The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for U.S. House running in the special primary election to answer a series of questions. Read all of their responses here.
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J.R. MYERS, Libertarian from Cut Bank, Montana
What in your background qualifies you to represent Alaskans in Congress?
I am an Alaskan. I have been in service to Alaska for many years. I meet the Constitutional requirements. I strongly believe in our Republican form of government. I am a student of history. I understand how the system was designed to work. I know it isn’t working well now. I understand that Congress must exercise its rightful authority as the house of the people. I’ve been to the Washington, D.C. swamp, and I know what to expect. I know you need to put on good boots in snake country, and get ready to stomp!
Why are you running for U.S. Congress in Alaska?
I seek to represent all Alaskans, not just special interests. I’ve had a lifetime love affair with Alaska since 1964, when I lived in Anchorage as a toddler and learned how to walk and talk there. Now, I would like to focus on leaving something better for the next generations. We have witnessed the erosion of our liberties and quality of lives under the oppressive regimes of the old guard. We can do better. I will be the bold voice Alaskans want, need and deserve to speak truth to distant power!
What would be your top priority if elected to Congress?
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all through constitutional governance, due process and the rule of law. To promote term limits and election integrity. To defend the entire Constitution. To end the war on drugs, and all other illegal and undeclared wars. To resist an imperial presidency and unlawful executive orders. To decentralize power and to encourage more accountable servant leadership in government, and to promote prosperity by more responsible stewardship of our resources.
What is your position on abortion?
I oppose abortion altogether, except to save the life of the mother. I believe in the right to life for all innocents, from conception to natural death. I oppose abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, capital punishment (in the absence of justice), police killings and war. It is imperative that we vigorously defend a culture of life, or we will fall to the culture of death.
If legislation came before the U.S. House that would guarantee the same abortion rights nationwide as the Roe v. Wade decision, how would you vote?
No.
If you oppose abortion rights, how should the federal government support a person who is forced to carry their baby to term against their wishes?
We must proactively foster a life-affirming culture. The federal government can assist the states in assuming those supports, promoting decentralization of power, as it withdraws from those arenas. Those supports include social, financial, medical and educational. Not all of these must be provided directly by government, but many will be. It is up to those who want nongovernmental solutions to develop viable alternative structures through organizations such as foundations, co-ops and non-governmental organizations. Ultimately, it will be the states, local communities and families that prioritize life.
Would you support a bill, if it came before the House, to expand the size of the U.S. Supreme Court? Why or why not?
No, nine justices is a good number for balance. Any larger court would be unwieldy. Now, more than ever, we need to stabilize the Supreme Court and its public credibility.
What do you think should be done by the federal government to address mass shootings?
Reasonable security at federal facilities. Otherwise, it isn’t a federal issue.
Do you support gun control legislation? If so, what kind of measures would you support? If not, why not?
No, I don’t support gun control legislation. Our Constitution forbids the federal government from doing this, and I oppose it at the state level. A well-armed citizenry is necessary for a vigorous national defense.