10.13. We support more stringent sex offender laws. 10.14. Non-profit religious organizations should not be subject to the anti-bullying bill. 10.15. We strongly oppose Governor Culver’s “Bully Bill” and will endeavor to reverse and eliminate this piece of legislation. 10.16. We support repealing Governor Vilsack’s executive order allowing restoration of felons’ right to vote without due process. 10.17. We support requiring individuals, including juveniles, to make restitution for their crimes. 10.18. We support tort reform and a cap on punitive damages. 10.19. We believe public school buildings should not restrict possession of firearms for those legally possessing a concealed carry permit. 11. National Defense/Foreign Policy We believe in our Party’s long standing commitment to a strong national defense and support the President’s use of military force to protect and defend the United States and our allies against any enemy. We believe our foreign and domestic policies must be based upon our strategic national interests and must always jealously guard our nation’s sovereignty. 11.1. We believe the best way to support our military men and women is to support the mission of the troops in the war on terror and the full prosecution of the war until our goals are achieved. We support achieving success in the war against terrorism and radical Islamic fascism. 11.2. We believe the United States should not and cannot negotiate with terrorist organizations. 11.3. We believe terrorism is a national security issue and not a law enforcement problem. 11.4. We urge continued economic and military support for our ally, Israel. 11.5. We believe the United States should never sacrifice its sovereignty or relinquish control of its soil to the United Nations or any other international body. 11.6. We call for the United States’ immediate withdrawal from the United Nations and the removal of the United Nations from the United States. 11.7. We believe the United States must not participate in the formation of a North American Union. 11.8. We support international efforts to end genocide throughout the world. 11.9. We support the abolition of the Department of Homeland Security. We support the restructuring of federal agencies to ensure coordination on matters of international and domestic terrorism. 11.10. Congress shall pass no law or enter into any treaty that would infringe on the sovereignty of the United States. We are opposed to the NAFTA Super-Highway and the Law of the Sea Treaty. 11.11. We proudly commend our Veterans for their vital service to our nation. We further assert that their great sacrifices must never be forgotten. 11.12. We support better pay and benefits for our military, veterans, and their families. 11.13. Republicans honor the service and sacrifice of our current and past veterans. We also express support for our country’s veterans and veteran’s issues, including housing, access to health care services including mental health care, employment, emergency financial assistance and honoring the fallen. Further, we urge our city, county, state and federal governments, and veteran’s service organizations to provide all possible assistance to our veterans. Specifically, there must be adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and other veterans initiatives. 11.14. We support the Terrorist Surveillance Program to intercept communications between terrorists in other countries and individuals in the United States. 11.15. We support the right of military recruiters to be free from harassment and harm. We support military recruiters having access to government schools and institutions. 11.16. We believe that securing our ports, transportation network, and infrastructure from terrorism must be a national security priority. 11.17. We believe the Medal of Honor recipients should be exempt from state and federal income taxes. They have paid their “dues”. 11.18. We support the State of Iowa in enforcing federal laws protecting former jobs for returning National Guard and reservists. The jobs would be at previous pay and seniority. 12. Natural Resources/Environment We believe we must be responsible stewards of our national resources and environment. Our policies should reflect that stewardship and protect our national sovereignty and private property rights. We must adopt a common sense approach that takes into consideration the environmental and economic impact. We must continue to encourage waste reduction and recycling and encourage soil, water and wildlife conservation practices. Therefore: 12.1. We should maintain an environmental policy that protects the right of humans before all other species. 12.2. We support long term goals geared toward increasing the pheasant population and continued support for current fish and wildlife re-stocking programs. 12.3. We oppose attempts to eliminate hunting and trapping of wild game. 12.4. We encourage various methods of reducing the overpopulation of deer and turkey including longer seasons. 12.5. We believe the United States must make necessary changes to current existing laws, code, or regulations in order to allow responsible exploration, mining and production of domestic oil and coal resources. 12.6. We believe the United States should encourage development of alternative energy resources with the ultimate goal of becoming self-sufficient. 12.7. We oppose entering into any international environmental treaties. 12.8. Firearms training completed by any member of the United States Military shall be a suitable substitute for a hunter safety class and shall qualify any citizen for a hunter license. 12.9. We are highly skeptical of the scientific claims regarding “Global Warming” and demand that any government actions taken in regards to them must be based upon sound scientific evidence. 12.10. We support the preeminence of personal property, economic prosperity and freedom of property owners to manage their property above the protection of wildlife that is not endangered. 12.11. We demand the restoration of the right to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms in national parks and wildlife areas to defend against dangerous animals and criminals. We believe that administrative procedures used by the National Park Service and executive powers exercised by past Presidents to infringe the right to keep and bear arms are unconstitutional. 13. Taxes and Spending We believe the purpose of taxation is to fund only the constitutionally authorized functions of government. We call for an end to all unconstitutional expenditures of public monies and for dramatic tax cuts at federal and state levels. Therefore: 13.1. We support a balanced budget at state and federal levels through significant cuts in spending and taxes. 13.2. We assert that significant spending and tax cuts will produce substantial economic growth and increased government revenue. 13.3. We call for the United States Congress to make permanent the Bush tax cuts and repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. 13.4. We support the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the elimination of the IRS, and replacing all federal income taxes with a fairer tax system. 13.5. We call for the responsible phasing-out over a four-year period of all federal non-enumerated departments, programs, regulations, and expenditures that are not expressly authorized by the United States Constitution. 13.6. We support the ability of Iowans to fully deduct the amount they pay in federal income taxes on their Iowa Income Tax Return. 13.7. We support the passage of the Peoples’ Right to Vote Amendment to the Iowa Constitution, which would require a vote of the people to ratify tax increases. 13.8. Tax and fee revenues collected for specific purpose must be used for the purposes for which collected. 13.9. We support zero base budgeting. 13.10. We support the elimination of taxation of social security and pension benefits. 13.11. We support the permanent elimination of the estate, gift, and inheritance taxes, while retaining the step-up in basis to fair market value on the assets in a descendant’s estate. 13.12. We oppose governmental funding of advocacy groups such as Planned Parenthood, AARP, ACLU and other citizen groups. 13.13. We oppose government taxation of Internet commerce. 13.14. We believe that earmarks must be eliminated and a transparent system created for Federal spending in Congressional districts requiring a vote by the full Congress. 13.15. We support balancing the federal budget and paying down the national debt. 13.16. We oppose any tax increase on alcohol and cigarettes. 13.17. We believe commercial sports, entertainment, and the arts should be funded by users and voluntary donors, not by tax dollars. 13.18. We support the repeal of efforts to take away Iowans’ right to vote on our local option sales tax (SILO) and replace it with a permanent statewide sales tax increase which puts school infrastructure funds at great risk of being raided by state government and expands taxation of Iowa small businesses. 13.19. We support amending the Iowa Constitution to require 2/3 vote of both houses of the Iowa General Assembly to pass any bill that has the effect of raising state individual or corporate income taxes, state sales and use taxes and fees. We further support amending the Iowa Constitution to limit state general fund spending to no more than 90% of estimated revenue and to require 2/3 vote of both houses to spend any of the state’s 10% reserve fund. 13.20. We oppose government interference with legal content on the internet and we oppose a sales tax on items bought and sold on the internet. 14. Commendations We, the Republican Party of Iowa, hereby commend the dedication and hard work of each of our Republican elected leaders: 14.1. President George W. Bush 14.2. Presidential Candidate, Senator John McCain 14.3. U. S. Senator Charles Grassley 14.4. U.S. Representative Steve King, Fifth Congressional District 14.5. U.S. Representative Tom Latham, Fourth Congressional District 14.6. Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture 14.7. David Vaudt, Iowa State Auditor