Vern McKinley, who is running for the Republican nomination for Congressman against incumbent Frank Wolf in Virginia's 10th district, answered these questions for Miller Politics:
MP: "Why did you decide to challenge incumbent Frank Wolf for the Republican nomination?"
McKinley: "I observed the 2006 election and saw a 'Big Government Republican' and a 'Big Government Democrat' offered by the two major parties. There was an 'urban legend' in the District that Congressman Wolf was a good limited government, fiscal conservative and he perpetuated this myth. I took a Vote-Smart survey that showed I agreed with him only about 25 to 30% of the time. This led me to research his record further and everything I found out about him as well as his votes subsequent to my initial research has shown that my decision to challenge him was a good one."
MP: "You recently attended a forum hosted by the libertarian magazine Reason focused on the future of libertarian politics. Are you a libertarian or a conservative?"
McKinley: "I consider myself a limited government Republican following the principles of Ronald Reagan. I say principles of...because I do not think Reagan always followed through on the principles that he set forth."
MP: You describe yourself as a 'Ron Paul Republican.' If that is the case, aren't you at odds with most Republicans and why do you stay with the GOP?
McKinley: "I do not describe myself as a 'Ron Paul Republican' and if you can find such a description by me please forward it. Only others do that. I made the decision to run against Frank Wolf in December 2006 before Dr. Paul even announced (which I believe was in January 2007). I have also not been endorsed by Dr. Paul. I matured during the Reagan years and consider myself a "Reagan Republican." I have however followed Dr. Paul's career since the early 1980s and the Gold Commission, I first saw him speak in 1984, have a great deal of respect for the fact that he has not drifted since starting in politics (ironically he and Congressman Wolf started their political careers in 1976 and as I have detailed Wolf has drifted) and agree with Dr. Paul on most issues. I also respect people in the House like Republican Members Flake and Shadegg, as well. I agree with Dr. Paul that his political philosophy of limited government, liberty and a judicious foreign policy are truly 'Republican values.' There is a history of this throughout the years tracing back to Senator Taft and Presidents Reagan and Coolidge. I think my friend Amit Singh who is running in the neighboring 8th District is more what you would call a 'Ron Paul Republican' as he was inspired to run by Dr. Paul and has been endorsed by Dr. Paul.
MP: "If you lose the Republican nomination for congress, will you continue on as a third party candidate?"
McKinley: "No, I am a Republican and have always taken a Republican ballot since I first voted on a federal ticket in 1982."
MP: "Now that Ron Paul has lost the Republican nomination and John McCain has won, who do you support for president in the general election?"
McKinley: "I am a member of the Loudoun County Republican Committee and as part of that membership I have taken a pledge to support the Republican Ticket in November and I intend to keep that pledge."
The Virginia Primary will be held on June 10. To find out more on the McKinley campaign visit www.mckinleyforcongress.com.
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