2012 Primary Debate Schedule

We believe in the power and opportunity of American’s free-market economy.

We believe in the importance of sensible business regulations that promote confidence in our economy among consumers, entrepreneurs and businesses alike. We oppose interventionist policies that put the government in control of industry and allow it to pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Republicans believe that the only limits to an individual’s opportunity to succeed are the limits of her or his own initiative and creativity, and that the free enterprise system is the most effective engine of economic progress. We know that we can grow the economy, create jobs, and help struggling families without further mortgaging our children’s future.

Republicans constantly strive to cut state and federal spending and to eliminate costly, overlapping and unnecessary governmental programs. Allowing people and small businesses to grow without the constraints of excessive taxation is a requirement for our state to prosper. Republicans realize that you know how to spend your money better than the government knows how to spend your money. Republicans believe that power and resources are best controlled by the people and not by politicians. We believe you should have the right to determine your individual destiny. Government is most effective when it does not interfere with its people’s right to prosper.

Listen to any Republican and you’ll hear that education reform ranks amongst their highest priorities. Republicans believe in putting money directly into the classrooms and eliminating administrative redundancy. Reducing class sizes, encouraging competition to improve public education and creating a system to reward high-performing teachers is our key to progress. Republicans know that education is one of Ohio’s greatest resources and is at the root of Ohio’s future economic success. Mostly, we believe parents, not the government, are responsible for 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.

The cornerstone of Republican philosophy is the belief that each person has the ability to be anything they want to be and is responsible for their own place in society. We understand the total and complete satisfaction that is earned by self-reliance and personal success. And while everyone needs a helping hand in hard times, the Republican Party encourages individuals to work to secure jobs and benefits for themselves, so that our society can provide for the truly needy.

To echo the words of former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, we believe that America is still the "shining city on a hill", and represents the dreams and aspirations of current and future generations of American citizens.